Events are in full swing as organizations across Owensboro begin to celebrate the Christmas season. Here are some early December events to help kick off the festive spirit, including events for all ages.
If you or an organization you know is hosting an event during the first half of the month, let us know here and we’ll add it to the list.
Dec. 4-5
Owensboro Convention Center is having a weekend of events as part of the second weekend of 12 Days of Christmas. Inside the building, they will have the annual Holiday Market from 3-7 p.m. where families are able to walk through the different shops that will be participating. The first 100 people on Saturday will receive a free grab bag and the first 60 kids on Sunday.
Outside on the Legend’s Pier, and every weekend of December except Christmas weekend, the ice skating rink will be open. After paying $10, people are eligible to skate while overlooking the Ohio River.
Dec. 4-8 — 11 a.m.
Apollo High School’s DanceBlue organization is hosting three hours for families to take pictures with Santa Claus at 5010 Wildcat Way. It costs $25 to take your photo with Santa Claus. In traditional fashion for the DanceBlue organization, all proceeds will go to pediatric cancer.
Dec. 4-5 — 8 p.m.
Next Level Church of God is hosting a Winter Wonderland Christmas Banquet with Next Level and Wings of Faith Church of God. The Banquet is set to have a meal and entertainment and tickets are only $10. To register, go here.
Dec. 4-5 p.m.
It’ll be officially Christmastime as the annual Christmas tree gets lit at Smothers Park. Along with the tree being lit, the city will be unveiling the brand new Dancing Lights Show. Holiday lights will transform the center portion of Smothers Park with an interactive light show.
Dec 4. — 7 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame on Dec. 4 with the Lanham Brothers Jamboree Christmas Show. This festive concert event is hosted by brothers Randy and Barry Lanham and will feature several artists including Jenny Beth Willis, Emily Wills, Kings Highway, The Bartlett Family and Chris Joslin. The show will be benefiting Volunteer Owensboro. To purchase tickets go here.
Dec. 4 -5 — 3 p.m.
RiverPark Center will be showing the annual Nutcracker show put on by the Owensboro Dance Theatre. This year, it is sponsored by German American Bank and will feature students, classmates, friends, and five professional dancers. To purchase tickets head to RiverPark Center’s website.
Dec. 6 — 7 p.m.
Owensboro Community and Technical College Community Chorus is performing their holiday concert at First Christian Church and plan to cover a variety of styles. The 35-person chorus is composed of community members, high school students, and college students. To get tickets, contact Dr. Connie Ford at [email protected].
Dec. 8 — 4 p.m.
Owensboro Parks is hosting a Candy Cane Hunt to bring in some holiday cheer at Dugan Best Recreation Center. Families with kids under 18 will be able to hunt for candy canes throughout the park grounds and have a chance to win a prize.
Dec. 10 — 6 p.m.
For those who miss the thrill of Halloween, Ghostly Productions is hosting a Ghost of Christmas Past Ghost Tour throughout new locations. Added to the festivities is Santa Claus will be there to take photos with families in attendance.
Dec. 10 — 5 p.m.
Downtown will fill up for the second annual Hot Chocolate Hop where local businesses will be selling specialty hot chocolate drinks. Along with the hot chocolate, there will also be ice sculptures downtown.
Dec. 11 — 7:30 a.m.
The Convention Center is hosting a “holly jolly morning” to help families get in the Christmas spirit with their fourth annual Breakfast with Santa. At the event, there will be all juice, coffee, hot chocolate along with all-you-can-eat pancakes. While families are eating, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be walking around and taking free pictures and accepting letters to Santa. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and a special 4 tickets for $8. They can be bought here and at the box office.
Dec. 11 — 7 p.m.
Owensboro Symphony Chorus and Youth Orchestra will be performing their Home for the Holidays concert. This concert includes selections from The Nutcracker, Scrooge and more traditional favorites. Tickets can be bought here.
