Traditions like the Duke Energy Train Display, ice skating on Fountain Square, and the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights remind us that the holiday season is upon us in Cincinnati. And soon, the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood will have a holiday tradition of its own.
“Light Up Over-the-Rhine” takes place this Friday, December 10. Beginning at 8 p.m., teams of volunteers will walk throughout the neighborhood, placing luminaries along its major streets. A total of 943 luminaries will be placed, representing the number of historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine. Event organizers hope to create a warm glow that will “symbolize safety, the coming of the holiday season, and unity.”
At 10 p.m., a lighting will take place for the first annual OTR Christmas tree, located in the courtyard of Neon’s Unplugged. Guests will be able to affix an ornament to the tree for a $2 donation to the Over-the-Rhine Foundation. Throughout the evening, Neon’s will be serving craft cocktails created by mixoligist Molly Wellman and offering a variety of drink specials.
Anyone interested in helping to assemble and disperse the luminaries should meet at Neon’s at 6 p.m. With the support of people from the neighborhood and the city, Light Up OTR will hopefully be a success and become another great holiday tradition for Cincinnati.