Looking for something a bit different to do this holiday weekend? Here are some suggestions from around the Tristate:

        Enjoy a glimpse of nature without going out in the cold by visiting the exhibit of Chris Walden's wildlife paintings at the Fitton Center. A companion exhibit spotlights the liturgical murals of German-born artist Gernard Lamers, who decorated the interiors of many churches in southern Ohio.

        The shows continue through Jan. 27 at the Fitton Center, 101 S. Monument Ave., in Hamilton. This weekend, the galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Admission is free.

        Information: 863-8873.

        He may not sprout ears on Donkey Island or end up inside a whale, but Pinocchio has plenty to write home about in an updated musical version staged by Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Joseph McDonough and David Kisor, is set in America during the 1920s.

        The curtain rises on this holiday musical at 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for students and senior citizens, and $12 for children 12 and younger. The Ensemble Theatre is at 1127 Vine Street.

        Information: 421-3555.

        Take a break from the mall and enjoy a taste of the country, not far from downtown Cincinnati. The Gorman Heritage Farm in Evendale conducts its weekly winter Farm Tour, enabling city folks to stroll around the 100-acre spread, visit the farmyard and get to know the animals that live there.

        The event is 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday at the farm, located near the intersection of Reading and Cooper roads. Admission is free to Cincinnati Nature Center members; for nonmembers it's $5 for adults, and $1 for children younger than 12.

        Information: 563-6663.

        Need a last-minute conference with Santa? He and Mrs. Claus invite the public to take a jaunt into the countryside with them this weekend aboard the Turtle Creek Valley Railway in Lebanon. The hourlong ride gives children and adults a chance to chat with Santa, enjoy the view and receive a special treat.

        “Train Rides with Santa” depart from the Lebanon depot on South Broadway at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 3-12. While not as frosty as a sleigh, the train cars are unheated, so dress for the weather.

        Information: 398-8584 or 933-8014.

        Rise with the birds and spend the day among them, as the Audubon Society conducts its annual tally of feathered flocks. Sunday's bird count will take place in various spots around western Cincinnati, and volunteers are needed for half-day or whole-day stints. All tabulations are sent to a national data bank.

        To volunteer, call ahead or join the group at Spring Grove Cemetery's main entrance at 8 a.m. Sunday. There is a $5 participation fee.

        Information: 321-6070, ext. 14.

        Have a suggestion for this column? E-mail to Jenny Callison at jcallison@cinci.rr.com or fax to 755-4150.

Complete weekend entertainment guide at Cincinnati.com

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