Tree lightings, holiday open houses, art sales, latke parties and, of course, enough performances of “The Nutcracker” to stuff the largest of mantle stockings await Lexington Christmas revelers this December. In between family and friend gatherings, and holiday shopping, there are plenty of events to get even the most “bah-humbugged” of us in the spirit of the season (including, naturally, a few performances from old Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”).
What follows is a list of holiday-related events in and around the Lexington area for the coming weeks. If you plan on attending any of these events, it is highly recommended that you call ahead or check the organization’s website for more information in the event of cancelations due to inclement weather or an incident involving the Grinch. If we’ve missed your event, please e-mail us the information and we will make sure the event is properly promoted on our online holiday calendar.
Lexington Tree Lighting Ceremony. Nov. 29. Holiday food and drink, festival music, and the Unified Trust Company Ice Rink are the perfect backdrop as Santa Claus visits Downtown Lexington to turn the magic key and light downtown. Food vendors, arts and craft vendors, and more will be set up during the day. Live music performances at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. 2 – 7 p.m. Triangle Park. www.downtownlex.com.
Country Boy Black Friday Sale. Nov. 29 – 30. Local and regional artists will be set up with their work for sale and admiration, and there will be a tapping of a new or rare keg. Noon – 8 p.m. Country Boy Brewing, 436 Chair Ave. www.countryboybrewing.com.
The Spirit of the Horse: A Holiday Equine Extravaganza. Nov. 29 – 30. World class riders and horses are brought together in an entertaining fashion as this original live production unfolds. This one-hour production features a story rich with characters and diversity; audiences will see everything from orphans to villains and from reining to dressage to liberty work. 7 p.m. Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. www.kyhorsepark.com.
Victorian Square Holiday Open House. Nov. 29. An evening of shopping and holiday entertainment for the whole family. 2 – 8 p.m. Victorian Square, 401 W. Main St.
Chevy Chase Open House. Nov. 30. Shop small and join the Chevy Chase Shops for their annual open house. Each participating small business will offer special discounts, and there will be free carriage rides and a visit from Santa. Celebrate the holidays as the shop owners light the neighborhood tree at 6:30 p.m. by Corner Wine. 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Lexington Children’s Theatre: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Nov. 30 – Dec. 8. Over the years, through six productions of “Pageant,” 36 different Kentucky youth have played the “worst children in the world” – the rambunctious Herdmans. In this production, a whole new generation joins the family that goes from stealing lunches to giving up their Christmas ham. Celebrate the holidays this year with a story that rejoices in the importance of family, forgiveness and the capacity of us all to change. 2 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7 – 8; 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lctonstage.org.
Ashland Lighting on the Lawn. Dec. 1. Festivities include music, a sing-along and the lighting of the estate’s 100-foot-tall, 100-year-old live Norway spruce. The event is free to the entire community. The tree stays lit nightly throughout December. Candlelight holiday open house tours will follow the lighting. 5 p.m. Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd. (859) 266-8581. www.henryclay.org.
ARTful Sunday. Dec. 1. Make holiday greeting cards and take family-friendly tours of the museum. 2 – 3:30 p.m. UK Art Museum, 405 Rose St. (859) 257-5717. www.uky.edu/artmuseum.
Holidays at Shaker Village. Dec. 1 – 31. This December Shaker Village will bustle with light-hearted moments that remind us of long-ago winter days filled with wonder and laughter. Make time to delight in life’s simple gifts with family and friends as lively music, merriment and candlelight illuminate the village. Special programs include holiday lunches, holiday tea times, a Jingle Bell shuttle, Christmas tours, historic craft demonstrations, and more. Visit the organization’s website for a complete list of holiday events. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg. www.shakervillageky.org.
Downtown Christmas Parade. Dec. 3. The parade runs along Main Street, from Midland Avenue to Mill Street. Food and drink vendors will be located in Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, and Phoenix Park. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Lexington. www.downtownlex.com.
Red Barn Radio: An Appalachian Christmas V. Dec. 4. The annual Christmas spectacular presents the sounds of the holiday season with an outstanding cast of fine young musicians, including banjo sensation Sam Gleaves, award-winning mountain dulcimer player Sarah Morgan, Chris Weiss, and The Local Honeys. There will be an artist reception following the program. 7 p.m. ArtsPlace, 161 N. Mill St. www.redbarnradio.com.
A Gift of Holiday Music Concert & Art Sale. Dec. 4. Featuring the Transylvania Band, the Transylvania Chamber Orchestra, the Transylvania University Choir, Women’s Chorus and Pioneer Voices Men’s Choir. The holiday concert is free, but canned good donations will be accepted at the door on behalf of God’s Pantry Food Bank. Prior to the concert, the university staff, faculty and students will host a fine arts and crafts sale featuring a variety of homemade goods from noon – 7 p.m. at the Morlan Gallery. 7:30 p.m. Haggin Auditorium.
UK Theatre: A Christmas Carol. Dec. 5 – 8. The students with the UK Theatre Department present a hearty helping of nostalgia with a sprinkling of the supernatural in this holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. – Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat. – Sun. Guignol Theatre, Rose Street. www.finearts.uky.edu.
Black Friday Art Sale. Dec. 6 – 7. Skip the chaos of the mall and the mass production of manufacturing and plan to make the Black Friday Art Sale your one-stop shop for all your holiday gifts. Local artists will set up pop-up shops inside LAL’s Loudoun House, and the best part? Everything is under $50. Visit the organization’s website for a list of participating artists. 6 – 9 p.m. Friday; 6 – 11 p.m. Sat. Loudoun House, 209 Castlewood Dr. www.lexingtonartleague.org.
Christ the King Live Nativity Scene. Dec. 6. A Christ the King tradition. This year the nativity grows, and will include a camel. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Christ the King Cathedral, 299 Colony Blvd. (859) 335-3684.
Christ Church Cathedral: Messiah. Dec. 6. An authentic performance by the cathedral choirs accompanied by the Lexington Baroque Ensemble and guest soloists under the direction of Canon Musician Erich Balling. 7:30 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market St. www.ccclex.org.
ROCK for Tots Benefit. Dec. 6. The Rollergirls of Central Kentucky (ROCK) are presenting a benefit show for Toys for Tots. There will be entertainment provided by Prime Rose Productions and live music by The Rough Costumers and All American Werewolves. Admission is free with a donation of a new, unwrapped toy. 9 p.m. Buster’s, 899 Manchester St.
Christ the King School’s Sip and Shop. Dec. 6. Come shop with your friends at some of your favorite stores. Over 40 vendors will be present to make Christmas shopping fun and easy. 6 – 9 p.m. Christ the King gymnasium, 412 Cochran Rd.
Woodland Triangle GoodGiving Guide Challenge Open House. Dec. 6 – 8. The Woodland Triangle is coming together as a group to make a donation to the GoodGiving Guide Challenge to support the local nonprofit community. Each individual business will be challenging their customers to donate to the pool in unique ways. More information about this business community’s challenge can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
UK Open Studio. Dec. 6. The University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies opens its doors to the public again this holiday season. The community is invited to discover and celebrate UK’s talented young visual artists at the popular Open Studio event. Student and faculty artists’ work can also be purchased in time for the gift-giving season. The event includes the popular Carey Ellis Juried Student Show, live music, food and drinks. 6 – 9 p.m. Reynolds Building No. 1.
Temple Adath Israel: Vodka and Latkes Party. Dec. 7. Come and enjoy a signature cocktail and indulge in delicious latkes made by the Temple’s Brotherhood. 7 – 9 p.m. Temple Adath Israel, 124 N. Ashland Ave. www.lextai.org.
Collage. Dec. 7 – 8. A popular yearly tradition, Collage features vocalists from several groups within the UK School of Music. Groups include: acoUstiKats, Paws & Listen, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Choir, Lexington Singers Children’s Choir, Chorale and Choristers. 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Singletary Center.
The Kentuckians Chorus: Home for the Holidays. Dec. 7. Featuring Scott County High School Chamber Singers, West Jessamine High School’s Dually Noted and Lafayette High School Men’s Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Haggin Auditorium. www.thekentuckians.org.
Christ the King Cathedral: Messiah. Dec. 7. Celebrate the holidays with the baroque classic Handel’s “Messiah.” Featuring LexPhil, Lexington Chamber Chorale and guest soloists. 7:30 p.m. Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. www.lexphil.org.
Lexington Ballet: The Nutcracker. Dec. 7 – 8. Presented by Lexington Ballet Company and set to the timeless music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “The Nutcracker” tells the delightful story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The troupe performs this beautiful masterpiece under the artistic direction of Luis Dominguez. 2 p.m. EKU Center for the Arts, Richmond. www.lexingtonballet.org.
Therapeutic Recreation Holiday Dinner Dance. Dec. 7. Open to individuals with disabilities ages 13 and over. The holiday dinner includes music, dancing, food, door prizes and plenty of festive fellowship. 5 – 9 p.m. Tates Creek Recreation Center Ballroom, 1400 Gainesway Dr. (859) 288-2955.
Rollergirls of Central Kentucky Christmas Bazaar. Dec. 7. This second annual holiday bazaar will feature a variety of vendors with both handmade crafts and locally and nationally known merchandise. 2 – 5 p.m. The Bread Box, 501 W. 6th St.
Equus Run Vineyards Holiday Open House. Dec. 7. Warm treats, good music and, of course, great wine. 1 – 4 p.m. Equus Run Vineyards, 1280 Moores Mill Rd., Midway. www.equusrunvineyards.com.
Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra Winter Concert. Dec. 8. Featuring the repertory and preparatory string orchestras. 7 p.m. Singletary Center.
Winter Trunk Show & Holiday Bazaar. Dec. 8. Holiday bazaar featuring local artists and vendors. Also featuring live music performances, fashion show and other attractions. Event is also suit drive to benefit Dress for Success Lexington, please bring business casual or business professional clothes. 6 p.m. Paulie’s Toasted Barrel, 517 W. Main St. www.dressforsuccess.org/lexington.
Lexington Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 8. Accompanied by Lexington Chamber Chorale and special guest soloists. 7:30 p.m. EKU Center for the Arts, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond. www.ekucenter.com.
Dana Wildsmith: “Christmas in Bethlehem.” Dec. 8. North Carolina’s Dana Wildsmith will read from and sign her new poetry chapbook. 2 p.m. Morris Book Shop, 882 E. High St. www.morrisbookshop.com.
Tates Creek High School Winter Band Concert. Dec. 10. Free and open to the public. 7 p.m. Singletary Center.
A Christmas Carol. Dec. 10. Featuring a cast of 24 performers, live musicians and Broadway-style scenery and costumes. Presented by Nebraska Theatre Caravan. 7:30 p.m. EKU Center for the Arts, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond. www.ekucenter.com.
Film screening: “A Christmas Story.” Dec. 10. A screening of the beloved and nostaligic 1983 holiday comedy. 7 p.m., Farish Theatre (Central Library), 140 East Main St. (859) 231-5597. www.lexpublib.org/events.
Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas. Dec. 11. Join select contributors to the “Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas” story anthology for refreshments and holiday merriment. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, 251 W. 2nd St.
A Jazzy Holiday Concert. Dec. 11. Free and open to the public. Presented by the Bluegrass Area Jazz Association. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center.
Jingle Bell Bash. Dec. 12. Hosted by Young Friends of Bluegrass Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust working to protect the inner Bluegrass region through land conservation for future generations, featuring live music, food, drinks and more. 7 – 10 p.m. Cross Gate Gallery, 509 E. Main St. www.bluegrassconservancy.org.
LeAnn Rimes Holiday Tour. Dec. 12. Rimes will be performing her hits, new songs and holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. EKU Center for the Arts, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond. www.ekucenter.com.
Jazz: Live at the Library. Dec. 12. The Jazz Arts Foundation and the Lexington Public Library’s “Jazzed for Christmas” concert will feature vocalist Eugene Goss performing an evening of holiday songs and jazz standards. Joining him will be Cincinnati musicians, Erwin Stuckey on piano, Tony Whack on bass and Lexington’s Dave McWhorter on drums. 7 p.m. Farish Theatre (Central Library), 140 East Main St. www.jazzartsfoundation.org.
Local First Lexington Holiday Night Market. Dec. 13. The Local First Lexington Holiday Night Market is a collaboration with NoLi CDC. Located on the 700 block of Bryan Ave., this Night Market will transform the street into a classic holiday village and will feature exclusively LFL vendors for last-minute holiday shopping. Holiday food, beer from multiple Lexington breweries and live music will be available. 7 – 10 p.m. Bryan Ave. www.localfirstlexington.com.
Home for the Holidays. Dec. 13 – 14. Members of the Anthony and Eunice Beatty Family Foundation will be sharing holiday traditions with the community, encouraging children, youth and all families to enjoy time together in the spirit of the holiday. This theatrical and musical performance will include favorite holiday traditions, with a 21st century twist. 7 p.m. Fri.; 1 and 7 p.m. Sat. Lyric Theater. www.lexingtonlyric.com.
Lexington Singers: Messiah. Dec. 13. Celebrate the season with The Lexington Singers and special guest tenor Gregory Turay as the organization presents the best in choral music traditions. 8 p.m. Singletary Center. www.lexsing.org.
Southland Tree Lighting Ceremony. Dec. 13. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. inside the fire station with several performances, including one from the Lexington Singers. The festivities will move outside at 6:30, when the 18-foot white fir tree will be lit with strands of energy efficient LED lights. Come by anytime between 5:30 – 6:30 for complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and candy. Fire Station No. 12, 399 Southland Dr.
YMCA Reindeer Ramble. Dec. 14. The eighth annual Reindeer Ramble 5K Run/Walk benefits YMCA summer camp scholarships. The race is open to serious runners and casual walkers alike, ages 8 and up. It also offers participants the opportunity to register as individuals or as members of a “Santapede” team consisting of 3-10 participants who are tied together like a team of reindeer with rope, ribbon, garland, etc. Costumes and holiday spirit are encouraged for this family-friendly event. 9 a.m. Keeneland Race Course, 4201 Versailles Rd. www.ymcaofcentralky.org/reindeerramble.
Woodford County Woman’s Club Holiday Homes Tour. Dec. 14. This year’s event features three historic homes built between 1796 – 1810 and two modern homes all beautifully decorated for the season. There will be music and refreshments throughout the day. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Little House, 247 Lexington St., Versailles. (859) 873-8543. www.woodfordcountywomansclub.org.
Lexington Vintage Dance: Fezziwig’s Ball. Dec. 14. Lexington Vintage Dance’s annual Regency-era Christmas ball featuring a cast of fine musicians and callers, period dances, refreshments, and caroling. Period costume admired, but not required. 7:30 – 11 p.m. Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, 251 W. Second St. www.lexingtonvintagedance.org.
The Bread Box Holiday Market. Dec. 14. A curated art market showcasing unique, handmade art and goods for holiday shoppers who are looking for something a little different this year. Join the Bread Box studio artists as well as other local and regional artists who will be displaying and selling their work. 1 – 9 p.m. Bread Box Studios, 501 W. Sixth St.
Holiday Business Showcase. Dec. 14. Enjoy free food and drink samplings, live entertainment and a fun raffle while you support local businesses. (Lunch with Santa available 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.) 12 – 4 p.m. Coldstream Research Campus, 1500 Bull Lea Rd. (859) 519-9909.
Kentucky Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker. Dec. 14 – 22. It’s Christmas. It’s “The Nutcracker.” Kentucky Ballet Theatre will supply the music, the tree, the snow, the mice and the magic in this holiday tradition for two weekends. 8 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21; 2 p.m. Dec. 14 – 15; Dec. 21 – 22. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.kyballet.com.
Candy Cane: Spirit of the Holidays. Dec. 15. Mischievous holiday spirits from the Magic Circle Mime Co. come to Lexington this holiday season with their own ideas of what a holiday concert should be. LexPhil presents this unusual holiday sing-along. 3 p.m. Singletary Center. www.lexphil.org.
Alltech Holiday Celebration of Song. Dec. 15. In the spirit of the holiday season, join Alltech and UK Opera Theatre, led by Professor of Voice Everett McCorvey, for an old-fashioned holiday song-along. 5 and 7:30 p.m. Victorian Square Atrium, 401 W. Main St. www.celebrationofsong.org.
Lexington Brass Band: ‘Tis the Season Holiday Concert. Dec. 15. World-class jazz musicians Wycliffe Gordon, the phenomenal trombonist and singer Zach Brock, and violinist and UK jazz pianist Raleigh Dailey team up as a trio and with the band for a simply amazing holiday concert. 4 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 150 E. High St. www.lexingtonbrassband.com.
tadoo.com Smiley Pete Jamboree and Holiday Bazaar. Dec. 19. The bands using the Smiley Pete Publishing practice space are coming together for some holiday fellowship, featuring Fanged Robot, Coralee & The Townies, Best Friend Band and Palisades. There will also be a holiday bazaar for last-minute (or first minute, depending on your shopping habits) gift-buying with local vendors, including Martine’s Bakery, Meg C. Jewelry, Sav’s Piquant, Lucia’s, Crushed Violet, Bamboozle, Morris Book Shop, CD Central, and local comic book artists. Fork in the Road Mobile Gallery will have food available. 6 – 9 p.m. Smiley Pete Publishing, 434 Old Vine St. www.tadoo.com.
Community Center Holidays. Dec. 18 – 23; 27 – 31. Castlewood, Dunbar and Kenwick Community Centers will be open while Fayette County Public Schools are closed for holiday break. There will be gym activities, games, movies, arts and crafts, and more. (859) 288-2955.
Bluegrass Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker in One Act. Dec. 20 – 21. This hour-long Nutcracker performance is colorful, enchanting, technically brilliant, and fun for parents and children of all ages. Bluegrass Youth Ballet dancers, under the direction of Adalhi Aranda Corn, have been delighting audiences with “The Nutcracker in One Act” for years. 7 p.m. Fri.; 2 p.m. Sat. Singletary Center for the Arts. www.bluegrassyouthballet.com.
Ashland Holiday Candlelight Open House Tours. Dec. 20, 26. Enjoy the ambiance of the opulently decorated Clay mansion in the gentle glow of the evening. Tour guides will be stationed throughout the home during the tour. Costumed docents, live music and refreshments will be in the Garden Keeper’s Cottage. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd. (859) 266-8581. www.henryclay.org.
Lexington Charity Club Christmas Party. Dec. 20. The 12th annual LCC Christmas Party will feature live music by the Tim Talbert Project, food by Bourbon n’ Toulouse and an open bar. The event will help support the GoodGiving Guide Challenge. 9:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. Art Bar, 815 Euclid Ave. www.lexingtoncharityclub.com.
Bluegrass Murder Mystery: Death at the North Pole. Dec. 20. As one Santa retires and another takes the reigns, toy making is not the only thing on the elves’ minds. There is jealousy, back stabbing and social climbing. Come enjoy a three-course dinner and murder-mystery show. 6 p.m. (dinner at 7:15, show at 7:30). Equus Run Vineyards, 1280 Moores Mill Rd., Midway. www.bluegrassmurdermystery.
TubaChristmas. Dec. 21. TubaChristmas brings together tuba and euphonium players from across the region and from all age groups to entertain passersby and attendees with the joyous sounds of Christmas carols produced by these low brass instruments. Frost Brown Todd attorney Mark Flores is coordinating the event, which benefits the Harvey Phillips Foundation. The first TubaChristmas was in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza on Dec. 22, 1974; this is the 40th anniversary for the national event, and the second consecutive year it has been held in Lexington. 11 a.m. Triangle Park. (859) 244-7529. (Interested players can register at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School).
KHAKY Tree of Life. Through Dec. 23. An array of decorated trees will be on display at the Shops at Lexington Center for the 27th annual KHAKY Tree of Life fundraising event that benefits the Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky. The public is invited to bid on the trees of their choice. Lexington Center. 400 W. Vine St. www.lexingtoncenter.com.
Southern Lights: Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights. Through Dec. 31. The 20th annual Southern Lights returns to the Kentucky Horse Park. Each night, visitors drive through a winter landscape of lighted and often animated figures, taking in a dazzling display of over a million lights. Inside the park, more fun awaits with a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, model trains, holiday and craft vendors, refreshments and the Mini-Train Express. 5:30 – 10 p.m. Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. (859) 255-5727.
Unified Trust Ice Rink. Through Jan. 5, 2014. Admission and skate rental are $10 and will allow guests to enjoy 90 minutes on the ice. In its first year, the rink welcomed over 22,000 skaters. 4 – 9 p.m. Mon. – Fri.; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat.; 1 – 10 p.m. Sun. (When Fayette County schools are not in session, the rink will be open 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Mon. – Fri.) Triangle Park. (859) 269-5681.