It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Cincinnati, and there's an abundance of festive activities for seniors to enjoy. Here are ten of our favorite picks for winter fun.

1. Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Aronoff Center

Tuesday, November 24 – Sunday, December 6

The stage is set to welcome the beloved holiday movie White Christmas in a brand new musical format. Full of exuberant dancing and joyful singing, you’ll be humming along to Berlin classics, including “How Deep is the Ocean?” and “Blue Skies” as you’re transported back to that memorable Vermont lodge.

2. The City Flea at Washington Park

It’s time for Cincinnati's original curated, urban flea market to stage their Holidays Unwrapped super gift market. Come support over 300 creative vendors and unique small businesses by doing all of your holiday shopping locally.

3. Macy's Downtown Dazzle on Fountain Square

Saturday, November 28, Saturday, December 5 and Saturday, December 12

It seems like 2015 is the year for urban rappelling in Cincinnati. If you enjoyed our Over the Edge event, you’re going to love this! Each Saturday from now until December 12, Santa Clause will rappel down the side of the Huntington Center to the Macy’s rooftop. The 20-minute celebration includes a spectacular fireworks display and carols sung by local choirs.

4. Luminaria at the Cincinnati Observatory

Sunday, December 13

The neighborhood is all lit up and the Observatory welcomes the public in to stargaze through telescopes, sip warm beverages, and sing along with carolers. No need to make a reservation—it’s totally free, and totally fun.

5. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt on Fountain Square

Friday, November 27 – Sunday, December 20

The fourth annual authentic German Christmas market provides the perfect way to catch the spirit of the season and knock off the rest of your gift shopping. Local artisans offer handcrafted items you just can’t find in stores, and there will be plenty of bratwurst and hot spiced wine to keep the chill away.

6. The Nutcracker from the Cincinnati Ballet at the Aronoff Center

Friday, December 18 – Sunday, December 27

Is Christmas possible without a Nutcracker performance? Our wonderful Cincinnati Ballet, under the choreographic genius of Victoria Morgan and the musical genius of Tchaikovsky performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, celebrates Clara and her charming Prince in Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker.

7. A Christmas Carol by Playhouse in the Park

Friday, November 27 – Wednesday, December 30

Another traditional classic, the Playhouse celebrates its 25th performance this year by featuring nine Cincinnati-area child actors and 21 talented adults. Faithful to the original Dickens’ masterpiece, this is the perfect outing to share with the youngsters, and the young at heart seniors, in your life.

8. PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo

Saturday, November 21 – Saturday, January 2

Come see why our fantastic zoo was just nominated for USA Today’s 2015 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Zoo Lights. Visitors roam around Gingerbread Village and chat with the usually shy Mrs. Claus in a zoo ablaze with strung lights. There’s a brand new Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake this year, and the traditional Toyland Express train rides never disappoint.

9. Antique Christmas at the Taft Museum of Art

Friday, November 6 – Sunday, January 3

The Taft Museum of Art’s annual display of ornaments, decorations, and toys from years gone by promises to be extra special this year. The collection features a selection of toys dating back to the 1880s, 19th-century silver tree ornaments, and a rare Noah’s Ark display from Germany with over 200 animals. A Frosty the Snowman display and the dining room set with the finest holiday china, crystal, and silver guarantee you’ll be reliving warm memories.  

10. The Poinsettia Express at Krohn Conservatory

Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, January 3

Miles and miles of train tracks whiz around gingerbread-style houses, landmark bridges, rushing waterfalls, and replicas of historical buildings that are all made from locally gathered willow and other natural materials. Come see Cincinnati landmarks like you’ve never imagined they could be in a field of candy cane striped amaryllis, crimson poinsettias, and speckled caladiums.

This is just a small sampling of the many magical activities for seniors that our winter wonderland city holds. We hope you’ll delight in a few of them!