The countdown to Christmas in Cincinnati began with Light Up the Square! Thousands gathered at Fountain Square Friday night to watch the city's massive tree come to life with beautiful lights.

Holiday music has started playing on the radio and the UC Health Ice Rink has taken over Fountain Square ... places to cut your own Christmas tree near Greater Cincinnati this season.

Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown Cincinnati. Free. myfountainsquare.com. This walk-through experience features more than 100,000 lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree, and an installation from ...