Downtown Cincinnati prepares for the holidays

Businesses are getting ready for the holiday season. Downtown Cincinnati has a slew of events and activities, both traditional and brand new. Emily Stowe with 3CDC says the city's center is competing with the suburbs, and entertainment is a way to draw people in.

"Downtown just has so much to offer. In the last five to 10 years, it's changed immensely. I think that we really can compete with the suburbs when it comes to the holidays especially."

3CDC's event marketing manager says they want holiday shopping to be an experience, not just a chore. Stowe says that's one way merchants in the city's core are competing with the suburbs. She says options like the Fountain Square ice skating rink and the Christkindlmarket are a way to draw people away from malls and suburban shopping centers.