Leap into the holiday season with a performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet. | Photo by Dr. Michael Huang Photography
If there’s one event that seems synonymous with the holiday season here, it’s “The Nutcracker.” And as Lexington Ballet celebrates its 50th anniversary, this year’s performances are a must-see.
“Especially here, it’s a timeless tradition that is just so treasured,” said Mia Isaacs, the Lexington Ballet’s executive director.
Native Lexingtonians will grace the stage this season, joined by professionals from around the country, including Tucson, Charlotte, Kansas City, and Louisville.
Fun fact: The Lexington Ballet’s first production of “The Nutcracker” was performed at Transylvania’s Haggin Auditorium in 1974.
Beyond the stage
Based downtown in ArtsPlace, the Lexington Ballet is a nonprofit that houses both a professional dance company and a ballet school offering instruction for all ages. Isaacs noted that the professional ballet dancers often work multiple jobs while dancing. “This is for the love of the art, it is a sacrifice, it’s a dedication, it’s your passion,” she said.
December StoryWalk | Tuesday, Dec. 3-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky | Free | Stroll from the Visitor’s Center to the Children’s Garden to reveal the Ezra Jack Keats classic “The Snowy Day” through interactive panels.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Christmas Double Feature Movie Night | 6:30 p.m. | Burl Brew | Free | See holiday flicks “Elf” + “Die Hard” back-to-back while enjoying $15 pitchers of Burl Lite, popcorn, and movie candy.
Henry Clay’s Lexington Walking Tour | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Henry Clay’s Law Office | $10 | Find out why Lexington was called the Athens of the West and learn more about our early industries in a self-paced downtown walking tour.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Soul Line Dancing | 7-8 p.m. | Dunbar Community Center | Free | Learn high energy line dances featuring hustles, shuffles + moves inspired by Salsa, in a good-vibes-only environment.
Friday, Dec. 6
Station 12 Tree Lighting | 5:30-7 p.m. | Fire Station 12 | Free | Enjoy light refreshments, entertainment from Lafayette High School and SCAPA, and the annual tree lighting at this local fire station.
Jingle & Mingle | 6 p.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Free | Browse shelves of books while sipping free hot cocoa + enter for your chance to win free books for a year.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Take a Hike | 9:30-11 a.m. | McConnell Springs | Free | Learn hiking basics and outdoor skills like reading a map and situational awareness on this easy to moderate hike.
Illuminated Evenings | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 4-8 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $0+ | Enjoy musical performances, pictures with Santa, candlelight tours, the Jingle Bell Shuttle, kid’s Elf Shop, hot drinks, bonfires, and more.*
Congratulations to Coach Craig Skinner for being named SEC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. See the volleyball team, including SEC player of the year Brooklyn DeLeye, in action as they host NCAA tournament sub-regional matches starting this Thursday, Dec. 5 at Memorial Coliseum.
Try This
Get crafty by making your own holiday wreath at The Arboretum’s workshop on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. The class is $25 + all materials will be provided and sourced from the grounds of the state botanical garden itself.
Shop
Downtown Lexington Partnership’s Shop and Celebrate initiative has officially begun. Now through Tuesday, Dec. 31, when you shop downtown at participating businesses, text “Downtown” to 859-423-3900 to submit your receipt for a chance to win weekly gift cards or the grand prize of $500.
Concert
The Singletary Center is decking the halls for “Collage: A Holiday Spectacular” this weekend. A limited number of tickets remain for Saturday night’s concert featuring hundreds of musicians from the UK Choir program, the school of music, and the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir. (UKNOW)
Cause
Box2Box needs the community’s help to replace its van. The local nonprofit, which supports refugees + new American students with life skills through soccer, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a replacement vehicle. The vehicle is used to transport students to its various programs.
Job
Bluegrass Greensource is hiring for its newly created development director position. The role will report directly to the Executive Director + help plan and coordinate fundraising efforts. Apply by Friday, Dec. 15 for this hybrid position.
Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use the promo code “2025" at checkout.
Fun Fact
LEXtoday does not have paywalls because we believe access to essential local news is priceless. You can support our free, daily newsletter with a donation. Think of it like buying us coffee — or tea, if that’s more your style. Thank you for your support.
City
City
Give good all week
Mayor Linda Gorton speaking during the GoodGiving Challenge kickoff in 2023. | Photo courtesy of Brandon Dunstan + LFUCG
Today marks the beginning of #GivingTuesday, a global campaign that encourages generosity. It also marks the start of Smiley Pete + the Blue Grass Community Foundation’s (BGCF) GoodGiving Challenge, which runs through Friday, Dec 6.
What is the GoodGiving Challenge?
Entering its 14th year, the GoodGiving Challenge has managed to help raise ~$23 million for Kentucky-based charities.
Each day is sponsored by various foundations + funds that are willing to match big dollars for your support. There are also daily prizes + challenges including Power Hour and Social Media Sweepstakes.
How to participate
If you want to help spread the charitable cheer, here are a few things to note:
There are 200 participating local and regional nonprofits
Love them all? One donation can be split equally between all participants.
The Buy
The Buy
These trendy cat eye sunglasses — because you can never have too many pairs. They boast scratch resistant lenses + 400UV protection. Bonus: Your purchase helps provide those in need with free eye exams + glasses.
If you love antiquing + thrifting, then be sure to stop by Scout this Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for its Watch and Jewelry Showcase to browse a special collection of vintage goodies.
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