Get ready for adrenaline-pumping, ear-splitting, high-octane action. One-thousand-horsepower monster trucks are coming to U.S. Bank Arena downtown to put on a show to kick off the new year in the biggest way possible, smashing down on top of cars and through trailers. Watch as favorites such as Bounty Hunter, Gunslinger and Crush Station compete in side-by-side race events - the most thrilling driving Cincinnati will ever see.  

If you aren't too spent after all the holiday debauchery or need to brighten up your mood because you are battling Seasonal Affective Disorder, the Globetrotters have a treat for you. Not only are they bringing their outlandish tricks and hilarious goofs to U.S. Bank Arena (100 Broadway St., Downtown), they're also introducing a brand new way to score major points on the basketball court. Not a slam dunk, an alley-oop or a hook shot, but the ability to score four points with one shot.  

Do you have some Irish heritage? Are you just a fan of the Emerald Isle? Maybe you don't know anything about Ireland unless it pertains to the Blarney stone or St. Patrick's Day and want to learn something new? Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter because 'Irish Christmas in America' is coming to the 20th Century Theatre (3021 Madison Road, Oakley) Thursday. It's not only a wonderful way to celebrate the season with friends and family but also a night of all-out Irish entertainment.  

The revitalization of Over-the-Rhine has become a symbol of our city's ability to come together and face a problem hand-in-hand. This Friday, Light Up OTR gives everyone another chance to join this movement to vivify the once-depressed area while simultaneously spreading holiday spirit. The goal is for volunteers to disperse 943 luminaries, representing the number of historic buildings in OTR, to symbolize safety, the coming of the holiday season and the good tidings it brings.  

What makes the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, according to Parents Magazine, one of the Top 10 Best Zoos for Kids? How about thousands of holiday lights, Santa Claus and his reindeer, story time with Mrs. Claus, rapping elves and the Gingerbread Village? Come celebrate one of the most magical times of the year at the Zoo and take in the brilliant light displays and plethora of holiday funtivities during Festival of Lights.  

It's the time of year again for everyone to gather around and enjoy each other's company ... while running or walking on Thanksgiving. That's right, folks, it's the 101st Thanksgiving 10k Run/Walk, which starts and ends at Paul Brown Stadium. Not what you thought? Well that's OK, because it's a great way to get your metabolism cranked up before the big meal of turkey and tryptophan take hold and you're napping on the couch. Race is at 9 a.m.  

Celebrate places much different than the typical Cincinnatian experiences every day via Passport to the World, a program put on by the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The Latin American Culture Fest kicks off the year-long celebration of diversity Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will be immersed in everything Latin American: from shopping for authentic goods to browsing a collection of Latin American masks to hearing Flamenco guitarist Jorge Wojtas fill the air with music that rocks the soul.  

Shakespeare and alcohol are rarely spoken in the same sentence, unless you are quoting 'MacBeth.' But never fear, fans of Bill and booze, because the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is putting those two things together to form an interesting marriage of theater and adult beverages. Friday at 6:30 p.m., the CSC wants to meet at 719 Race St. for the Shakes"beer" Pub Crawl: a night of fun, specialty drinks and the chance to win some marvelous prizes.  

Saturday's Fair Trade Market at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an outlet for residents of our community to join the movement to end modern-day slavery and human trafficking, and help those who feel helpless, people who have been affected by such tragedies. Shoppers will have an opportunity to purchase goods such as clothing, handbags, jewelry and toys made by former slaves and impoverished people who are guaranteed a fair wage, giving them a respectable way to escape poverty and achieve true independence.  

Are you tired of all the whining aimed at Washington, D.C.? If so, come hang out at Fountain Square Saturday to catch the live feed of Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity and Stephen Colbert's March to Keep Fear Alive on the Jumbotron as they take over D.C. Sit back, relax, grab a beer and some lunch from Skyline and Senor Roy's Taco Patrol. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday.