Olde English: The Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival, a 64-year-old Cincinnati tradition full of spectacle, glitter and traditional English ritual dating as far back as 1340, takes center stage with two performances. This is less a theatrical production and more of an audience-participation event, so be prepared to celebrate right out loud. 2:30 and 5 p.m. today, Christ Church Cathedral, Fourth and Sycamore streets, downtown, free tickets at the door. 621-2627.

Bridal show: Now the shows begin, all in preparation for the spring and summer wedding season. Like this one: A trunk showing of Ilissa by Demetrios and AA Bridal Veils offering an early look at what's new this year in the bridal fashion world. Noon-4 p.m. today, Bridal and Formal, 300 W. Benson, Reading. 821-6622.

Guitar master: Overachiever Jason Vieaux - a prize-winning guitarist and music educator - hits town for the Xavier University Classical Guitar Series. Look for a program spiked with Bach, tango and everything in between. 2:30 p.m. today, Gallagher Student Center Theatre, XU campus, Evanston. $12. 745-3161.

Open house: One thing about the original members of the Taft family - they loved throwing an open house. The folks at the William Howard Taft birthplace will recreate the tradition with an open house and tours of the boyhood home of the 27th president. While you're there, check out the exhibit of presidential messages, greetings, cards and gifts while sampling free refreshments. Noon-4 p.m. today, 2048 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn, free. 684-3262.

Grab a bite

Brunch: This one's a different kind of brunch - no bloody Mary, no mimosa, just a great view and lots of fresh air. That would be Brunch in the Park, an annual deal at Woodland Mound that dishes up all the usual breakfast goodies. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. today, Woodland Mound, 8250 Old Kellogg Road, Anderson Township, $9.30, $5.65 children under 10. 474-0580.

Last chance

Train-mania: Just in case you missed it during the frenzy of the season, there's one last chance to see the 10th annual Holiday Junction train exhibit at the Museum Center. The display - zillions of trains on miles of track - celebrates the city's link to the early days of railroading. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., $6.75, $5.75 seniors, $4.75 ages 3-12, members free. 287-7000.

Clifton Christmas: Or you could climb the hill to the fountain at Clifton and Ludlow avenues and get in tune with Clifton Jollydays, a celebration of the season that includes carriage rides, gifts, warm cider and other holiday treats. 6-9 p.m., free. 227-2090.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Fire up your checkbook for this one: Krohn Conservatory's traditional end-of-show sale, selling off hundreds of poinsettias and other holiday plants, is ready to go. Everything here is priced to sell. But remember: It gets very busy very early, so don't wander up after work or anything. 10 a.m. Monday, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park, free. 421-5707.

48 hours out: The Yale Glee Club, under the direction of Jeffrey Douma, makes Cincinnati one of the stops on its winter tour. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Knox Presbyterian Church, 3400 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park, free. 419-7122.

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