Fans of “The Nutcracker” will have eight opportunities to see the Lexington Ballet Company perform this traditional show at the Lexington Opera House over two weekends in December. (Fri.-Sun., Dec. 9-11 and 16-18, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.) Photo furnished
Holiday markets, light shows, performances and more
Luminate Lexington: Official Tree Lighting Ceremony. Nov. 27. During this annual holiday lighting festival, the city’s official Christmas tree will be lit up in bright lights, the first candle of Lexington’s Menorah will be lit and holiday carols will be sung. The event takes place in and around Triangle Park, where patrons can enjoy ice skating at The Rink, concessions and more. 3-7 p.m., Triangle Park, 400 W. Main St. www.downtownlex.com
Lexington Mercantile Co. MixMas Market. Dec. 2-3. This juried holiday market will feature handmade items from local makers, boutiques and vendors, as well as food and drink from local food trucks. Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.lexingtonmercantileco.com
Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade. Dec. 3. The annual downtown Christmas parade features a variety of participants, from individuals and families to organizations, marching bands and more, traveling along a route on Main Street between Midland Avenue and Mill Street. 11 a.m. www.downtownlex.com
On Dec. 3, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate will host a tree illumination ceremony, candlelit tours of the mansion, wreath-making workshops, kids’ activities and more. Photo by Ashland the Henry Clay Estate
A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland. Dec. 3-10. The annual holiday celebration at Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate kicks off with the annual Christmas Market on Dec. 3 (noon-7:30 p.m.). The European-style market event will feature holiday-themed music, entertainment, Santa selfies, and food and drink from local vendors, with the Ashland tree illumination taking place at sunset. Candlelight tours of the estate will be available that evening, as well as on Dec. 8 and 10 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) All candlelight tours will be by timed entrances (every 15 minutes), with the last guests admitted at 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Road. www.henryclay.org
Michler's Christmas Market. Dec. 3-4. With the aromas of blooming citrus blending with the cinnamon and cloves of hot mulled wine, Michler’s Greenhouses will transform into an idyllic and romantic setting for its annual Christmas Market, featuring a diversity of artists and artisans vending locally made ceramics, jewelry, cards, toys, soaps, scarves, ornaments and more. Michler’s wreath-makers will be crafting wreaths all day, florists will be decorating boxwood trees, and Christmas pastries, fire pits and live music add further enticement. More info on participating vendors and hte music schedule available at the website. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday. Michler's Greenhouses, 417 E. Maxwell St. (free parking in the back lot, 446 E. High St.). www.michlers.com/pages/christmas-market
Rockin‘ Around the Christmas Tree featuring the Coach Mitchell Band. Dec. 6. This spirited holiday show is presented in partnership with benefactor organization the Fayette Education Foundation. The event will feature a performance from a band featuring former University of Kentucky women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell and an all-star cast; holiday apparel will be available to purchase during the fundraising event as well. 7 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchestermusichall.com
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghost of Christmas Eve, The Best of Trans-Siberian Orchestra & More.” Dec. 7. This stunning rock opera features Paul O’Neill’s timeless story of a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious, abandoned theater. 7 p.m. Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St. www.rupparena.com
Crafted Social Holiday Market. Dec. 9-10. This winter celebration brings together the best traditional and contemporary artists, craftspeople and functional designers for a two-day indoor market inside the headquarters of the Lexington Art League, the Historic Loudoun House. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, music and live art installations. The event features a special ticketed preview night on Friday (5-9 p.m.), and will be open to the public on Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Loudoun House, 209 Castlewood Dr. www.craftedsocialky.com/winter-market-2022
Sora Aerial Nutcracker. Dec. 9-11. This non-traditional spin on the Nutcracker will take it up into the air, using new music and putting a circus twist on this holiday classic. Performers fly through the air, displaying astounding feats of strength, jaw-dropping tricks, stunning flexibility, magical illusions, and extravagant beauty. The production will utilize a variety of aerial and circus arts to tell the classic story, including aerial silks, aerial hoop, contortion, dance, hoop dance, high flying acrobatics and more. Sora's mission is to make Aerial Arts accessible to all, with students of all ages as well as professionals from Sora’s Company hitting the stage to present a jubilant and unique production for audiences of all ages to enjoy. Fri., Sat., Sun. at 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets here.
Art & Stuff Holiday Market. Dec. 10. Hosted by LuigART Studios, studio regulars will have work on display, along with artists Crimson Duvall, Amanda Bridges, Melissa Hall, Claire Skubik-Peplaski, Raymond Papka, Michael Taylor and Mary Rezny. The 'Stuff' part will be supplied by Hella Janky and a few of the artists bringing in various items like mid-century pottery and assemblage items for art pieces. Lex Center for Creative Reuse will also be open, so stop in downstairs to pick up some great deals on arts and crafts supplies. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 110 Luigart Court, Suite 250.
International Sip & Shop. Dec. 10. International Book Project's annual Sip & Shop will expand this year to include an International Market. The “Sip” will include a variety of beverages for purchase by Lexington’s own Pivot Brewing and the “Shop” will feature handmade sustainable gifts from Kentucky and around the world. Live music will be happening throughout the day, and the 305 Cubano food truck will offer delicious and authentic Cuban food. Participating vendors include Kumani Arts (handmade and sustainable gifts from Nepal); Sage + Strand (high vibe, luxe malas and intention jewelry handmade with love); Renmeleon (hand-designed cards, card sets, prints); January Moore Woodworking (beautifully crafted bowls, jewelry, and unique kitchen utensils); Sorella's Gelateria (Bosnian baked goods and homemade gelato); ConcinnitybyErica (birch wood slice ornaments and gifts); and Kentucky Refugee Ministries (handcrafted ornaments which include fabrics from Africa). International Book Project’s bookstore has a wide selection of books for the perfect gift or to enjoy during the holidays as well.1-6 p.m. International Book project, 1440 Delaware Ave. intlbookproject.org
Operation: Secret Santa. Accepting donations and volunteers throughout the month of December. This grassroots organization started in 2016 with the goal of helping bring extra cheer to families who need it, in the form of holiday gifts for kids. The operation has expanded greatly, now providing holiday meals and food baskets for more than 700 families in addition to gifts. The organization is in need of financial donations, donations of unwrapped toys (toys for teens and babies are in especially high demand), and volunteers to help with organizing, boxing and delivery. At this time, financial donations to purchase food are in the greatest need (ideally before Dec. 2). Nominations for families who need some extra cheer are accepted through Dec. 13. Visit www.operationsecretsanta.org, follow Operation: Secret Santa on Facebook, or email infoOSSLex@gmail.com for more information on how to help or participate. Donation drop points will be posted on social media.
Lexington Ballet Company: “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 9-11, 16-18. Marie embarks on a magical journey with the Sugar Plum Fairy, waltzing flowers, the Snow Queen and, of course, the Nutcracker Prince, battling the Mouse King and traveling to the Land of Sweets along the way, in this series of performances by the Lexington Ballet Company. 7:30 p.m. Fri.; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com
LexPhil and Lexington Singers present “A Cathedral Christmas.” Dec. 17. The Lexington Philharmonic and the Lexington Singers join forces in this annual collaboration, presenting a program of sacred orchestral and choral works in the beautiful Cathedral of Christ the King. 8 p.m. Christ the King Cathedral, 299 Colony Blvd. www.lexphil.org/a-cathedral-christmas
Kentucky Theatre Holiday Market. Dec. 17. The historic Kentucky Theatre's Annual Holiday Market will feature hundreds of film posters along with a brand new 100th-anniversary Kentucky Theatre mug, Kentucky Theatre postcards and greeting cards, a limited-edition Santa Fred Mills sticker, as well as memberships, gift cards, and a theater seat with your name on it (or the name of your favorite movie fan, or your book club, neighborhood association, or recipient of choice!). 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www.kentuckytheatre.org
Last Call Art Market. December 18. This perfectly timed addition to your holiday shopping features great handmade and locally crafted works from favorite local makers. Bring the kiddos and get some pics with Santa at 1 p.m. Confirmed vendors include Anna Gregory Design, David Kring Ceramics, Cricket Press, Forage Plant Shop, Theory Beyond Design, Will McComb Ceramics, Onniva Studio, Happy Spooning, Matchstick Goods and more to be announced. 12-5 p.m. Barrel Room at West Sixth Brewing, 501 W. Sixth St.
Southern Lights. Daily through Dec. 31. This annual event has been helping Kentuckians get in the festive spirit for more than 20 years. After driving through more than three miles of extravagant holiday lights, guests can head inside to meet Santa, visit a petting zoo and take mini-train rides. Open daily 5:30-10 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Eve.) The Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike. www.khpfoundation.org/southern-lights
The historic Millersburg property Mustard Seed Hill will transform into a winter wonderland for its annual monthlong Christmas celebration, taking place Dec. 1-Jan. 1. Photo furnished
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill. Dec. 1-Jan. 1. The fifth annual holiday event at the historic Millersburg property will kick off on Dec. 1 and continue nightly through Jan. 1. Visitors can experience a magnificent, three-acre Christmas light display seven days a week, with additional programming available Thurs.-Sun., including a gingerbread house competition, an artisan market, a holiday cafe with food and refreshments, a nativity display and a family fireside experience with fire pits available to reserve for families and groups. 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 3-9 p.m. Sun. Mustard Seed Hill, 1122 Main St., Millersburg. www.mustardseedhill.events/christmas
Jones Family Christmas Light Show. Dec. 1-Jan. 1. This is the seventh year that legally blind Lexingtonian Ryan Jones has been creating an elaborate light show synced to holiday music at his Wyndham Downs home for all of Lexington to enjoy. Passersby are encouraged to turn their car radios to 89.5 FM and enjoy the light show from the warmth and safety of their cars. The show takes place nightly from 6:30-9 p.m., except during inclement weather. 1748 Abbington Hill. www.facebook.com/JonesFamilyLights
Ice Skating at The Rink. Open daily through Jan. 18. Triangle Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown Lexington with the opening of the annual outdoor ice skating rink, perfect for a family outing or date night. Concessions are available from the concession stand. Mon.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4-11p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30-9 p.m. (Open additional daytime hours when Fayette County Schools are out; see website for full details.) www.downtownlex.com