Over the coming months, Cincinnati offers an embarrassment of cultural and creative riches from which to craft a vibrant and enriched senior life. The holidays always promise dynamic theatrical and musical offerings and rich memory-making opportunities with family and dear friends. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the delightful offerings in store for Cincinnati’s seniors.  

At the Symphony…

Music Director Louis Langrée has some very special treats planned for symphony goers.

With Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet ended just last Saturday, the Symphony is gearing up for a special holiday treat. On Nov. 28, the Music Hall Stage will be filled with the sounds of John Williams' charming score to the iconic comedy, Home Alone, as the CSO will provide a live soundtrack as the film plays. Seniors will definitely want to share the heartwarming laughs with grandchildren.

The Symphony’s alter ego, the Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor John Morris Russell, will host celebrated Christian musician Michael W. Smith on Dec. 15 for a joyous holiday concert.

On Dec. 20, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and May Festival Chorus will unite for a show-stopping performance of Handel’s Messiah. 

In 2015, the CSO kicked off a two-year Brahms-fest in celebration of our city’s German heritage, and the experience continues in the new year with Brahms + Schumann: For the Love of Clara. Renowned concert pianist Kirill Gerstein will join the CSO for this homage to Clara Schummann, a woman who was muse to two great composers.

Copland’s Appalachian Spring will be bringing the pioneering spirit of America to life on Feb. 19 and 20.

If you were a Seinfeld fan, you’ll want to be at Music Hall in early March when Jason (“George”) Alexander brings his lighthearted comedy and show tune singing skills to the stage.

At The Playhouse...

The Playhouse in the Park will be presenting its holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol, Nov. 25 – Dec. 30. The beautifully renovated theater will host a faithful storytelling of the Dickens classic paired with spectacular stage magic. 

To Kill a Mockingbird enjoys a grand Playhouse adaptation in March, and jazz and baseball fans won’t want to miss Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing playing late April through late May.

At the Zoo…

The wildly popular PNC Festival of Lights will be open for exploration at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Nov. 21 - Jan. 2. With holiday lights strung throughout the Zoo, visitors can stroll through a twinkling wonderland, peering into Gingerbread Village houses, enjoying a Madcap Puppets black-light show, and witnessing a brand new Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake. Toyland Express train rides and the rare chance to visit with Mrs. Claus are promised, so bring your littles grandchildren along to enjoy the magic!  

At the Museum…

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains is happening now through Jan. 3 at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Stroll through the romantic winter wonderland surrounded by trains of all sizes whizzing around you. It’s never too late in a senior’s life to enjoy that steam train you always begged Santa for. Speaking of the man in red, he’ll be there to light the museum tree and officially kick off the 2015 holiday season on Nov. 27 at 11 a.m.

At the Ballet…

What would Christmas be without The Nutcracker? On Dec. 18-27 the Aronoff Center welcomes Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker. Victoria Morgan choreographs the performance by the Cincinnati Ballet, with music by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

At the Christkindlmarkt...

There’s still plenty of time to complete (or start) your holiday shopping because the traditional Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt opens on Nov. 27 and runs through Dec. 20. You can find this authentic German Christmas market in heart of downtown at Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets. Gifts, decorations, live entertainment, Gluhwein, and Christian Moerlein beer are all on tap for eager shoppers.

Here’s hoping you'll take advantage of a few of these gems, get out there, and enjoy an inspired and festive senior life.