Tis’ the season to be Merry, the Holidays have arrived.  Shopping malls are bustling and the children are making their lists.  There are many things to do in this Christmas season to get away from all the holiday chaos. These things can be done with friends, family, or even that girl you have a crush on.

Here are some exciting ideas to enjoy and celebrate the season:

Duke Energy Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center.This traditional train display can be seen with a purchase of a museum ticket or if you are a Duke Energy customer. Click here to receive a free voucher.

The Annual Fountain Square Ice Rink is a great place to take a date or go with the family. This is not an expensive event either, for just six dollars admission and four dollars skate rentals you will be able to skate all day. There is also different events at the rink throughout the season. Click here to see the full schedule.

The Festival of Lights is another great date or family event. This is a little more expensive with tickets being 25 dollars online or $27 at the gate. However, this is a must see event as the lights around the Cincinnati zoo are an impressive site.

There are also some very good Christmas plays that are shown every year at both the Aronoff and the Playhouse in the Park such as White Christmas, The Nutcracker, and A Christmas Carol.

Live Nativity scenes are always a nice way to remember the birth of Jesus. The most popular is at the Krohn Conservatory where they also have a Holiday Show. This is a free admission, and a great place to go with friends and family.

If you’re in the mood for twinkling lights and exterior illumination, check out Sharon Woods Park. You can drive your car through the woods with lights along the paths and tree lines. Also, the Light up the Levee Show down at Newport is a dancing light performance around the levee.

Other traditional things one could do on their own is just driving around to look at house’s lights, or stay at home and watch the ABC Family Holiday Christmas specials. The list is endless.