By Jim Knippenberg
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Going out

Jazzy night: The Steve Schmidt Organ Trio - organ, drums, sax - with vocalist Bill Caffie (the same Bill Caffie who used to sing with Count Basie) jazzes things up at their annual Christmas Spectacular, a show that has become a tradition in the past couple of years. Multiple Cammy winner Schmidt will also have his Merry Christmas Baby CD ($12) for sale (and autographing) at the show. 9 p.m. today, The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, free. 541-8900.

Books 'n' things: Yavneh Day School has its annual Jewish Book and Gift Fair for last-minute shoppers - choose from tons of books, menorahs, dreidels, home decorations and wrapping paper. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today and Tuesday, Yavneh Day School, 8401 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, free. 984-3770.

Talking reindeer: The reindeer dish the dirt on Santa and each other - Rudolph's little secret, Vixen's blabbermouth - in the annual dinner theater production the Eight Reindeer Monologues. Dinner 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. today, Arnold's Bar & Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., downtown, $15, $12 students and seniors. 421-6234.

Holiday treats

Cabaret: Shadowbox Cabaret uncorks a ton of songs, rock 'n' roll mostly, and a lot of laughs in its Holiday Hoopla, a spirited show built for the season. 8 p.m. today, continues through Sunday, Shadowbox Cabaret, Newport on the Levee, $25, $10 seniors and students. Be sure to call because some of the shows are already sold out. (859) 957-7625.

Creche fest: The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains continues its exhibit of 26 artsy creches from around the world, all on loan from the Marian Library at the University of Dayton. Noon-2 p.m. weekdays, 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, until 5:30 p.m. Sundays, 325 W. Eighth St., downtown, free. 421-5354.

Flower power: Krohn Conservatory's annual Holiday Show - with a bizillion poinsettias of every color and size imaginable, plus some model trains running through the exhibit - continues packing in the guests. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily except Thursday, when it closes at 5 p.m., through Jan. 4, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. 421-5707.

Holiday music: Vineyard Community Church arrives with Christmas in America: A Musical, the story of a foreign worker who comes to spend Christmas Eve with an all-American family. 7 p.m. today and Tuesday, Vineyard Community Church, 11340 E. Century Circle, Springdale, free. 671-0422.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center has a cocktail party with Santa and entertainer Ryan Swigert to raise money for Christmas gifts for teens at Lighthouse. The center supports runaways, abused and neglected youth with emergency shelter, residential treatment and transitional living. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Club Clau, 221 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, $15. 981-7081.

Also 24 hours out: BarrelHouse Brewing Co. goes festive with its annual Christmas party with entertainment from Wojo, Saving Ray, Hogan & Skid, Kohai & Dos Locos. Not to mention all those wonderful beers brewed on site. 8 p.m. Tuesday, BarrelHouse Brewing Co., 22 E. 12th St., downtown, no cover. 421-2337.

48 hours out: Hofbrauhaus shakes things up with Prost, a classic rock band from Germany. Hofbrauhaus, 200 E. Third St., Newport, no cover through Dec. 31. (859) 491-7200.

E-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com; fax: 768-8330