News

Krampus, Christkindlmarkt & Dark Charge libations

COVINGTON, Ky. – ‘Tis the weekend to shop for local-made gifts, create poinsettias that won’t kill your cat, catch a holiday cabaret, gather at a block party, snap a photo with Krampus, and a whole lot more.

Fine art and a holiday demon

Tonight’s Sip & Shop at the Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center features more than 30 vendors selling their handcrafted and fine art goods. And, while you shop, there will be food and drinks to enjoy.

And, because tonight is Krampusnacht, you can get your picture taken with that horned, anthropomorphic, long-tongued holiday demon who is said to beat the naughty children with branches and sticks, or -- in the worst-case scenario -- put them in his sack and drag them to hell. (Kind of like the Grinch with a heart that’s 2 times 200 sizes too small and with an evil bent.)

But really, the event isn’t as scary as it sounds. And it is free and open to the public. Free parking available on 7th Street.

Worry-free poinsettias

Have pets? Love poinsettias? You can have both, thanks to Artmarkit, which has a solution to your dilemma of whether or not to get a poinsettia for the holiday season.

The colorful poinsettia has long been maligned as toxic to cats and dogs, especially if they eat copious amounts of its leaves and bracts. We all know that some cats – understandably looking to get high if only to be able to tolerate inconsiderate humans in their cruel, cruel world -- will devour an entire catnip plan. Unfortunately, the beautiful poinsettia comes with no mind-altering enticements for your feline, only vomit, diarrhea, and (gulp), yes, possibly death, if eaten en masse.

That said, it never hurts to err on the side of caution.

The good news is, you don’t have to forego the festive beauty of the poinsettia this season if you participate in tonight’s Poinsettia Workshop at Artmarkit, because its talented staff will show you how to create a poinsettia out of ribbons.

Holiday cabaret

For an evening of vintage holiday magic and sentimental moments that harken back to the television Christmas specials of yore, don’t miss A Cozy Christmas with Queen City Cabaret at The Carnegie on Friday (and Saturday).

Performances will celebrate all the simple but important stuff that makes the season bright and our hearts warm with nostalgia.

Dark Charge block party

Block parties aren’t exclusive to sweltering summer months and, besides, the Dark Charge Winter Block Party 2024 at Braxton Brewing Co. on Friday and Saturday is sure to warm our cockles with its Dark Charge variants.

There’s a cool music lineup too, featuring Tracy Walker, Hoopty, Brother Smith, and DJ Jon Jon – plus food trucks with tasty offerings.

Remember those French Chew taffies you liked as a kid? With a nod to nostalgia, Braxton teamed up with local candy maker Doscher’s to make a unique Dark Charge variant that blends its brew with a childhood favorite. Say “hello” to Braxton’s Doscher’s Candies Vanilla French Chew variant (your new favorite confection, so to speak).

Tis the season at the Farmers Market

The CFM Holiday Market on Saturday at the Hellmann Creative Center is the special holiday edition of the Covington Farmers Market.

That means you’ll find many of the farmers, market vendors, local artists, and crafters that you’ve come to enjoy at the regular Saturday market, but there will be a decidedly holiday touch.

Ye olde German market

In the spirit of traditional Christmas markets popular throughout Germany, Sunday’s 2024 MainStrasse Village Christkindlmarkt celebrates the spirit of the season with unique gifts from vendors throughout the tri-state, good food, and plenty of libations at MainStrasse establishments. Plus, there will be ample music and fun activities for the kiddos.

Holiday moose lounge

Sunday’s The Moose is on The Loose … Hunting for Festive Finds at the Ernst + Oddfellows CoWorking Space at 405 Garrard St. promises to be a holiday blast packed with laughter and cheer.

Here’s what it’s going to be “packed” with: live music, candles, coffee, cigars, chocolate, hot sauce, jerky, knives, vintage video games, records, sausage, Wenzel Whisky, and a whole lot of fun.

Live music

Tonight: The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Friday: Chris Comer Trio at Juniper’s … Gideon at Madison Live.

Saturday: Daniel Bennett & The Dirty Shirleys at Juniper’s … Homegrown Concert 2024 at Madison Theater … and “Blue Christmas” concert with Tad Roberson Band (and Toy Drive for kids) at Band of Helping Hands.

Miscellaneous

Tonight: Karaoke Thursdays at Paddy’s On Main.

Friday: Feud at Frosthaus … Karaoke at Frosthaus.

Saturday: Family Fun Activities at Behringer-Crawford Museum … Brunch with Santa at Coppin’s … Buzzard’s Roost Roadshow with Master Distiller Ethan Spalding at Smoke Justis.

Sunday: Bad@$$ Bibliophiles at Thrive Empowerment Center … Polar Express Reading & Craft at Behringer-Crawford Museum.

 

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