From a 100-actor recreation of Biblical Bethlehem to holiday stress-reliever workshops, Lexington isn’t short on holiday or seasonal entertainment options in December; be it song, dance, theatre, bazaar, tree decorating, photos with the fat man, healthy eating sessions or medieval feasts, even the most bah-humbugged gift hunter can find some form of merriment in the listing that follows.
We did our best to get all the events we knew of citywide in this calendar, but assuredly, there will be some items that weren’t brought to our attention in time to get on this list.
Also, we listed phone numbers here for a reason; we recommend calling ahead of time to make sure times and dates haven’t changed. This is especially important in the event of bad weather.
December 1 – 7
A Christmas Carol. Dec. 3. Solo performance by Transylvania Drama Professor Tim Soulis. Donations to benefit Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center. 7:30 p.m. Carrick Theatre, 300 N. Broadway. (859) 233-8120.
Bethlehem Revisited. Dec. 3 – 6. A unique walk-through experience of the ancient city of Christ’s birth involving 100 cast members. 10,000 people toured this scene in its previous performance. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Woodford Community Christian Church, 320 Hope Ln., Versailles, Ky. (859) 873-7421.
A Medieval Feast. Dec. 4 – 6. Presented by the Transylvania University Madrigal Singers and the Medieval Instrumental Ensemble. Guests will dine in festive surroundings and enjoy the royal pageantry. 7 p.m. William T. Young Campus Center, 300 N. Broaday. (859) 233-8141.
Behold the Lamb of God. Dec. 4. Presented by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson and Friends. 7:30 p.m. Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, 483 W. Reynolds Rd. (859) 266-4341.
Trees of Life. Dec. 5 – 7. Presented by Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and dÈcor items by local businesses and celebrities on display and available for purchase. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat.; noon – 5 p.m. Sun. Mall at Lexington Green, 161 Lexington Green Cir. (859) 277-8259.
Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 5. Featuring the Lexington Bach Ensemble, The Cathedral Choir of Men & Boys and the Cathedral Girls Choir. 7:30 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market St. (859) 254-4497 ext. 118.
UK Collage. Dec. 6 – 7. Join the UK combined choruses, soloists and special guest artists for one of central Kentucky’s popular annual holiday traditions. 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 6), 3 p.m. (Dec. 7). Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. (859) 257-4929.
Therapeutic Recreation Holiday Dinner Dance. Dec. 6. Open to individuals with or without disabilities 13 and over. Dance will include music, dancing, food and door prizes. Tates Creek Recreation Center Ballroom, 1400 Gainesway Dr. (859) 288-2908.
Family Fun Day. Dec. 6. In conjunction with Trees of Life, which includes a visit from Santa, Miss Polly Pick A Pocket, Sidney the Kidney and other friends. Also free refreshments, face painting and crafts for kids. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Mall at Lexington Green, 161 Lexington Green Cir. (859) 277-8259.
Let There Be Peace on Earth. Dec. 6. Presented by Another Note, a community men’s singing ensemble. All proceeds to benefit Moveable Feast of Lexington. 7:30 p.m. Woodland Christian Church, 530 E. High St. (859) 266-3416.
Antebellum Christmas. Dec. 6 – 7. At Waveland State Historic Site, you can see what the holiday season was like on a Bluegrass plantation. 6 – 9 p.m. Waveland, 225 Waveland Museum Ln. (859) 272-3611.
Back to Bethlehem. Dec. 6. A Christmas experience for families with 2 – 10-year-olds. Experience the tiny village of Bethlehem as it was over 2,000 years ago. Immanuel Baptist Church, 3100 Tates Creek Rd. (859) 685-3286.
Brunch with Santa. Dec. 6. Gourmet brunch, Santa visit and photos, cookie decorating and kids’ holiday crafts, holiday gift raffle all in a winter wonderland with Lexington’s own favorite Santa, WVLK 590′s Jack Pattie. To benefit Growing Together Preschool, Inc. Two seatings: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Annette’s City CafÈ, 431 Old Vine St. (859) 255-4056.
Vivaldi’s Gloria. Dec. 7. Presented by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington Choir and Strings. 11 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington, 3564 Clays Mill Rd. (859) 223-1448.
A Gift of Music. Dec. 7. Holiday concert featuring all Transylvania vocal and instrumental programs. 3 p.m. Haggin Auditorium, 300 N. Broadway. (859) 233-8120.
Holiday Bazaar. Dec. 7. Over 25 booths of homemade and/or retail items and silent auctions. 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market St. (502) 863-1919.
Christmas Variety Show & Pageant. Dec. 7. Watch a variety of talent from comedy to music and join in a sing-along of favorite carols and more. Donated foods to benefit Christ Church Jesus Cupboard. 6 p.m. Christ Church, 3801 Harrodsburg Rd. (859) 223-1303.
Ashland Holiday Candlelight Open House. Dec. 7. A candlelit tour featuring costumed interpreters, Victorian carolers and live holiday music. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Ashland, 120 Sycamore Rd. (859) 266-8581.
December 8 – 14
Healthy Eating for the Holidays. Dec. 9. Keep that extra holiday weight from adding up with help from a registered dietitian from Lexington-Fayette Health Department. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Lexington Public Library: Beaumont Branch, 3080 Fieldstone Way. (859) 231-5570.
Annual Christmas Concert. Dec. 10. Featuring all Southern Hills United Methodist Church choirs, including the Chapel Choir (children), members of the Chancel and Sanctuary Choirs, Chime Choir (handbells), Ladies Only Vocal Ensemble and the Southern Hills Chamber Orchestra. 7 p.m. Southern Hills United Methodist Church, 2365 Harrodsburg Rd. (859) 277-6176.
Jingle Bell Bash. Dec. 11. Young Friends of the Bluegrass Conservancy invites young adults, 21 – 40, to an evening of cocktails, music and hors d’oeuvres. 7 – 10 p.m. Cross Gate Gallery, 509 E. Main St. (859) 255-4552.
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Holiday Concert. Dec. 11. Featuring the high school band, orchestra and choir. 7 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St.
Winter Tales. Dec. 11. Stories about winter and the holidays with hot chocolate and snacks. 6 – 7 p.m. Lexington Public Library: Central Library, 140 E. Main St. (859) 231-5520.
The Nutcracker in One Act. Dec. 12 – 13. This is a reduced version with all the magic of this timeless ballet classic; a Nutcracker perfectly suited for children. Presented by Bluegrass Youth Ballet. 7:30 Dec. 12; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. (859) 257-4929.
The Art Wrap. Dec. 13 – 14. Have your holiday presents wrapped to their fullest potential by the most creative wrappers of all – artists. Enjoy the gallery while your gifts are decorated and bedazzled with extraordinary works of art for only a small donation. 1 – 4 p.m. LAL@Loudoun House, 209 Castlewood Dr. (859) 254-7024.
Reindeer Romp. Dec. 13. Listen to reindeer stories and make reindeer crafts. 11 a.m. Lexington Public Library: Eagle Creek Branch, 101 N. Eagle Creek Dr. (859) 231-5560.
Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball. Dec. 13. A delightful romp in the style of the Regency Era. Refreshments will feature period dishes, and period costume will be admired but not required. Holiday decorations and carol singing will add to the festivity. 8 – 11 p.m. Carnegie Center, 251 W. 2nd St. (859) 420-6780.
Antebellum Christmas. Dec. 13 – 14. At Waveland State Historic Site, you can see what the holiday season was like on a Bluegrass plantation. 6 – 9 p.m. Waveland, 225 Waveland Museum Ln. (859) 272-3611.
Providence Holiday Marketplace. Dec. 13. Combined bazaar and arts and craft event including local crafters featuring Kentucky-made products. Providence Christian Church, 101 Providence Way. (859) 272-3655.
From Stress to Success – During the Holidays and Beyond. Dec. 13. Just in time for the holidays. In one power packed hour, you will learn the causes of stress and how to overcome them, the number one stress reliever in health care today, the five keys of living a life of peace and abundance. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Good Foods Market & CafÈ, 455 Southland Dr. (859) 278-1813.
Family Concert Series. Dec. 14. Candy Cane Concert: “A Christmas Carol.” The Lexington Philharmonic welcomes guest conductor Ryan Shirar and the Diana Evans Dancers to the stage for this musical retelling of “A Christmas Carol.” 3 p.m. (activities at 2 p.m.) Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. (859) 233-4226.
