Going out

        Nutcracker: Ah, the magical, romantic music of Tchaikovsky: a Christmas tree tallerthanthis; costumes straight from a fantasy land; dancers leaping, twisting and turning all over the place. It's Cincinnati Ballet's annual Nutcracker, opening in Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. today, with evening and matinee performances through Dec. 26. $10-$39. 241-7469.

        Gospel Christmas: The 20-member Joyous Voices Gospel Band and Choir raises a mighty sound under the baton of Rudolph V. Hawkins. This is the group, recall, that has been knocking out Detroit for years with its “Oh Holy Night! A Gospel Christmas.” Aronoff Center, 8 p.m. today. $15-$24. 241-7469.

        Drive-In: The Holiday Auto Theatre near Hamilton throws a gnarly green twist into its schedule with an early show of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Beginning today, it shows at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. Second feature is Meet the Parents at 9:55 p.m. Ohio 130, Hanover Township. $5, $2 age 4-11. 929-2999.

Staying In

        TV picks: Lame duck President Bill Clinton, gives Fox a White House tour on the First Family's Holiday Gift to America: A Personal Tour of the White House (8 p.m., Channels 19, 45).

        • Critic John Kiesewetter says former Northern Kentucky resident John C. Hensley and the Madigan Men throw a big party today (9:30 p.m., Channels 9. 2).

Hot tix

Redsfest: It's the biggie for Reds fans: The fifth annual Redsfest. Scheduled to attend the meet 'n' greet: Second baseman Pokey Reese, all-star pitcher Danny Graves, coach Bill Doran and a herd of past and present players. Tickets go on sale today at the Dugout Shop, Westin lobby, downtown, or through the Reds' merchandise line (877) 639-7337. Redsfest is 4-10 p.m. Jan. 26 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, downtown.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: It's a pull-out-the-stops Christmas in Loveland with a bonfire, carriage rides, live Nativity, choruses 'n' carols. 4-9 p.m. Saturday, W. Loveland Avenue in the historic district. 683-0468.

        48 hours out: Singer extraordinaire Ysaye Maria Barnwell, known for her evenings of multi-cultural songs, celebrates the giving season at 2 p.m. Sunday,, St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor Ave., Clifton. $10. 961-1938.

        A week away: A flock of local acts lines up to make some bucks for the FreeStore/FoodBank. The benefit includes Muley Graves, Jason Ludwig and Black and Tan Carpet Band. 8 p.m. next Friday, Top Cat's, 2820 Vine St., Corryville. 281-2005.

        Get To It appears daily. Send items to Get To It, Tempo, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax: 768-8330.

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