The holiday season is upon us, and nothing lights up this time of year quite like a dazzling display of festive cheer! Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner under twinkling lights or bundling up for a family drive to admire the most stunning holiday light shows, we’ve got you covered with the best spots in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Let’s make your season merry and bright!

Top Holiday Light Displays to Explore

1. The Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights 

• Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
• Why Go? With over 4 million LED lights, the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. Don’t miss the Wild Lights Show and delicious hot cocoa!
• Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag the best parking spot.

2. Light Up the Levee 

• Location: Newport on the Levee, Newport, KY
• Why Go? A riverside experience with synchronized light shows and an opportunity to enjoy local dining and shopping.
• Pro Tip: Pair your visit with dinner at one of the Levee’s fantastic restaurants for the ultimate holiday evening.

3. Coney Island’s Christmas Nights of Lights 

• Location: Coney Island Park, Cincinnati, OH
• Why Go? Drive through this 2.5-mile display of over 1 million synchronized lights to music. It’s a family favorite!
• Pro Tip: Tune your car’s radio to the suggested station for the full audio-visual experience.

4. Fort Thomas Holiday Walk 🇺️

• Location: Downtown Fort Thomas, KY
• Why Go? Stroll through charming streets decked out with lights, live music, and festive cheer. A perfect spot to support local businesses!
• Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Santa’s appearances along the walk.

Dining Under the Lights

1. Covington’s Main Strasse Village

• Holiday Vibe: Quaint streets strung with lights set the mood for a magical dining experience.
• Where to Eat: Check out Otto’s for delicious comfort food or Bouquet for a fine dining experience.

2. Fountain Square Ice Rink & Light Show 

• Holiday Vibe: Enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants and then head to the square for a festive ice-skating session surrounded by twinkling lights.
• Dining Spot Suggestion: Via Vite offers cozy indoor seating and a fantastic view of the square.

Create Your Own Holiday Light Tour

Want to stay close to home? Load up the car with snacks and hot cocoa, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and visit these neighborhoods known for their jaw-dropping home displays:

• Fort Thomas’ Candy Cane Lane 
• Independence’s Holiday Drive 
• Anderson Township’s Twinkling Trails 

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope your holiday season is full of love, laughter, and plenty of sparkle! Share your favorite holiday light photos and tag us on social media @ThisGirlSellsHouses. We’d love to see how you’re making memories this season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at This Girl Sells Houses Team!

Melissa Maxwell & Danielle Hornsby 

The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to make your home shine—whether you’re staying put or thinking about selling. A festive, well-maintained exterior can make your home feel inviting and add that extra sparkle to your neighborhood. Here are some simple ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal this December:

1. Light It Up

Tasteful holiday lighting can make a big impact. Stick to a cohesive color scheme or soft white lights for a timeless look. Highlight walkways, trees, or architectural details to create a welcoming glow.

2. Door Décor

A wreath is an easy way to make your front door pop. Consider adding one with fresh greenery, pinecones, or a splash of holiday color. Bonus points for a matching doormat!

3. Seasonal Planters

Swap out your summer blooms for planters filled with evergreens, winter berries, or birch branches. It’s a simple way to keep your porch looking lively through the colder months.

4. Clean and Tidy

Keep walkways free of debris, clear snow promptly, and make sure your house numbers are visible. A neat appearance is inviting and helps potential buyers or visitors find your home easily.

5. Subtle Touches

If you’re selling, less is more. Skip the inflatable displays and opt for understated decorations that highlight your home’s best features without overwhelming them.

A little effort can make your home the star of the block this season!

If you’re considering buying or selling, I’d love to help you navigate the market during this magical time of year. Feel free to reach out—I’m here for all your real estate needs.

Melissa Maxwell-ERA

859.512.4444

ThisGirlSellsHouses@Gmail.com

www.ThisGirlSellsHouses.net 

I’m thrilled to share some great news about our neighborhood! A new Italian restaurant, led by two veterans of Greater Cincinnati’s dining and hospitality scene, has just opened its doors in Covington.

Carmelo’s, located at 434 Madison Ave., is situated near the former IRS site, an area soon to be transformed with new apartments, townhomes, and retail spaces. This exciting concept is the brainchild of Billy Grise, former director of food and beverage at Thunderdome Restaurant Group, and Chef Mitch Arens, known for his innovative work with Beard & Bellies BBQ and Grub Local, as well as his role as founder and executive chef of Southernly, a private chef company.

Named in honor of Grise’s grandfather—an Italian American immigrant, devoted family man, and restaurant owner—Carmelo’s brings classic Italian American dishes to life in a warm, rustic yet modern setting. The ambiance echoes Nono Carmelo’s welcoming and joyful spirit, a tribute to the cherished grandfathers who have left their mark on generations, the team shares.

As a real estate agent and member of our community, I love seeing vibrant new places that bring neighbors together and add even more value to our area. If you’re exploring the neighborhood or looking for a new dining experience, Carmelo’s is worth a visit!

https://www.eatatcarmelos.com/

Supporting local businesses is just one way we keep our community thriving.

I’d love to hear your thoughts after you visit!

Melissa Maxwell-ERA

A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING – The Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network will celebrate the start of the holiday season with the classic special, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 (8:00-8:30 & 8:30-9:00 p.m., ET), on the Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Television Network. In the 1973 special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However the dinner he arranges is a disaster when caterers Snoopy and Woodstock prepare toast and popcorn as the main dish. Humiliated, it will take all of Marcie’s persuasive powers to salvage the holiday for Charlie Brown. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Thanksgiving is almost here, and whether this is your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned pro, the holiday can sometimes bring a few unexpected surprises. As your real estate agent, I know how important it is to keep your home the warm, welcoming space it was meant to be! Here are the top five hosting “fails” to avoid and simple tips to make your home feel cozy and ready for guests.

1. Overcrowding Your Space

• Tip: Keep the main entertaining area free of clutter and give guests room to gather comfortably. If you have a smaller space, consider setting up a “drink station” or extra seating in a secondary room, like a cozy den or enclosed patio, to avoid crowding.

   

2. Not Enough Room in the Fridge

• Tip: Refrigerator space can quickly fill up, especially with all the sides and desserts. Clear out non-essentials and consider placing coolers with ice in your garage or mudroom for drinks. That way, your kitchen fridge has room for all the Thanksgiving essentials.

   

3. Limited Kitchen Space for Cooking and Serving

• Tip: Kitchens can feel tight on big cooking days! Set up a “buffet” or serving station on your dining table or a side counter. If you have an island, reserve it as a prep station and encourage guests to help with small tasks, giving everyone space without creating congestion.

   

4. Lack of Guest Comforts

• Tip: Small touches can make a big difference. Add soft blankets to your living room, adjust the thermostat for the extra body heat, and make sure there’s a designated area for coats and bags. If you’re expecting out-of-town guests, add fresh towels and a few toiletries to your guest bathroom to make them feel right at home.

   

5. Post-Dinner Clean-Up Overload

• Tip: Clean as you go! Empty the dishwasher before the meal so you can load dishes right away, and keep extra trash bags handy. Having food storage containers on hand lets guests take leftovers home – less clean-up and a fun way for them to remember your delicious meal!

   

A well-organized home can be the key to a smooth, memorable holiday. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and lots of room for everyone. And if you know anyone who’d like to find a new space to make these holiday memories, I’d be happy to help!