FRI DEC 2
Studio Players presents “Scrooge In Rouge: An English Music Hall Christmas Carol,” continuing through Sunday Dec 4.
Lexington Ballet performs the Nutcracker at the EKU Center for the Arts through Sunday Dec 4.
Lafayette High School Choir and Orchestra, cookies, hot chocolate, lights and more will be part of the Southland Tree Lighting at 5:30 pm. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the FOF Toy Drive
SAT DEC 3
Hungry? Have breakfast with Santa at Joseph Beth Booksellers’ Bronte Bistro. Register and pay in advance.
Enjoy photos with Santa in the neighborhood, Saturday Dec 3 from 11 am to 3 pm at Man O War Harley Davidson.
Hamburg Pavilion hosts gingerbread kisses and Christmas wishes — free photographs with Santa Claus every weekend leading up to Christmas! Programs include face painting on Saturday mornings and Carriage Rides on Sunday afternoons.
Santa Claus is coming to (down)town! Lexington’s Christmas Parade begins at 11am downtown and will feature a variety of organizations, bands, floats, and of course, Santa himself!
Enjoy an authentic Kentucky Christmas at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, Noon to 7:30 pm. The Day will include a Christmas Market, music, entertainment, Santa SELFies, food and drink, the Ashland illumination at sunset, music, and Candlelight Tours! (Two additional Ashland Candlelight Tour evenings will be offered: Thursday, December 8th 5:30-7:30 pm and Saturday, December 10th 5:30-7:30pm.)
SUN DEC 4
UK Choirs presents the 25th annual “Collage: A Holiday Spectacular” in the Singletary Center Concert Hall, 3 pm.
Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular! 2022 tour stops at Rupp Arena, 7 pm, Sunday Dec 4.
TUE DEC 6
The Fayette Education Foundation Presents Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree featuring The Coach Mitchell Band, December 6, 2022, 7pm at Manchester Music Hall. In the post-COVID months, Coach Mitchell writes, “we have seen the children of Fayette County struggling. Jenna and I have a vision of building resources to provide the opportunity for each child to reach their full potential — we’d love for you to join us in our efforts to create leaders and nurture the dreams of children in Fayette County.”
WED DEC 7
Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs The Ghosts of Christmas Eve and more, 7 pm, Rupp Arena.
FRI DEC 9
Crystal Gayle: A Holiday Show is at the Norton Center for the Arts in Danville (Dec 9 and 10).
Sora Aerial Arts presents “The Aerial Nutcracker!” — inspired by the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker — but using new music, and putting a circus twist on this holiday classic, Downtown Arts Center (thru Sunday).
The Nest – Center for Women, Children & Families will host their 45th annual Reindeer Express holiday event at Wild Health Field on Friday, December 9th, 2022. Donations of new toys, coats, and more are needed to help make holiday memories for over 1,000 children whose families have used The Nest’s services in the past year. Donations can also be dropped off in person at Wild Health Field, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, beginning Friday, December 2 until Wednesday, December 7.
“Reindeer Express is an opportunity for our community to come together during this season of giving to ensure that all children have the magical holiday they deserve,” said Jeffrey White, Executive Director of The Nest.
SAT DEC 10
Join South Elkhorn Christian Church for “Drive Through Bethlehem,” retelling the Christmas story, as live actors and animals portray the story of Jesus’ birth.
SUN DEC 11
Christ Church Cathedral invites the community to: A Blue Christmas — a quiet, candlelight service of Holy Communion with music in the Celtic and Appalachian traditions for those who mourn, feel “blue,” or who simply feel a need to await the coming of the Christ Child in contemplation. This service is intended to bring both comfort and strength and all are welcome, 4 pm.
THU DEC 15
J Roddy Walston’s second annual Christmas to the Bone Concert is at The Burl. Doors open at 7 pm.
SAT DEC 17
Join the Lexington Philharmonic and The Lexington Singers for a Cathedral Christmas, returning to the Cathedral of Christ the King for this Lexington holiday tradition in a program of sacred orchestral and choral works, 8 pm, Cathedral of Christ the King on Colony Blvd.
El Cid on National Avenue invites the community to a Holiday themed Latin Dance Party (bachata lessons, performances, dance contests) in the warehouse district of Lexington, 6 pm to 9 pm.
SUN DEC 18
Kids are invited to enjoy Hanukkah Storytime on Sunday, December 18 at 2 pm at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.
The Lexington Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Lexington Opera House, Dec 9 thru Dec 11; and Dec 16 thru 18.
Christ Church Cathedral hosts Nine Lessons and Carols: the story of Christmas is told through music, scripture and congregational carols. Come early to enjoy the prelude beginning at 6:30pm. No tickets required. Nursery for age 4 and under is available.
The Center for Old Music in the New World and Musick’s Company present A Handeful of Christmas Delights – Regina Coeli, Sunday Dec 18th at 7:30 pm at St Michael’s Episcopal Church. Join for a celebration of sacred and secular holiday music from the 12th through the 17th century including works by Hildegard von Bingen, Isabella Leonarda, and Hammerschmidt. Admission by donation.
Sponsored Feature
Celebrate Southern Lights
Celebrate the season at the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, held nightly at the Kentucky Horse Park, November 25 through December 31, closed Christmas Day. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation invites you and your family to join us as we kick off the 29 th Annual Southern Lights Holiday Festival, presented by Friends of Coal. Bundle up, tote some hot chocolate for your group, and experience the magic of Southern Lights with your friends and family.
Enjoy a million twinkling lights as you drive through the charming farm lanes of the Kentucky Horse Park. The Southern Lights’ three-mile driving tour features a wide variety of light displays, including ones that celebrate beloved Christmas carols, showcase Kentucky and equine traditions, and remind us of favorite fairy tales.
At the conclusion of the driving route, you are invited to park and enjoy the Southern Lights Holiday Village. The courtyards of the Kentucky Horse Park will be illuminated with stunning light displays and warmed by fire pits. Attractions include visits with Santa, the Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, camel rides, pony rides, mini train rides, and model train displays. Your visit to Southern Lights promises to be a highlight of the holiday season!
For over a quarter of a century, you’ve made us a regular part of your family traditions. And if you’ve never been through our array of lights, we warmly extend an invitation. Proceeds benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Google Southern Lights for more information and to purchase tickets at a discounted rate.
This article appears on pages 9-11 of the December issue of Hamburg Journal. To subscribe, click here.
