Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 5-7
New year, new you? Maybe you've vowed to exercise more, spend less or eat healthier options. Perhaps you've even decided to participate in one of the January challenges, such as Dry January and Veganuary.
Whatever your New Year's resolutions might be, let's hope they include having fun. Here's a look at what's going on this weekend, from the final days of beloved holiday events to some "get fit" suggestions and ways to have fun without breaking the bank.
1. Festival of Lights
It's the final weekend for Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Visit early to see the animals, then stay for the beauty of 4 million lights. You can hunt for the Fiona fairies in Fairyland, enjoy North Pole Express train rides and enjoy posing for photos at Elfie Selfie stations around the zoo, which can be found via the zoo's interactive map app.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Ends Jan. 7. Cincinnatizoo.org.
2. Golden Days of Yule
This is also the final weekend for the Krohn Conservatory's annual holiday show. Enjoy the conservatory filled with colorful poinsettias, lush tropical foliage and holiday trees, while marveling at the traditional garden railways and miniature Cincinnati landmarks made of locally sourced plant material.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Krohn Conservatory, Mount Adams. Ends Jan. 7. $10, $7 ages 5-17, free ages 4-under. cincinnati-oh.gov.
3. Holly Jolly Days
Also ending this weekend is Behringer-Crawford's annual holiday exhibit. Enjoy more than 30 moving, guest-operated accessories on the holiday toy train layout, step back through time and see antique Christmas decorations dating back to the 1800s, and enjoy the NaturePlay area lit with sparkling lights.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Park, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Ends Jan. 7. $9, $5 ages 3-17. bcmuseum.org.
4. Wendy’s Bridal Show
Couples can meet with wedding planners, reception venues, photographers, caterers, DJs, musicians, decor specialists and more, all under one roof. Highlights include a bridal fashion show at 3 p.m. each day.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. $12. Wendysbridalshow.com.
5. SCG Con
Star City Games, the "world's premier trading card games convention," comes to Cincinnati this weekend. You can shop vendors, meet artists and participate in gaming tournaments, including Magic: The Gathering, Flesh and Blood, Lorcana and more.
Details: noon-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Duke Energy Convention Center, Hall A, 525 Elm St., Downtown. Admission is free; tournaments cost extra. scgcon.starcitygames.com.
6. The British Arrows Awards
This 75-minute compilation of comedy, drama, romance, documentary and music features the best UK-made advertisements and public service announcements. This is the exclusive Cincinnati screening.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Garfield Theatre, 719 Race St., Downtown. Runs Jan. 5-Jan. 14. $10-$15. Cincyworldcinema.org.
7. Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Toledo Walleye
Bring a new or gently loved stuffed animal to town on the ice after the Cyclones' first goal. Toys are collected for the Cincinnati Police Department and Matthew 25 Ministries. It's also Throwback Night, where you can enjoy $2 hotdogs, sodas and beer.
Details: 7:30 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. $21-up. Cycloneshockey.com.
8. Free Mickey: A Group Art/Toy Exhibition
After 94 years, the first iteration of Mickey Mouse, who first starred in the animated film "Steamboat Willie," entered public domain on Jan. 1. To celebrate, Earth to Kentucky is hosting a group exhibition that satirizes and remixes the image of Mickey Mouse. Curated by Skot Deeming, the exhibition features one-of-a-kind toys, custom masks and artworks by emerging and established artists from around Cincinnati, the United States and Canada.
Details: noon-7 p.m. Friday, noon-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Earth to Kentucky, 836 Main St., Covington. Runs through Jan. 25. Free admission. earth2kentucky.com.
9. Healthy winter breaks
Hurm Dawg Frosty 5K: This 5K run/walk takes place on a rolling, fully-paved course. The race benefits Jeremy Hurm, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Hurm is the head coach of boys cross country at St. Henry District High School in Erlanger.
Details: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, England-Idlewild Park, 5550 Idlewild Road, Burlington. $25. runsignup.com.
Great Parks Winter Hike Series: Enjoy a challenging hike of 4-5.5 miles, which concludes with a hot, hearty soup (veggie option available). Series continues weekly at different area Great Parks.
Details: 10 a.m. Saturday, Winton Woods Harbor, 10245 Winton Road, Springfield Township. $10, free ages under 12. Register: greatparks.org.
Meditation for Beginners: Isha Kriya guides you through an easy practice that you can do at home, work or wherever you are.
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Mason Public Library, 200 Reading Road, Mason. Free. eventbrite.com.
Community Yoga: Instructors from World Peace Yoga guide class. No experience necessary.
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, Trailside Nature Center, Burnet Woods, 3400 Brookline Ave., Clifton. Free. Register: worldpeaceyoga.com.
Nature Encounters: Enjoy nature-themed programming every Saturday in January. This week you can craft a pinecone birdfeeder.
Details: 1 p.m. Saturday, Trailside Nature Center, Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Drive, Clifton. Free. No registration required. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Yoga with Elephant Brands Co.: Yogis Mondi and Ola guide you through a series of rejuvenating yoga poses and breathing exercises that are suitable for all levels.
Details: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, 21 Triangle Park Drive, Sharonville. $22.50. eventbrite.com.
10. Comedy that won't break the bank
Blake Hammond: He's co-host of the Ran So Far w/ Blake and Just the Clip podcasts, is a writer for Bob & Tom, and has his own comedy special, "Blake 182," out now.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Go Bananas Comedy Club, 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery. $10-$15. Gobananascomedy.com.
Big Jay Oakerson: This Philadelphia comedian hosts a podcast called Legion of Skanks, hosts a live radio talk show on SiriusXM, and once toured with Korn before he became a headliner.
Details: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Funny Bone Comedy Club, 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township. $32-$42. Liberty.funnybone.com.
Commonwealth All-Stars: This comedian showcase includes headliner Gretchen Schultz, along with Sam Milazzo, Bridjet Mendy, Dan Brady, Jacqui Rabe, AJ York and hosted by Allison Stapp.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. $10. Commonwealthsanctuary.com.
Sarah Perry: This Chicago-based national touring comedian was voted Best Stand-Up Comic by the Chicago Reader in 2021.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton. $15. Commonwealthsanctuary.com.
Bombs Away Comedy: Chris Siemer: This Cincinnati-based comedian tells true tales from his tragic reality.
Details: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. $15. Bombsawaycomedy.com.
Tricksters: A Magical Cabaret: Geared to ages 13-up, this show incorporates comedy, magic, singing and lots of audience participation.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, Falcon Theater, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. $30. varietytricksters.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Jan. 5-7