OTR AGLOW is back this year, just in time for the holiday season! This young tradition lights up the continuously evolving Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Residents, and street level businesses facing any street in OTR are eligible to participate in this window display contest, featuring holiday or OTR traditions themed displays.

The urban, historic neighborhood has undergone a facelift in recent years. With new businesses and hipsters flooding the area, the vibe of the neighborhood has changed greatly. OTR AGLOW is a part of this change and drive to honor this unique neighborhood with a largest collection of Italianate architecture in the United States, historic pre-Prohibition breweries, and one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States.

OTR AGLOW is just one more way to attract new crowds to this downtown neighborhood that supporters think deserves more recognition. If you haven’t experienced the festive décor it’s worth a trip. As local art students and people from outside the neighborhood are welcome to adopt a storefront and decorate a non-profit or vacant window, the displays get creative. Stop by 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab to warm up with a hot drink or grab dinner at one of the many new restaurants, bundle up and walk the streets. Don’t forget to look skyward because many of the residential apartments are participating, making this not-your-typical drive through a suburban neighborhood to check out the lights.

The contest runs from December first until December seventh. Social media contests will be held during the week, with the final winners presented December 8th at Mr. Pitifuls. Admission to the prize event is free and features specials on Christian Moerlein’s Christkindel.