Prepare for an evening of intrigue, mystery and fantasy at The Grand Reserve’s 1st Annual NYE Masquerade Ball. Revel in masked encounters; indulge in the ever-flowing cocktails and grandeur fit for royalty on the last day of 2015! Doors open at 9 pm. The party goes until 2 am. There will be a live band, balloon drop & confetti cannon, party favors galore, and of course champagne toast at midnight. Dress to stun and awe! Costumes not required, but prizes will be given out for the Best Dressed, Best Costumes and Best Mask. Tickets range from $99-$175 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com.
Jim Brickman “Comfort & Joy” Tour | December 28th
This year, Jim Brickman will bring together the sounds of the season with “Comfort & Joy”, the 2015 Holiday Tour. Hailed by the Boston Herald as a “crowd-pleaser”, Jim celebrates the season with a one-of-a-kind concert event with lush instrumentals and soaring vocals. As he marks this 19-year tradition from coast to coast, Jim will showcase new music, along with holiday favorites and the hits that made him the most charted (30) Billboard Adult Contemporary artist, earning him two Grammy nods and four gold albums. Christmas might be over, but the holiday spirit will still be surrounding you. The show will take place at the Lexington Opera House, Monday December 28th at 7:30 pm, tickets range from $35-$65 and may be purchased at lexingtonoperahouse.com
Sesame Street Live | December 5th - 6th
No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone grew up watching Sesame Street. Lovable characters like Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their equally adorable friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing to sharing cookies! Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family! Shows will run December 5th and 6th at Rupp Arena, tickets (ticketmaster.com) range from $15-$65 with premium “Sunny Seats” available for purchase.
The Santa Express | December 5th , 6th 12th , 13th 19th and 20th
Hop on the Santa Express in New Haven, Kentucky and enjoy an approximate 2-hour train excursion. Santa walks through the train and visits with the little ones, so don’t forget your cameras! Children can keep it cozy and casual and are encouraged to wear their pajamas while they snack on cookies and sip hot cocoa. This event will take place December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-21. Adult tickets are $24 and $19 for children age 2-12; kids under the age of 2 qualify for free admission. Departure times are 4 pm for all dates. For more information please visit kyrail.org.
YMCA Reindeer Ramble | December 12th
The Reindeer Ramble is a wonderful way to participate in a 5K run/walk while supporting scholarships for kids attending the YMCA summer camps. Participants are encouraged to don their favorite holiday sweater, Santa suit or “holiday festive” attire and get into the spirit of this holiday fun run. You may register as an individual or with a group as a “Santapede” team. Teams can range from 3 to 10 participants. There’s one hitch—you have to be linked together with a garland or ribbon throughout the entire race. Teams can consist of adult and child members. They will recognize the top finishers in each category, as well as those “Santapede” teams that celebrated the holiday spirit most brightly. The reindeer games will run at Keeneland on Saturday December 12th at 9 am. Individual and group entry prices range from $15 to $175. You can sign up at runsignup.com.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe | December 13th, 19th and 20th
Not only will kids love this production of the classic tale, but so will adults. Readers of the book can bring the little ones in their life to see the mythical tale set in Narnia, land of eternal winter where the White Witch holds power over all and any who dare dissent are turned instantly to stone. But one day, a little girl named Lucy enters this magical land through an enchanted wardrobe and signals a great change to come. Go through the wardrobe with Peter and Lucy in this two‐actor adaptation of the classic tale of triumph of good over evil. Public performances are December 13th, 19th and 20th. Adult admission is $18, $15 for kids. Tickets can be purchased on lctonstage.org.
Visit Santa at the Distillery | December 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th
Have your children get their wish list ready for Santa as you celebrate the season with jolly old Saint Nick on December 11-12 and 18-19 in the Visitor Center at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort from 6 pm - 8 pm. Entry is complimentary. For additional information please visit buffalotracedistillery.com or call (502) 696-5926.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens | December 17th
The beginning of a new Star Wars trilogy will take place 30 years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The new film will feature “a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces,” like the film’s original stars, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. According to the Star Wars “Wookieepedia”, Episode VII will feature the forces of the First Order, an offshoot of the Galactic Empire, aligned against the Resistance and sprung from the Rebel Alliance. The story material will not be based on Star Wars Legends, formerly known as the Expanded Universe, rather it will be an original story set after Return of the Jedi. Specific synopsis details about the film have been pretty hush-hush, but for any true Star Wars fan this is a must-see installment of the 38 year old film franchise.