It's hard to believe, but the year 2018 is coming to an end in a few short weeks - and what a year it's been in Cincinnati! Our city always has plenty to offer, but there are a few things that stand out as must-tries during the remainder of the year. Add a little excitement, tasty food, and festive fun to the end of 2018 with this list of seven things you must do in Cincinnati before the year's end.

1. Take a ride on the Skystar Wheel.

If you haven't taken a ride on the Skystar Wheel, located downtown at The Banks, you have until December 2nd to do so. This gigantic portable Ferris wheel travels around the country and has been a stunning addition to our skyline this season. It offers unmatched views of Cincinnati and a one-of-a-kind way to experience our city. Learn more about the wheel on its website here.

2. Drive through a festive light display.

The remaining weeks of the year are filled with festive cheer in Cincinnati, and you absolutely must drive through at least one of the city's many drive-thru displays. If you're looking for the best, check out Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton! It's unique, over-the-top, and worth the drive from anywhere in our area. Find out more about the Holiday Lights on the Hill event at this park from our previous article here.

3. Enjoy the quintessential Cincinnati day.

We recently put together a list of places to go and things to do that will give you the most Cincinnati day ever. Many of these fit in well with the holidays, so now is the perfect time of year to give it a try! Check out the plan for the day in our previous article here.

4. Shop for a holiday meal at Findlay Market.

Findlay Market is the oldest public market in Cincinnati and it's a legendary spot to visit any time of year. Shop for everything you need to make a special meal and perhaps even pick up a locally made gift for someone on your list. Learn more about the history of Findlay Market in our previous article here.

5. Try one of the best desserts in Cincinnati.

Our city has so much good food - including desserts! If you're going to be out and about at a show or event, why not stop by one of these restaurants for a sweet treat? Find the list of our nine favorite desserts in Cincinnati here.

6. Visit a local bookstore.

It's always fun getting lost in a bookstore, and Cincinnati has a few wonderful local shops that are worth a visit. Whether you want a large used book warehouse or a five-story version downtown, our city has you covered. Check out two of the best book store options in Cincinnati in our previous articles here and here.

7. Get outside!

Just because it's cold, doesn't mean you have to be stuck indoors. Take advantage of the countless parks around Cincinnati and get some fresh air this season. Learn about one of our favorite winter hiking spots in our previous article here.

Even if you can't quite fit all seven of these things into the remaining weeks of 2018, keep them in mind for the new year, as well as all of the other exciting happenings in Cincinnati. Have you already checked all of these off of your list? Which ones would you like to accomplish? Let us know in the comments!

And if you'd like a few more restaurant ideas for the upcoming weeks, check out our list of 10 restaurants to try in 2018 in a previous article here.