Going out

Polusmiaks: Pianists Sergei and Anna Polusmiak tackle their keyboards for a mixed program of classical works, English folk songs and Slavic dances with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra members Cristian Ganicenco, Ronald Aufmann and Carlos Zavala. 3 p.m. today, Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, free. (859) 572-5902.

Kids club: WCET Channel 48 holds a Kids Club kick-off party with character appearances by Arthur, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Caillou, plus plenty of crafts, snacks and a chance to be on TV. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today, WCET Studios, 1223 Central Parkway, free (call for spot). 345-6579.

Milford holiday: The "Old Mill" District in Milford struts its holiday finery with myriad shopping opportunities, carriage rides, strolling musicians and more. Noon-4 p.m. today, Main Street. 831-7230.

Be Italian: Chefs from Buca di Beppo, whisks in hand, descend on Joseph-Beth Booksellers to discuss and whip up recipes from Into the Sauce! From Our Cucina to Your Kitchen, the restaurant's new cookbook. 1 p.m. today, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

Staying in

TV pick: Rob Lowe plays an attorney who meets a boy (Max Morrow) wanting to buy new shoes for his dying mother on The Christmas Shoes (9 p.m., Channels 12, 7), a new film based on a popular holiday song two years ago.

TV critic John Kiesewetter also says Channel 48 solicits memberships for the revived WCET Kids Club during Arthur's Perfect Christmas, Elmo's World: Happy Holidays, Angelina Bellerina and Veggie Tales: The Star of Christmas (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Channel 48).

The goods

Let it snow: And this for people who need a hand building a snowman: Snowman in a Box packs a double whammy. Whammy one is a box of supplies: Corncob pipe, button eyes, carrot nose, red felt hat. Whammy two is a book full of snow stuff - some trivia and ideas for several variations - an extraterrestrial snowman, monster snowman, urban versions, even a Picasso version. It's $9.95 at book and toy stores.

Planning ahead

48 hours out: The Cincinnati Chamber Music Society rolls out the American String Quartet with Richard Stoltzman on clarinet. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati. $20. 533-0451 or 556-4183.

72 hours `til Wednesday: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati opens the holiday-themed all-ages musical The Frog Princess. 7 p.m., 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, $25-$28. 421-3555.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com