2019 Holiday Performances

Whether you are looking for ballet, musical entertainment or stage shows, we have all the info on Central Kentucky holiday performances this season. Read on for details.

Derby Dinner Playhouse:“Elf The Musical”
Based on the 2003 movie starring Will Farrell, this musical adaptation has all the great humor and heart, but with added songs and holiday production numbers. Evening performances include a dinner buffet that are offered Tuesday-Saturday at 7:45 p.m. through Dec. 31.

Matinees are Tuesday-Friday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and include lunch before the show (select dates do not feature matinees.) No performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, Ind. Tickets from $40-$49.. Info: (812) 288-8281 or www.derbydinner.com

Derby Dinner Playhouse Children’s Series: “Christmas in Candyland”
When Nick and Noelle receive a special ticket to play Candyland, they are transported to a magically sweet world. Helped along the way by colorful characters like Betty Butterscotch, they work to defeat the selfish Lord Licorice on a journey full of sweet surprises. Breakfast performances begin at 9 a.m. and lunch performances at noon. Nov. 16, 23, 29-30, and Dec. 7, 14 and 21. A special evening performance will be Monday, Dec. 23 at 5:45 p.m. Tickets: $17-$22. 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, Ind. Info: (812) 288-8281 or www.derbydinner.com

EKU Center for the Arts: “A Christmas Carol”
This lavish holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic features a cast of performers, live musicians, Broadway-style scenery and costumes. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. School show on Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. Tickets: $25-$55. 1 Hall Drive, Richmond. Info: (859) 622-7469 or www.ekucenter.com

Lexington Children’s Theatre: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical”
Imagine all of the chaos and joy of your favorite holiday story set to music. It’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: THE MUSICAL.” School matinees on Dec. 2-6 & 9 at 10 a.m. and noon. Public shows are on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 & 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $25 adults, $20 children. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. Info: 254-4546 or www.lctonstage.org

Waveland Museum: Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Follow from room-to-room in a historic homesite as the drama of “A Christmas Carol” plays out right in front of you. Performance schedule: Dec. 7, 8, 14 &15 at 5:30, 7 & 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 6, 13 & 20 at 7 & 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Reservations required. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children. 225 Waveland Museum Lane. Info: 272-3611.

UK Collage: A Holiday Spectacular
Rejoice in the holiday spirit at the annual “Collage” concert presented by UK Choir members and a host of guest ensembles and soloists. Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets: $14-$29. Info: 257-4929 or visit https://finearts.uky.edu/music/events/collage-holiday-spectacular-5

The Lexington Brass Band: “‘Tis The Season”
Come and celebrate the sounds of the season with the Lexington Brass Band. Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. $10 per adult and $5 for students. Centenary United Methodist Church, 2800 Tates Creek Rd. Info and tickets: www.lexingtonbrassband.com/shows

Lexington Ballet Company: “The Nutcracker”

The Nutcracker marches back onto the EKU Center stage this holiday season in an enchanting production that will delight every member of the family. The Lexington Ballet Company performs this beautiful masterpiece under the artistic direction of Luis Dominguez. Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 & 7:30 p.m. School show Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. Tickets: $24-$49. 1 Hall Drive, Richmond. Info: (859) 622-7469 or www.ekucenter.com

Kentucky Ballet Theatre: “The Nutcracker”
Celebrate holiday cheer and the Christmas spirit with the classical ballet. Dec. 14 & 21 at 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 15 & 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $38. Lexington Opera House. Info: 233-3535 or visit www.kyballet.com

Lexington Philharmonic: “A Cathedral Christmas”
LexPhil returns to the Cathedral of Christ the King to present an array of sacred repertoire in “A Cathedral Christmas.” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25-$75. Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. Info: 233-4226 or www.lexphil.org

Bluegrass Youth Ballet: “The Nutcracker in One Act”
Condense the enchantment of the classic ballet into a single, family-friendly act to capture the attention of younger audiences. Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. $17-$20. Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall. Info: 271-4472 or www.bluegrassyouthballet.org

Jessamine County Arts: “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”
Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2:30 & 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m. $10 adults, $7 students. WJHS Auditorium, 2101 Wilmore Road. Nicholasville. Info: www.jessaminecountyarts.wixsite.com/info.

Lexington Dance Factory: “The Nutcracker”

The LDF Ballet Company performs the holiday classic on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 & 6 p.m. Tickets $10-$15 online in advance or $15 at the door. Haggin Auditorium, Transylvania University. Info: https://25654.recitalticketing.com/landing.cfm?loc=4