Story Walk to Be Unveiled December 1 for Holiday Season
CINCINNATI (October 24, 2024) – The holiday season is just around the corner and the Cincinnati Ballet, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and the Art Academy of Cincinnati have partnered to bring a Nutcracker-inspired Winter Wonderland installation to Washington Park this December.
The installation, Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet, will be a story walk with six scenes created by students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, in addition to dazzling holiday lights on park trees, along paths, and surrounding the bandstand. The story walk will be viewable from December 1-31 and the lighting enhancements will remain in the park through February 2025. Additionally, Cincinnati Ballet will host a special event December 1 to celebrate the launch of the story walk experience from 11AM – 3PM. The event will include ballet dancers and characters, family-friendly activities, music, and more. Santa Claus will also be on-site at the Sherwin-Williams Porch greeting families and taking free photos.
“The holidays are a magical time for families to enjoy our City. Bringing Washington Park to life with the timeless tale of The Nutcracker will create memories and a connection to Cincinnati that will last a lifetime. These experiences are the cornerstone of growing our City. I can’t thank the Cincinnati Ballet, 3CDC, and the Art Academy of Cincinnati enough for making this moment possible” said Cincinnati City Councilmember Seth Walsh.
“We’re thrilled to partner with staples of our community, the Cincinnati Ballet and the Art Academy of Cincinnati, to bring holiday magic to Washington Park this winter” said Christy Samad, Executive Vice President of Civic & Commercial Space Activations for 3CDC. “OTR is rich with shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences during the holiday season and we’re excited to give folks one more reason to come downtown and enjoy the holidays in OTR. We’re grateful to the City of Cincinnati for helping us to bring this vision to life.”
This season, the Cincinnati Ballet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Nutcracker in Cincinnati. The Company first performed the holiday classic in 1973. Performances will be held at Music Hall from December 19 – 29 and tickets can be purchased at https://cballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker-presented-by-sheakley-family/.
“This season we joyfully celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Cincinnati Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker,“ said Interim Artistic Director Cervilio Miguel Amador. “Attending The Nutcracker at Music Hall has been a beloved holiday tradition for families across generations. This immersive and spectacular installation at Washington Park will enhance this magical experience!” “Our mission is to share the love of dance with our community,” said Cincinnati Ballet CEO Debbie Brant. “We are so excited to bring this partnership to life in Washington Park, as we come together to celebrate the magic of the holidays.”
Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet debuts December 1, 2024 and will be viewable during all park hours (7AM – 10 PM) seven days a week through December 31.
Washington Park’s Sherwin-Williams Porch and concession stand offer full bar service including hot chocolate, coffee, Coca-Cola products, beer, wine, seltzer and liquor from brands like Fifty West Brewing Company, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, Heineken, White Claw, Dark Horse, Bud Light, Boone County Distilling, Rhinegeist, Canvus Premium Cocktails, and The Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. No outside alcohol is permitted in the park.
Washington Park is located at 1230 Elm Street, in the heart of OTR. Secure parking is available in the Park’s 450-space underground garage facility, or at nearby Mercer Garage on Vine Street.
MORE INFORMATION: www.WashingtonPark.org.
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About 3CDC
The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is a private, non-profit full-service real estate developer with a mission and strategic focus to strengthen the core assets of Downtown Cincinnati in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. Its work is specifically focused on revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine. For more information, visit http://www.3cdc.org.
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