A John Waters Christmas LIVE at Ludlow Garage Cincinnati

About John Waters

John Waters is the legendary filmmaker, author, and performance artist known as the "Pope of Trash" — the irreverent creative genius behind cult classics like Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, and Serial Mom. For decades, Waters has delighted audiences with his wickedly funny, boundary-pushing sensibility that celebrates outsider culture, camp, and the gloriously bizarre.

Each year, Waters takes his one-man Christmas show on the road, delivering a fast-moving, all-new holiday monologue that is equal parts comedy, social commentary, and gleeful provocation. His annual Christmas tour has become a beloved tradition for fans who appreciate humor that dares to go where no holiday special has gone before.

Waters is also a celebrated author, with books including Carsick, Role Models, and Mr. Know-It-All. His unique voice — sharp, subversive, and always hilarious — has made him one of the most distinctive figures in American pop culture for over five decades.

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 11, 2026

Show Time: 7:30 PM | Doors Open: 6:00 PM

Venue: Ludlow Garage Cincinnati — 342 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220

Ages: All Ages Welcome

Note: No backpacks permitted. Prices include applicable fees.

About the Venue

Ludlow Garage Cincinnati is one of the city's most beloved intimate live music and comedy venues, located in the vibrant Clifton neighborhood at 342 Ludlow Avenue. The venue has a rich history as a legendary rock club — it hosted Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and other icons in its early days — and has been lovingly restored as a premier entertainment destination.

The Garage features a cozy, standing-room-and-table atmosphere with a full gastropub menu and bar service available on show days starting at 5:00 PM. The intimate setting creates an up-close, personal experience that larger venues simply can't replicate. With a capacity of several hundred guests, every spot in the house feels close to the stage.

Parking is available on nearby streets and in local lots. The Clifton neighborhood surrounding Ludlow Garage is packed with eclectic restaurants, bars, and shops — making it a perfect destination for a full evening out in Cincinnati.

What to Expect

A John Waters Christmas is a fast-moving, all-new holiday monologue that Waters describes as a "radically religious X-mas revival." Expect Waters at his most gleefully transgressive — delivering a one-man show packed with dark humor, pop culture commentary, and the kind of outrageous observations that only John Waters could get away with.

This is not your typical holiday show. Waters promises to "top Santa, bottom for Krampus," and take audiences on a non-binary bobsled ride toward what he calls a "batshit Bethlehem." It's irreverent, hilarious, and completely unlike anything else happening in Cincinnati this December.

The show is a solo performance — just John Waters, a microphone, and his singular comedic genius. Fans of cult cinema, outsider culture, and comedy that pushes every boundary will find this to be an unmissable holiday event. Mature content — recommended for adventurous adults.

Ticket Information

Price Range: $55 – $70 (plus applicable fees)

Purchase official tickets directly through Ticketmaster, or find resale tickets through VividSeats. Both options are available below.

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All sales are final. Show times subject to change. Valid photo ID may be required for entry.