“Hometown Christmas,” a series of holiday activities, is returning to downtown Owensboro. Things kick off on November 17 with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. From festive photo ops and interactive light displays to Christmas-themed programs and theatre performances, more than a dozen activities will take place through December 31.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on November 17 near the fountains in Smothers Park.
New this year to the riverfront holiday decorations will be a bourbon barrel Christmas tree — crafted from barrels courtesy of Green River Distilling Co. — that will light up McConnell Plaza. This new element will be in addition to the traditional Christmas tree and the holiday décor along the riverfront.
Some of the more anticipated returning events include:
- November 17-December 31 — Dancing Lights: Spread across Smothers Park and along Veterans Boulevard, every 15 minutes lights will “dance” to a different classic Christmas carol.
- November 18 — Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade: Starts at 4:30 p.m. on 2nd Street
- November 25-December 30 — Energy on Ice: Outdoor skating rink on the pier behind the Owensboro Convention Center. Hours: Fridays 5-9 p.m.; Saturdays 4-9 p.m.; Sundays 4-7 p.m.
- December 2 — Holiday Stroll: Features a gnome scavenger hunt, live music, downtown shopping, coffee and cocktail crawl, and more. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- December 2-3 — The German American Bank Nutcracker at RiverPark Center: December 2 at 7 p.m.; December 3 at 3 p.m.
- December 8-9 — Hot Chocolate Hop: Local downtown businesses will be selling different specialty hot chocolate drinks. Hours vary.
- December 9 — Lanham Brothers Christmas Jamboree at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Hosted by brothers Barry and Randy Lanham and recorded for broadcast on KET. Featuring Bryan White, with performances by Lucy Jagoe Chaney, Emmie Kate Williams, Mackenzie Bell, Wayne Morris, The Footstompin’ Express, and more. Shows at 3 and 7 p.m.
Find the full list of festivities at Christmas.Owensboro.org.
