Cutler Blog
16
The Nutcracker: 8 Places to See It Around Ohio
People around the world love going out to see a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime. Whether it's a yearly tradition for your family or something you've always wanted to experience, you don't have to go far from home to see a performance of this classic ballet.
From high-production traditional versions to newer interpretations, there are so many places around Ohio where you can see a live performance of The Nutcracker this Christmas. Let's look at a few of the most popular in greater detail below.
The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater
39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Every year around Christmas, the Ohio Theater hosts the talented artists of Ohio's BalletMet for a series of performances of The Nutcracker. This year, shows will run from December 8 all the way up to Christmas Eve. This production is extremely well-crafted, boasting gorgeous sets and visual effects as well as world-class dancing from the BalletMet's company dancers and students. With more than two weeks' worth of performances in Columbus' premier theater, you're sure to be able to fit one into your busy holiday schedule.
My First Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater
39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215
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Yes, you read that right: The Ohio Theater offers an additional performance of The Nutcracker. This time, it's a special performance called My First Nutcracker, taking place on December 22 at 11 a.m. This show is a slightly abridged version of the full BalletMet version designed to make the experience better for families with young children and people with disabilities like autism. The shorter 1-hour performance time, smaller crowds, dimmed house lights, and quieter music all help make this version much easier for kids to sit through. If your kids do get antsy, audience members are invited to get up and move around during the performance or even leave the theatre if they need to.
The Nutty Nutcracker
182 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308
Looking for a laugh or two this Christmas? On December 2 at 7 p.m., the Akron Civic Theatre will be hosting a performance of The Nutty Nutcracker, a parody version of the classic show. This production is an adults-only campy comedy that still showcases plenty of excellent ballet dancing. It turns the elegant timelessness of the original on its head in a way that veteran Nutcracker fans are sure to appreciate, and if nothing else, it's great for a fun, lighthearted night out during a hectic holiday season.
The Akron Nutcracker
198 Hill Street, Akron, OH 44325
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The University of Akron's Dance Institute is partnering with the Verb Ballet's company dancers for a repeat performance of last year's hit new show, The Akron Nutcracker. This adapted version of the original aims to tell the classic story within a recreation of the Akron of the 1930s, complete with iconic local landmarks like Polsky's Department Store and the Stan Hywet estate. This limited-run Northeast Ohio show is being performed Dec. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, so it's a great family activity to help you build up to the big day.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
500 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114
If you want to see a world-class production of The Nutcracker right here in Ohio, check out this year's performance of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet on Saturday, December 10 at the Cleveland Public Auditorium Music Hall. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this adaptation of the classic ballet, and its goals of spreading world peace and harmony are more important now than ever. Come see the artistry of some of Ukraine's top ballet dancers as they bring this dazzling show to life – it's an experience you'll never forget.
The Nutcracker at Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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A yearly staple at the Cincinnati Music Hall, The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular show performed by the Cincinnati Ballet. It's a great excuse to watch some of Ohio's most talented dancers practice their craft. And because it's so popular, you can expect high production values that will make the experience even more worthwhile. This year's performances run from December 15 all the way up to Christmas Eve, so find a free day on your calendar and book your tickets!
Nutcracker Hot Chocolate
650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telling a familiar story from a new perspective is a great way to make it feel fresh and current again. On December 9 and 10, the Aronoff Center for the Arts will be hosting Nutcracker Hot Chocolate, a modernized version of The Nutcracker that has been adapted to showcase African American performers and culture. Acclaimed dance icon Debbie Allen created the show in 2008 to help inspire young dancers of color to keep pursuing their dreams. It's won a bevy of awards since then and continues to be a favorite of families everywhere.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
317 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The Nutcracker may be traditionally staged as a ballet, but who says it has to be? The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines this classic show as a thrilling hip-hop dance exhibition that is sure to make you think about Tchaikovsky's music in a whole new way. This touring performance will be stopping in Cincinnati for a show at the Taft Theatre on December 1 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The tour features rapper Kurtis Blow as the show's MC, as well as a full troupe of talented artists dancing on a set that recreates modern-day New York City with gorgeous graffiti lighting effects.
Dreaming of Christmas
Which of these exciting performances of The Nutcracker will you be seeing this holiday season?
11
Northeast Ohio: 9 Places for Thanksgiving Dinner To Go
The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing color, and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. For most people, a filling turkey dinner is central to a Thanksgiving celebration. If you have a small family or a busy schedule, you may not want to spend all morning in the kitchen. Luckily, several excellent Northeast Ohio restaurants will be offering takeout and to-go meals on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a few top choices.
Amish Door Restaurant
1210 Winesburg St. Wilmot, OH 44689
Amish Door Restaurant is another great place to purchase a homemade Thanksgiving dinner. They charge per person, so you can buy as many or as few meals as you like. Each dinner includes roasted turkey, ham, and all the classic sides. They can package it up family-style if you have a larger order.
Amish Door Restaurant is especially known for its desserts. The Pumpkin Roll is a great option for those who want an alternative to pie.
Hartville Kitchen
1015 Edison St., Hartville, OH 44632
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Hartville Kitchen is a welcoming, family-friendly restaurant and bakery that offers takeout Thanksgiving meals. They usually offer three dinner options for groups of 6, 12, or 24. You can choose between ham and turkey as your main entree. Each dinner also includes mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, gravy, cranberry salad, rolls, and green beans or corn.
Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without pie! Order from Hartville Kitchen, and you'll also get fresh-baked pies with your meal. Choose from pumpkin, apple, mixed berry, and pecan. Place your order online so your order is ready on Thanksgiving Day.
Cleveland Vegan
17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
If you eat vegan or plant-based, or if you're simply trying to reduce your meat consumption, Cleveland Vegan is a great place to pick up some Thanksgiving meals. They make everything from scratch, in-house. Choose between two different dish sizes, which feed 4-6 or 8-10. You can order each dish a la carte.
Top Thanksgiving dishes at Cleveland Vegan include walnut-stuffed mushrooms, gluten-free tater tot casserole, and cinnamon pecan cupcakes.
Buehler's Fresh Foods
7138 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
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Buehler's Fresh Foods is a local Ohio grocery store chain that sells fresh, locally grown foods in a relaxed setting. They sell prepared Thanksgiving dinners that you can purchase cold and heat up at home.
Buehler has a few different options. You can purchase their dinner for two and enjoy a small, intimate Thanksgiving celebration. Or, purchase larger portions of a la carte dishes to host a larger meal for family and friends. Don't forget to take home an apple or pecan pie, too. They're baked in-store, and the scent fills the market.
Mallorca
1390 W. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Mallorca is a unique Spanish restaurant in downtown Cleveland. They don't make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner but offer some unique twists on Thanksgiving favorites. Guests love their chorizo pinenut stuffing, for example. Their turkey dinner also includes delicious mashed sweet potatoes.
Mallorca will offer their Thanksgiving dinners for dine-in and takeout on the special day. You can also purchase desserts a la carte. The pumpkin cheesecake is divine!
Creekside Restaurant
8803 Brecksville Rd., Cleveland, OH 44141
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If you're looking for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for one, then Creekside Restaurant is the place to go. This local favorite serves incredible takeout meals with all the fixings. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and aim to make a modern twist on the classics.
The turkey at Creekside Restaurant is always tender and juicy. Guests also rave about their fluffy mashed potatoes and cornbread sausage stuffing. The meals are picked up cold, but detailed heating instructions are included.
Embassy Suites, Akron Canton Airport
7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Buying Thanksgiving dinner from an airport hotel may sound strange at first, but Embassy Suites has a fabulous restaurant. They prepare and sell Thanksgiving meals that you can pick up curbside. Pick yours up hot on Thanksgiving Day or cold the day before Thanksgiving.
Meals from Embassy Suites are designed to feed 6-8 people. Each kit includes a whole, roasted turkey, au jus, cranberry relish, buttermilk mashed potatoes, green beans, knotted rolls, and your choice of a pie. You can add prime rib to your order upon request; it comes with a delicious horseradish cream sauce.
The South Side
2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Maybe you've been to The South Side to watch the game and enjoy some bar food. Thanksgiving dinner is a bit of a departure from their normal fare, but they do a great job preparing and serving it. Each dinner comes with sliced turkey breast, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
The South Side packages all of their Thanksgiving dinners with clear reheating instructions. Buy one dinner for a quiet Thanksgiving or a whole stack of dinners for a relaxed, hassle-free family party.
Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE, Canton, OH 44721
Gervasi Vineyard is a great choice for those seeking a slightly modernized, creative twist on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Their dinners all include delicious turkey breast with white gravy. Their mashed potatoes are made with redskins and garlic, and they'll definitely have you reaching for seconds. Each meal also includes sage stuffing, plus green beans with almonds and cranberries.
Gervasi Vineyard sells family-style dinners, and each package serves 5-6 people. They're sold cold, and heating instructions are included. Order online; the website allows you to select a pickup time.
Give Thanks
What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
9
Gluten-Free? 8 Places for Lunch Around Northeast Ohio
Dining options are limited when you can't eat an ingredient that's present in virtually everything. Whether you're just mildly gluten-sensitive or have a more serious allergic reaction, navigating the dining establishments in your area can be tricky—especially when you've just moved to a new neighborhood. Don't worry, though. If you're looking for a good place to have lunch in Northeast Ohio with safe, gluten-free menu options, here are nine of our favorites.
Mia Bella Restaurant
12200 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
If you're craving Italian, Mia Bella is where you want to go. Not only is their food delicious, with a Mediterranean flair, but all of their pizza and pasta menu items have gluten-free options. Try the lobster ravioli with spinach, truffle oil, and tomato cream sauce. Or have some gnocchi with roasted garlic and kalamata olives, or pizzas like pepperoni and basil, prosciutto and arugula, and more. If you're going for lunch, be sure to go on Saturday, as they open at noon. But whenever you go, you're sure to have a great meal.
Ms. Julie's Kitchen
1809 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301
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Ms. Julie's, in Akron, takes pride in their healthy and ethical menu options. The entire menu is vegan, and plenty of gluten-free options are also available. Try their Sloppy Mac—a cross between mac and cheese and sloppy joe, with dairy-free cheese and brown rice pasta. Many of their ordinarily glutenous dishes have gluten-free options as well, including brown rice flour donuts and gluten-free carrot cake with cashew icing. Ms. Julie's has all your favorite comfort foods, made healthy, ethically, and guilt-free. While the restaurant is temporarily closed for renovations, Ms. Julie's should be back in business later this month.
Gregory's Family Restaurant
2835 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
First opened in 1983, Gregory's provides Canton with fresh and delicious food with friendly, knowledgeable service. Plus, they have an entire, extensive menu for their gluten-free patrons. That includes burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches with gluten-free bread, waffles and pancakes with gluten-free flour, and more—plus soups, salads, omelets, and other options that are always gluten-free and always delicious. They even have a gluten-free fryer for their french fries to prevent cross-contamination. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gregory's is a great place for a worry-free breakfast or lunch.
Chameleon Cafe Akron
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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This locally owned lunch spot has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and more—all with gluten-free substitutes available upon request. Try their Cuban Quesadilla, with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard in a gluten-free tortilla. Or their BBQ chicken panini with gluten-free bread. And be sure to check out their array of grilled cheeses, like jalapeno popper, cilantro lime, and bacon pickle. They also serve a wide array of coffees, teas, energy drinks, and more. Open until 4 p.m., it's a perfect spot to grab lunch in Akron.
Taza - A Lebanese Grill
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
While many of the locations on this list offer gluten-free substitutes, Taza simply has a wide range of menu options that aren't bread-based, making them gluten-free naturally. The shish lamb specialty salad has tomatoes, olives, and feta, with lemon herb vinaigrette or tahini dressing. The mixed grill has a selection of beef, lamb, and chicken. They also have kabobs, kaftas, and other options, many of them served with rice rather than a glutenous side. Be sure to confirm with the staff which items are gluten-free before ordering, but your lunch options here are pretty wide.
Bam! Healthy Cuisine
2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
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Dedicated to making food that's both healthy and flavorful, Bam! makes it a point to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including those with gluten issues. If you're looking for a great lunch, try one of their amazing salads, like goat cheese and almond, or hot and spicy pecan. You can order in advance for pickup or delivery or just go in and let them know your dietary needs. They're always happy to help you find something safe and healthy that you'll love.
Pete's Restaurant
4223 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708
If you're looking for simple and delicious casual dining, Pete's Family Restaurant in Canton is a great option. Their gluten-free options aren't labeled on the menu, but ask your server, and they'll help you find something you'll love. Customers rave about their gluten-free pasta dishes, from spaghetti marinara to chicken alfredo, rotini, and more. And they prepare their gluten-free items separately from the rest of their menu to avoid cross-contamination.
Astoria Cafe & Market
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
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This Mediterranean eatery features a wide variety of gluten-free offerings on its menu, all clearly labeled as such. Try one of their charcuterie boards, with various cheeses, fruits, honey, and roasted nuts. If you want something more substantial, go for the chicken avgolemono, poached with dill, parsley, lemon, and golden rice. Or try the Tuscan kale salad with pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and garlic-herb breadcrumbs, which can be made gluten-free upon request. Some of their menu offerings come with crackers, for which they also have gluten-free substitutes. Overall, Astoria Cafe is very accommodating to its gluten-free patrons and eager to help you find a lunch dish you'll love.
Let's Do Lunch!
Which delicious, gluten-free menu options do you want to try?
4
7 Places for Holiday Pie Orders in Columbus & Central Ohio
Holidays usually mean a table full of food finished with a few scrumptious pies. Whether your favorite is apple, pecan, buckeye, or a cream pie like banana or coconut, pies help create delicious holiday memories that can be handed down from generation to generation. But with all the baking and other hustle and bustle associated with the holidays, why not leave the pie baking to the experts? You'll have many varieties to choose from and will surely enjoy the fresh, local ingredients used in many of them. Many bakeries also often put a twist on traditional favorites, such as a Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Check out the following Columbus and Central Ohio bakeries, look over their menus or stop by and place your holiday pie orders.
Resch's Bakery
4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227
Generations of Columbus area residents have stopped by Resch's Bakery throughout its over 100 years of serving up treats like cakes, donuts, and pies. The bakery is dedicated to using the best ingredients to make tasty treats from scratch and to providing the highest level of customer service. Pies include pecan, cinnamon apple, Dutch apple, Dutch cherry, and sweet potato, and throughout the holidays, you'll find them on many local tables.
Dough Mama
3335 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Dough Mama started as a home kitchen business for classically trained pastry chef Perrie Wilkof, who supplied pies to many notable Columbus-area restaurants, and has since grown into a successful cafe and bakery. Everything is made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Popular seasonal holiday pies include the Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie, a spiced pumpkin and roasted sweet potato blend custard, giving it a rich texture and flavor. The Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie is also a favorite choice, with a bottom layer of rich dark chocolate loaded with pecans. It's also made with Kentucky Bourbon and organic maple syrup.
Mrs. Goodman's Baking Co.
901 High St., Worthington, OH 43085
Mrs. Goodman's Baking Co. was originally known as Mrs. Goodman's Pie Co., and they're still known for baking pies with flaky, buttery crusts and filling made from the best ingredients. Many pies are available, including apple, cherry, peach, pecan, and pumpkin. In addition to the traditional pecan pie, the bakery also puts a twist on it to create chocolate pecan and white chocolate pecan pies. If you prefer cream pies, you'll also have plenty of options, including banana, coconut, and chocolate peanut butter.
Ohio Pies
Columbus Area
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Ohio Pies is a licensed home bakery, so it doesn't have a storefront, but don't let that stop you from ordering their mouthwatering pies. The bakery's mission is to source seasonal, local ingredients and, in the process, feed your soul and nourish the community. That's why, for example, all the eggs for Ohio Pies come from the free-range hens at Harrison Farm, and all the butter comes from Minerva Dairy. Blueberries are sourced from Blueberried Alive's organic crops, and all milk and cream come from Snowville Creamery. Order favorite holiday pies like apple, blackberry, buckeye, s'mores, sweet potato, and pumpkin, made with local pumpkins. Hand pies are also available by the half-dozen in apple, blackberry, caramelized pear, and cherry.
The Original Goodie Shop
2116 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
The Original Goodie Shop is a family-owned bakery that's served sweet treats to satisfied customers for 67 years. They've earned a generational following over the years and have customers who buy goodies for their children after growing up ordering the same thing from the bakery. Everything is hand-made from scratch, including donuts, cakes, cookies, and, of course, pies. Pies are available in small and large sizes in flavors such as apple, cherry, mince, pecan, and pumpkin.
The Witten Farm Market at Smith Farm
3341 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232
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With The Witten Farm Market at Smith Farm, you get the best of both worlds: The chance to buy produce and fresh foods for your holiday needs from the farm market as well as tasty baked goods like pies from Smith Farm Bakery. Made fresh daily, pies are available in many different flavors, including Dutch apple, apple, caramel apple nut, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, rhubarb, mincemeat, blackberry, and blueberry. Cream pie options include banana, chocolate, coconut, buckeye, lemon meringue, and key lime. All are baked fresh daily.
Matt's Bakery
39 S. Yearling Rd., Whitehall, OH 43212
Matt's Bakery is kosher, and all its items are parve. All baked goods are milk and dairy-free, with eggs used in the baking, and they're also nut-free (except for the pecan pie, which is baked separately). Before the holidays, pre-order pies such as apple crumb, blueberry, cherry, double-crust apple, peach, and strawberry. And while you're at it, order some challah, the signature bread item that the bakery's best known for.
Any Way You Slice It
What's your go-to holiday pie (or pies!), and where are you planning to order them from?
2
8 Family Events to Get in the Holiday Spirit Around Ohio
The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to start planning for some enchanting family fun. With events like the Christmas Connection in Northeast Ohio, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage in Columbus, A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour near Cincinnati, and many more, you have tons of great options no matter which corner of Ohio you call home. Here are some events to look forward to as you plan for the holidays in Ohio.
A Motown Christmas
605 N. Market Ave., Canton, OH 44702
Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours, A Motown Christmas puts a soulful spin on your favorite classic holiday tunes. This family-friendly performance will be held on November 17, 2022, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the gorgeous Canton Palace Theater, and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Bring the whole family for a memorable night of music, choreography, and fun surprises to kick off the holiday season in style.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
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Settle in for an evening of holiday music, spectacular acrobatics, and unforgettable performances when you attend Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall on the University of Akron campus. Featuring performers from around the world, a spectacular stage set, and an original score mixed with holiday classics, this show is sure to dazzle audience members of all ages. The show kicks off on December 6, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., with 20 unique acts leading you through an evening of holiday wonder, whimsy, and delight.
Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Enjoy sweet, holiday-themed fun for the whole family when you attend Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids at Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State Community College Campus. Learn how to dazzlingly decorate holiday treats from chocolate-dipped pretzel rods to sweet sugar cookies, then finish off the event by sampling some of your creations paired with a delicious mug of hot chocolate. The fun starts on December 10, 2022, at 11 a.m., with instruction from chef Shawnie Kelley.
Christmas Connection
1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135
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Get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying plenty of attractions and activities for younger family members when you visit the Christmas Connection in Cleveland. The event will take place November 18-20, 2022, at the International Exposition Center, with hundreds of vendors selling gifts for even the hardest to shop for people on your list. The kids will love visiting Santa Land, where they can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. There's even a Sugar Plum Shoppe featuring thousands of pre-wrapped, affordable items perfect for kids with their own shopping lists.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
34 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Turn back the clock and enjoy a true holiday classic for all ages with A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at the Palace Theater in Columbus. This new touring show brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to the theater stage with all of your favorite characters and songs. The show starts at 6 p.m. on November 27, 2022, the perfect family activity to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend this year.
Easton's Grand Illumination
160 Easton Town Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
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Get ready for a night of dazzling lights, shopping, entertainment, and family fun with Easton's Grand Illumination at the Easton Town Center. There will be live music, costumed characters, holiday decorations, and plenty of fun activities for the youngest members of the family. The evening is highlighted by the Grand Illumination at 7 p.m. when more than 2 million lights will be turned on simultaneously to light up Easton Town Center. Easton's Grand Illumination will take place on November 18, 2022, from 6-9 p.m.
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Prepare to be amazed by incredible illusions and marvelous magic for the whole family with The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. This fun, fast-paced show has delighted audiences around the globe, featuring some of the world's most talented illusionists and magicians. The show starts at 7:30 PM on November 25, 2022, ideal for an evening of family fun after a day of Black Friday shopping.
A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour
11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
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The Heritage Village Museum is a living history museum that will transport your family to a different era, and the holiday season is an excellent time to visit. The museum will host A 19th Century Guided Holiday Tour, which will take your family throughout the historical Heritage Village to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while learning how holiday traditions have evolved over centuries. Tours leave every hour on November 30 – December 3 and December 7-9, 2022, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Home for the Holidays
Where will you be celebrating the season in Ohio this year?
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