Sat. December 8

• Where: Carnegie Center for Art and History
  What: Family Fun Workshop - Orange Pomander Balls
  **Bring an orange for each child. Free drop-in family art workshop held the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am-12 pm. At our December 8 workshop, we will be making Orange Pomander Balls (an ornament made by studding an orange with dried cloves and then letting the whole thing dry). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested ages 2-12. Pre-registration is required and on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive no later than 11:30
  When: 10AM - 12 PM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: 812 944-7336 lwilkins@carnegiecenter.org
  

• Where: The Summit, Louisville
  What: Breakfast with Santa
  Santa will be available for breakfast with the entire family at Martini Italian Bistro. There will be special holiday activities during the breakfast including crafts, photos with Santa and much more.
  When: 9 - 10:30 AM
  Fee: unknown
  More Info: Call (502) 394-9797 for ticket prices and reservations.
  

• Where: Historic Bardstown
  What: Christmas Tour of Homes
  Tour of privately owned homes decorated for the holidays in Bardstown and the surrounding area. It includes the candlelight tour of My Old Kentucky Home. Refreshments will be served at selected homes.
  When: 2 - 9PM
  Fee: $15
  More Info: 502 348-4877
  

• Where: Barnes & Noble, Etown
  What: Storytime
  When: 11 AM
  Fee: free
  More Info: (270) 763-0288
  

• Where: Belle of Louisville
  What: Holiday Dinner Dance
  It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, so why not give yourselves a break from it all and join us on the historic Belle of Louisville for an evening of food and festivity. She's remaining dockside, so we will be able to match your schedule easily. A delicious buffet dinner awaits, and with live music and a good-sized dance floor, it will be an evening to remember. Advance reservations are required.
  When: 8 - 11 PM
  Fee: $60 per person (all ages)
  More Info: 502-574-2992 or (toll free) 866-832-0011
  

• Where: Louisville Free Public Library - Southwest Branch
  10375 Dixie Highway
  What: Toddler Dance Party
  Join us for some silly dances, rhymes, songs, games, and a morning snack. Shake your sillies out with us! Ages 0-5
  When: 10 AM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: 502-933-0029
  

• Where: Lowe's in Elizabethtown
  What: Build and Grow Workshop
  The holidays are right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build this cool Gingerbread House! You must pre-register.
  When: December 8, 10 AM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: Register here
  

• Where: Downtown Elizabethtown, Justice Center
  What: Winter Wonder on Wintersmith
  Join in for a winter walk before the holiday hustle and bustle !! This hike will begin at 2:00 p.m. on the Wintersmith Trail at the Justice Center (park in Justice Center lot).
  Caroling, hot chocolate, and cider are planned.
  When: December 8, 2 PM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: 270-765-9074
  

• Where: Downtown Elizabethtown
  What: Light Up Downtown
  Elizabethtown Hardin County Heritage Council will be hosting the annual "Light Up Downtown". The event kicks off with breakfast with Santa, the annual Christmas parade, and tree lighting in Public Square.
  Breakfast With Santa event is moving from the State Theater to The Brown Pusey House. Since seating is limited, reservations will be required by calling 270-765-2515. Breakfast will be served from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. At The Santa Workshop, design and make Christmas crafts. Santa Workshop will overlap the breakfast from 10:00 am-3:00 pm
  When: December 8, 9 AM - 3 PM. Parade begins at 5 PM
  Fee: Breakfast with Santa - $5 each
  Santa's workshop - $3 each.
  More Info: Call 270-982-2209 or 270-765-2515 for more details concerning the Light Up Downtown, Breakfast With Santa, Second Saturday and Christmas Parade details.
  

• Where: Historic State Theater
  What: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
  When: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7PM, Second Thursday evening at 7PM, Sunday matinees at 3PM
  Fee: unknown
  More Info: Information and tickets call 270-351-0577
  

• Where: Historic State Theater
  What: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacations
  When: 2 PM & 7 PM
  Fee: $5 each
  More Info: 270-234-8258
  

• Where: Hardin County Library
  What: Stories and Tails
  This program will allow children and families to read aloud to a therapy dog, to improve reading and communication skills, improve literacy levels, and encourage a positive reading environment. This program is sponsored by the Fort Knox American Red Cross. No registration is required.
  When: 1-2PM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: (270) 769-6337
  

• Where: Hardin County Library
  Hardin County Library - North Branch
  What: Special Saturday Storytime
  special craft holiday ornament
  When: December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  11AM-12PM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: (270) 769-6337
  

• Where: Derby Dinner Playhouse
  What: A Fairy Tale Christmas
  Children's Musical Theatre for ages 3 to 12. One hour performances and kid-friendly food just right for kids. Free Parking included. Santa will be at every performance!
  When: December 1, 8, 15, 17, 22
  Breakfast 9 AM, Lunch 12 PM
  Fee: Breakfast - $16, Lunch - $21
  Contact: Derby Dinner Playhouse
  

• Where: Louisville Zoo
  What: Santa's Safari
  Santa is making a special stop at the Louisville Zoo and he’s bringing a bunch of his North Pole friends along too. Join the holiday cheer with Frosty the Snowman, as he leads children of all ages in a Christmas carol sing-a-long.
  Be a part of Santa’s workshop where elves help families create a wonderful holiday craft. And of course, no visit would be complete without Mrs. Claus serving her famously delicious milk and cookies (and hot chocolate or coffee too for the grown-ups.) A complementary photo with Santa will be provided to each child.
  Then grab your special Santa Safari Passport and begin your journey through the Zoo’s heated buildings to experience one-on-one interaction with Zoo animals and Zoo educators. Bring your cameras! Also includes the 4-D movie, Polar Express.
  When: Dec. 8&9, 15&16
  10 Am, Noon & 2 PM
  Fee: Non-Members - 2 & under: $11, 3 & up: $20.95
  Members - 2 & under: $8.50, 3 & up: $15.95
  More Info: www.louisvillezoo.com
  

• Where: Louisville Science Center
  What: Messy Afternoons
  Messy Afternoons are filled with sloppy, icky, gunky and gooey activities intended to introduce young learners to science concepts and tools, and foster the innate curiosity of young and old alike. Program offerings change each week, so your little ones will never get bored. Activities are open to children ages 7 and younger and their families.
  When: every Saturday and Sunday
  Noon - 4 PM
  Fee: free for members, Free with paid admission for non-members
  More Info: www.kysciencecenter.org
  

• Where: Yew Dell Gardens
  What: Holiday Trains Exhibit
  Have you ever seen an entire town inside a castle? Well, climb aboard and bring the kids (and grandkids too!) to Yew Dell this holiday season for the popular Yew Dell Gardens Express – a fabulous snow village and model train display. This magical exhibit has been created by master model builder Bob Irmscher with support from some of the most talented model train enthusiasts in the region. In addition to the trains, kids of all ages will enjoy scavenger hunts, visits from Santa on December 1 & 8 and more! Bring your cameras!
  When: Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
  Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
  Sunday Noon - 4 PM
  Santa from noon - 4 PM on 12/1 and 12/8
  Fee: ree for members and children 12 and under, $7/adult, $5/seniors.
  More Info: 502-241-4788 or email info@yewdellgardens.org
  

• Where: Seelbach Hilton Hotel
  What: Brunch with Santa
  Join your friends at the historic Seelbach Hotel as they celebrate the season with a kid friendly buffet, activities, crafts and a visit from Jolly Old St. Nick! Parents, don't forget your cameras. Complimentary valet parking for this event.
  When: 10 AM & 12:30 PM
  Fee: $30 for Adults, $15 for children 5-12years, 4 and under are free
  More Info: 502 585-9211
  

• Where: American Printing House for the Blind
  1839 Frankfort Ave, Louisville
  What: Holiday Ornament Workshop
  People who are blind or visually impaired enjoy learning about art and making art just as sighted people do. This workshop showcases methods and materials used by blind artists to make ornaments and decorations celebrating the spirit of Christmas Hanukkah, or Kwanza. Our guest instructor is Patrice Will, teaching artist for VSA Arts of Kentucky. Admission is free, but registration is required. Open to all ages
  When: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: 502 895-2405 or www.aph.org
  

• Where: The Kentucky Center
  What: Sugar Plum Party
  Join the children's casts from The Brown-Forman Nutcracker for holiday fun and festivities at a pre-show Sugar Plum Party on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 16. $20 per person includes sandwiches platters, chips, sweets table with choice of milk or juice, photos with cast members, special art projects, and a sing-along.
  When: 11:30 AM - 1 PM
  Fee: $20 does not include admission to the ballet.
  More Info: www.louisvilleballet.org
  

• Where: Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY
  What: Annual Candlelight Tours
  Bourbon enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the 2012 holiday season with Maker's Mark. The distillery will offer its annual Candlelight Tours during which visitors can tour the festively decorated Victorian grounds and 19th century restored distillery. The self-guided Candlelight Tours are free and open to the public. Visitors can enjoy bourbon-inspired cocktails and refreshments, as well as free parking.
  When: 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  Fee: Free
  More Info: For directions or further information, contact the Maker's Mark Visitors Center at (270) 865-2099 or visit the Web site at www.makersmark.com (must be 21 years of age or older to enter).
  

• Where: Wickland, Bardstown
  What: Mrs. Julia Beckham's Christmas Tea at Wickland
  Julia Wickliffe Beckham, the only woman in the world to be the mother, sister and daughter of a governor, hosts a Victorian Tea at Wickland, Home of Three Governors. She shares her memories of living at Wickland at the turn of the century. Call for reservations.
  When: Noon
  Fee: $15
  More Info: www.visitbardstown.com or 502-507-0808
  

• Where: My Old Kentucky Home, Bardstown
  What: Candlelight Tours
  My Old Kentucky Home is decorated for Christmas in the antebellum style beautifully accented by the glow of candles everywhere. Guests have a guided tour with refreshments afterwards.
  When: 5:30 -8:30 PM
  Fee: Adults, $7.00; Seniors, $5.00; Children, $3.50; under 6, free
  More Info: www.visitbardstown.com or 502-348-3502
  

• Where: The Kentucky Center
  What: The Brown-Forman Nutcracker - Opening Day!
  Experience the joy of the season with this holiday favorite. For decades, the Louisville Ballet has enchanted you with the magical world of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Now is the perfect time to introduce your children to this wonderful holiday tradition…or maybe reconnect with the child in you!
  When: December 8 - December 23
  1:30 PM and 7:30 PM
  Fee: $30+ - Receive 25% off with the code HEROES at checkout.
  More Info: www.louisvilleballet.org
  

• Where: Barr Library
  What: Holidays in Action! Film Fest
  Come enjoy your favorite holiday related action movies!
  When: 12 PM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: 502-624-1232
  

• Where: Stewart Training Center, BLDG 67, Fort Knox
  What: Home Alone Safety
  Training will include: When is your child ready to be left home alone, basic safety and emergency planning, preparing snacks, and character counts. Certificates of completion will be awarded to youth. Parents must attend. Must register. Youth must be registered with CYSS.
  When: 10 AM - 11:30 AM
  Fee: FREE
  More Info: Register by calling 502-624-6703
  

• Where: Otto PFC, Fort Knox
  What: Jingle Bell Run 5K
  When: Check in: 7 AM
  Safety Brief: 8:45 AM
  Race Starts: 9 AM
  Fee: $5per runner
  More Info: 502-624-8180
  

• Where: Bernheim Forest Vistor Center
  What: Wreaths and Holiday Decorating with Nature
  Decorating for the holidays can be fun, easy, and extremely inexpensive when you use found objects in nature. Learn how to use the bounty of the season to create wreaths, swags, kissing balls, and more. All materials will be collected from Bernheim, and supplies and tools will be provided. Join us for a class where creativity can turn everyday objects into beautiful seasonal décor. This workshop takes place at Bernheim's Research Center
  When: 10 AM - Noon
  Fee: $40.00 per person for Bernheim members and $50.00 for non-members. Registration and payment are required by 4:30 p.m. on the day prior to the program
  More Info: (502) 955-8512
  

• Where: Whitehall House & Gardens
  3110 Lexington Road, Louisville
  What: Victorian Tea
  Whitehall's Victorian Christmas Tea will feature English tea and a delicious array of tasty sweets and savory tea sandwiches served in a proper formal setting. This popular event is perfect for all ages and everyone is invited to attend - it's truly a magical way to begin your holidays!
  When: 2:45 PM
  Fee: $35 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required.
  More Info: (502) 897-2944 or whitehall@historichomes.org
  

• Where: Historic Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Ln, Louisville
  What: Candelight Christmas
  A celebration reminiscent of the year 1811 comes alive as the Clark & Croghan families greet their guests. Music and dancing await in the 2nd floor parlor. Mantles and stairs are draped with fresh greens and fruits of all varieties. Out in the hearth kitchen the cook prepares the food and in the Visitors' Center light refreshments are available.
  When: 4 - 9 PM
  Fee: $6 adults, $3 children, $18 family
  More Info: 502 897-9845, lghh@locustgrove.org, www.locustgrove.org
  

• Where: The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater
  What: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
  The Herdmans are the worst kids in the whole history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have bullied their way into the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! Slated to be the "worst pageant ever", the whole town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas. Will the pageant be a disaster as everyone is expecting, or will the spirit of the season change the hearts and minds of the Herdman family? Back by popular demand; join Stage One for this raucous holiday event perfect for the whole family! Recommended for Ages 8 and up
  When: 2PM & 5PM
  Fee: $19.75
  More Info: www.kentuckycenter.org
  

• Where: The Kentucky Center, Brown Theater
  What: Trey McIntyre Project & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
  Feel the heat as one of the hottest companies in contemporary dance and some of NOLA’s finest musicians bring the iconic culture of New Orleans to life in movement and sound.
  When: 8 PM
  Fee: Range from $25 and up
  More Info: www.kentuckycenter.org/
  

• Where: Wickland, Bardstown
  What: Candlelight Tours at Wickland
  Costumed students will entertain with demonstrations,stories and music. Each visiting student will have the opportunity to create a holiday craft. Wickland will be aglow with historic decorations.
  When: 5-8 PM
  Fee: $5 for adults, $ 3 for students, and under 6 are free.
  More Info: www.visitbardstown.com or 502-507-0808
  

• Where: Blackacre Conservancy
  What: Country Christmas at Blackacre
  Come out and enjoy a relaxing winter afternoon at Blackacre. Listen to carolers, drink hot chocolate and eat homemade cookies while you chat with friends at Blackacre. Weather permitting, there will also be buggy rides!
  When: 2 PM
  Fee: free.
  More Info: www.blackacreconservancy.org/events/
  

• Where: Hardin County Library
  Hardin County Library - Main Branch
  What: Special Saturday Storytime
  Children and their caregivers. We will listen to stories, sing or dance to music, and make a craft. Walk-ins are welcome.
  When: 11-11:30 AM
  Fee: Free
  More Info: (270) 769-6337
  

• Where: Frazier Museum
  What: Second Saturday Family Day - Holidays Around the World
  December’s SECOND SATURDAY will fill the museum with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday season.
  When: December 8, 11-4PM
  Fee: Free for kid's club members, regular museum admission for everyone else.
  More Info: (502) 753-5663
  

• Where: KY Railway Museum, New Haven.
  What: Santa Express
  Visit with Santa and his helpers as they pass through the train handing out Christmas goodies of cookies and hot chocolate. Wear your pajamas for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera!
  When: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22
  call for times
  Fee: unknown
  More Info: 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152.
  

• Where: Louisville Nature Center
  What: Holly and Ivy
  Visit the Nature Center and make this old fashioned holiday event a tradition with your friends and family. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks while making your own wreaths, swags and table decorations from live greenery. Ribbons, gloves and wire cutters are provided, but we appreciate you bringing your own tools if you have them.
  When: 9 AM - 3 PM
  Fee: LNC Members $20 wreaths; $15 swags and table decorations. Non-members $25 wreaths; $20 swags and table decorations.
  More Info: LNC@bellsouth.net or call us at (502) 458-1328 www.louisvillenaturecenter.org
  

• Where: Bernheim Forest
  What: Fall Star Stories and Sky Watch Night
  Bernheim’s night programs add mystery, magic and make for memorable experiences. Autumn and the coming of winter provide rewards for those who bundle up and venture outdoors. The stars and planets appear to sparkle more brightly, and there is nothing like coming into the warmth after a short brisk adventure outdoors. Listen for owls calling and the crunch of frost beneath your boots as you and your family experience the gifts that can best be discovered on cool autumn nights. Registration and payment due by 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to the start of the program
  When: 5:30 - 8 PM
  Fee: Bernheim members $10; Non-members $12
  More Info: Call (502) 955-8512 for last minute updates and changes due to weather. Space is limited.
  

• Where: Bernheim Forest
  What: Fall Forest Foray: Wilson Creek
  Wilson Creek is an important watershed with over 32 miles of its tributaries within Bernheim boundaries, in scenic and biologically important areas. On this van tour with moderate hiking you will learn about the importance of healthy streams and what Bernheim is doing to protect them. You will see several habitats, including a beaver pond and golden eagle ridge, with chances for wildlife sightings. Register today; space is limited. Wear outdoor clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center for shuttle. Registration and payment are due by 4 p.m. on the day prior to start of program;
  When: 10 AM - 12 PM
  Fee: Bernheim members $10; Non-members $15
  More Info: Call (502) 955-8512
  

• Where: Falls of the Ohio Park
  What: Steamboats in the Ohio River
  Chuck Parrish, the well-known local river historian retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will have a program on the history of steamboats and its impact on the Ohio River. It will include viewing a special DVD made for the bicentennial last year. A question and answer session will follow.
  When: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  Fee: Visitor Fees can be found here: www.fallsoftheohio.org/visitor_info.html
  More Info: (812) 280-9970 park@fallsoftheohio.org