Holidays in the Bag
Gateway Quarter, Over-the-Rhine
9am-9pm, Fri 27 Nov
Bring your wallet!
Neighborhood shopping benefit for Emanuel Community Center. Purchase a shopping bag for a $3 donation to Emanuel Community Center and take it to participating merchants Vine St. in Over-the-Rhine for 20% off most merchandise. -VL

PNC Festival of Lights
Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati
5pm, Fri 27 Nov
price varies
The 27th annual Festival of Lights at the zoo begins this Friday. Check the site for all the details including special admission prices for select days in December. -DB

Macy's "Light Up the Square"
Fountain Square, downtown
6:30pm, Fri 27 Nov
FREE
Cincinnati officially welcomes the holiday with the annual lighting of the holiday tree on Fountain Square along with Santa, music and fireworks. The tree lighting is at 7pm. Check website for complete details. -DB

Holidays at the Betts House
Betts House and Research Center, 416 Clark St., West End
12:30-5pm, Sat 28 Nov and Sun 29 Nov
$2
Explore nineteenth century holiday traditions at the Betts House this Christmas season. From 28 Nov 09 through 6 Jan 10, the Betts House will be decorated for the holiday season and feature holiday tours, as well as expanded holiday hours. -VL

Polar Explosion
Fountain Square, downtown
6:30pm, Sat 28 Nov
FREE
A brand-new holiday show blending superior video effects, music, and real fireworks. This new show was specially created for Cincinnati's Fountain Square by Rozzi's Famous Fireworks and Lightborne. -DB