Going out

Holiday show: The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra opens Home for the Holiday, and it's a plenty crowded stage in this all-ages Christmas show full of storybook characters, dancers and more. 7:30 p.m. today, Taft Theatre, Fifth and Sycamore streets, downtown, $25-$30, $12 age 12 and under. 381-3300.

John Smolens: The best-selling author of Cold is up the road a way to introduce his new suspense-thriller The Invisible World. 7 p.m. today, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. (800) 777-4881.

Kids theater: Theatre IV, the acclaimed theater group for young people, opens two days of the down-home holiday musical production One Appalachian Christmas. 1 and 7 p.m. today, Calico Theatre, Clermont College, Batavia, $3-$5. 732-5281.

Johnny Schott: The local entertainment producer and, for years, host of the popular Habits CafÈ open-microphone night, has moved to a new location for his music showcase. He starts it off at 8:30 p.m. today at Delany's Restaurant, State Line Road and U.S. 50, Lawrenceburg. Special guest tonight is the world beat-influenced folk act Luna Tanz. 354-2333.

Staying in

TV pick: Who will be the sole Survivor - and $1 million richer - when Survivor: Thailand ends (8-10 p.m., Channels 12, 7)? Will it be Tampa teacher Jan Gentry, 53? California porn movie actor and car salesman Brian Heidik, 34? Rhode Island swim instructor Helen Glover, 47? Or Louisiana restaurant owner Clay Jordan, 46? (Story, Page E3.)

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Children's Theatre begins two high-flying weekends of the original holiday musical The Fantastic Toy Shoppe. 7:30 p.m. Friday, College Theater, College of Mount St. Joseph, Delhi and Neeb roads, Delhi Township, $12-$15. 569-8080.

48 hours out: The Christmas in Loveland extravaganza includes free carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, holiday shows and more. 4-9 p.m. Saturday in the suburb's funky and well-preserved historic district. 683-0468.

72 hours 'til Sunday: The Chancel Choir of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian goes the praise and glory route with Handel's Messiah (Part I). 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary, 5950 Montgomery Road. 745-3135.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com