Going out

Yule fest: The ever so majestic Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival includes dips back to the Renaissance with music, lessons and symbols, including a slain boar celebrating the triumph of good over evil. 2:30 and 5 p.m. today, Christ Church Cathedral, Fourth and Sycamore streets, downtown. Standby seating begins 15 minutes prior to each performance. 621-2627.

Nativity visit: The city's beloved nativity scene, complete with real sheep and donkeys, gets a visit from the three Wise Men in search of the Christ child. 2 p.m. today, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 352-4080.

Bird counts: Bundle up plenty warm and join the National Audubon Society-sponsored bird count. 8 a.m. today at Cincinnati Nature Center's Rowe Woods (4949 Tealtown Road, Milford) and Mount Washington's Stanbery Park. Full or half-day birders welcome. $5. 321-6070, Ext. 14.

Blues: It's always a raucous and way funky good time at Sonny's All Blues Lounge with Uncle Russell and Kinfolk with Star Pierre, 8 p.m. today, 4040 Reading Road, North Avondale. 281-0410.

Staying in

Critic's pick: Watch the Cinergy Field implosion from the cozy - and dust free - warmth of your couch: WLWT-TV (Channel 5): 6-9 a.m.; WCPO-TV (Channels 9): 7-9 a.m.; WKRC-TC (Channel 12): 7:45-8:15 a.m.; WXIX-TV (Channel 19): 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Web site

NY Eve party: Here's an idea whose time has come: Last minute New Year's Eve reservations over the Internet. Seems a large group of locals have banded together and rented Union Terminal for its second annual New Year's Eve party, this year called Mardi Through Midnight. The $75 a pop do comes with music from Robin Lacy and food from Elegant Fare. Go to www.cincynewyear.com and check it out.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The Harlem Globetrotters bring their always surprising and always high-flying basketball antics to U.S. Bank Arena, 7 p.m. Monday, $15-$24. 562-4949.

48 hours out: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park uncorks a New Year's Eve showing of the uproarious The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), complete with open bar at extended intermission and champagne toast with cast following the show. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre, Eden Park. $53-$57 (dinner before show is additional $21). 421-3888.

Also 48 hours out: Holiday Fest at The Beach water park thaws out an early-bird New Year's Eve celebration Tuesday with winter festival offerings such as ice skating, carriage rides and seasonal treats plus a 9 p.m. countdown with balloon drop and party favors. $6. 398-7946.

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com