If you need a break from cookie baking and making lists, bundle up for a culture trek around town for some last-minute fun and frivolity. Holiday traditions abound from “The Nutcracker” to the Vocal Arts Ensemble. Caffè Vivace and Memorial Hall welcome local jazz favorites.

Merry Christmas from your Culture FIX crew. See you Jan. 7!

---

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Caffè Vivace, Blue Wisp Big Band | 7 & 9 p.m. 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. DETAILS: The legendary Blue Wisp Big Band performs for your winter pleasure in the cozy, intimate setting of one of our favorite jazz clubs. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or a craft beer (the food’s not bad, either). If you remember the old Blue Wisp Jazz Lounge you’ll enjoy a fun, holiday lookback as some longtime band members and their “new” friends take the stage.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Cincinnati Ballet, “The Nutcracker” | 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-5219. DETAILS: It’s time! Cincinnati’s annual foray into the Land of Sweets, as Clara and her magically transformed Nutcracker meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, a Mouse King and a few dancing snowflakes. And who can forget Mother Ginger and all her kids? Wonder what she’ll look like this year. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score will transport you to places we only see in our dreams. Not a bad thing. Choreographed by Victoria Morgan, artistic director emeritus. Runs through Dec. 28

---

No Promises Vocal Band, “Christmas with No Promises” | 7:30 p.m. Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Montgomery. 513-489-8815. DETAILS: This Cincinnati-based a cappella ensemble boasts quite the varied membership. Real estate moguls, psychologists, social workers, hairdressers and theatre people come together with a love of singing the best of the American songbook. Selections by Donny Hathaway, Pentatonix join others by The Carpenters, Amy Winehouse, Simon & Garfunkel and also from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for a festive celebration. Repeats Dec. 20 at The Carnegie.

---

Caffè Vivace, The Christmas Schmidtacular | 7 & 9 p.m. 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. DETAILS: Starting tonight, the Steve Schmidt Organ Trio kicks off a 6-night extravaganza of Christmas music and a stellar cast of artists. Tonight, trumpeter/vocalist Michael Mavridogolu joins the group for two performances. Mandy Gaines, Sophia Troyer and Dixie Karas alternate with the trio over the next six nights for some festive frivolity under the low lights. Runs through Dec. 23.

Friday, Dec. 19

Revolution Dance Theatre, David Choate’s “Hot Chocolate” | 8 p.m. Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., downtown. 513-621-2787. DETAILS: “Hot Chocolate” blends dance, theater and soul into one big, bold holiday experience. In its fifth anniversary season, Revolution turns up the heat to remind us all that black stories belong center stage in our theaters and in our hearts. Creator and choreographer David Choate, Revolution’s founder and director, brings together ballet, hip hop and contemporary dancers for an evening of Christmas cheer. Runs through Dec. 21.

---

Memorial Hall, An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine | 8 p.m. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: Over the Rhine is Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, a folk duo taking the stage since 1989. They want you to know they will be “making an intimate but hopefully holy ruckus.” Sounds like fun. The program won’t be entirely Christmas, but they’ll be playing tunes from many of their records for a folksy, fun holiday evening.

---

Vocal Arts Ensemble, “An Italian Christmas” | 7:30 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., downtown. 513-381-3300. Cincinnati welcomes Joe Miller in his debut season as VAE’s music director, only its fifth leader since 1979. Journey back in time for an evening of music from the Italian Baroque and Renaissance eras. The concert moves from darkness to light in works by Palestrina, Praetorius, Gabrieli, Guerrero, Monteverdi and others. Voices, organ, strings, winds and brass assure a multi-sensory experience to usher in the Christmas season. Cincinnati’s own Verdin Bell makes an appearance for what sounds like a sumptuous, moving holiday experience.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Linton Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions, Winter Winds | 1 p.m. Elm Street Plaza, downtown. 513-381-6868. DETAILS: Explore the theme of weather as your family learns about the woodwind family. What makes these instruments so unique? A flute or an oboe? Everybody knows what a clarinet is, but a bassoon? What the heck is that? The final Grand Performance of Winter Winds might shed some light. Afterwards, wander the beautiful, new Elm Street Plaza and the nearby UC Health Ice Rink. Linton PB&J Sessions help children to experience music in fun, interactive and accessible ways. Music improves children’s lives.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Art on Vine, Rhinegeist Brewery | Noon-6 p.m. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-1367. DETAILS: You know the drill. Coat? Check. Wallet? Check. List? Check. For all of those last-minute gift needs head to OTR for a unique collection of local artists and their creations. Or … sneak something home for yourself. Have a beer, enjoy some people watching and finish up your shopping before the big day.

Monday, Dec. 22

Jazz at the MEMO, Jordan Pollard Trio “An Oscar Peterson Christmas” | 7 p.m. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: Oscar Peterson’s own arrangements take center stage. Settle in for an evening of Christmas classics with Minnesota native and CCM graduate, pianist Jordan Pollard, along with Peter Gemus (bass), Alex Merk (drums) and Carlos Vargas (guitar).

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Cincinnati Pops, “New Year’s Eve: Cabaret Café” | 8 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: Pack your passport to ring in the new year from the speakeasies of Berlin and Buenos Aires AND Paris AND New York, and other mystery locations. Cabarets in the 1930s were vibrant, decadent and politically charged. Artistry (yes, we’ll call it that) flourished in an unparalleled underground nightlife. Join John Morris Russell and the Pops for songs by Kander and Ebb (“Cabaret,” “Chicago”), Kurt Weill (“Threepenny Opera”), Edith Piaf (“La Vie en Rose”) and others for an evening of playful indulgence to welcome 2026.

---

Happy New Year!