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You can't beat an old fashioned Christmas, and the in the Heartland the holiday season is well underway. All through the region people are working hard to top last year's displays, pageants and celebrations. The spirit and magic of the Christmas season comes alive this year with a dazzling display of merriment and tradition. Whether you enjoy the singing of carols, the dazzle of twinkling Christmas lights or the simple fun of traditional holiday events, there is something for everyone this year in Kentucky's Heartland.
Starting November 23 to December 19, 'Christmas Round Bardstown' unveils a wonderland of carriage rides, old fashioned train trips, tours of historic homes and special events with Santa Claus. Bardstown is also the perfect place to find that special gift for the loved ones on your list this year. Here's a preview of this years events in Bardstown. For a complete listing of activities and more information, go to www.visitbardstown.com.
Step back in time to Christmas long ago at My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours December 7 & 8 at the State Park. As you tour Federal Hill Mansion, you'll be transported to the year 1850, see period costumes of yesteryear and join in the music and fun with carols, cakes, cider and cookies. On December 7, The Stephen Foster Music Club hosts a special self-guided tour of eight private area residences both old and new, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Ticket holders can walk through each home and talk with the owners. This tour also includes My Old Kentucky Home. The six-hour event starts at 3 pm and runs until 9 pm. More information is available by calling 502-348-4877or 1-800-638-4877.
If gourmet food is your pleasure, check out the special treats at Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center Open House in Nelson County. Specialty items include triple berry marmalade, apple butter, gourmet sauces, mustards, and much, much more. Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center prides itself on the largest indoor Christmas tree and indoor decorations in the county. The Heritage Center open house is free. Come out and enjoy the festivities December 7, 8, 14 & 15, located at 1311 Gilkey Run Road. Visit their web site at www.bourbonheritagecenter.com for more information. Also at the Heritage Center, you can hitch a ride on a holiday express aboard Heaven Hill Distilleries Trolley Tour running December 8, 14 & 15. You'll listen to a narrated tour as you see Bardstown decked out in all its Christmas glory. For more information call 502-510-0012.
Of course what would the holidays be without bright red and green? Jim Beam Poinsettia Extravaganza takes place from December 1 - 15. Select beautiful Christmas poinsettias for your home and help support the local community as all proceeds from the poinsettia sales will go to local charities. Browse the gift shop for that special Christmas gift and enjoy the festive holiday spirit while discovering the history of the legendary Beam family who has been making bourbon for over 200 years. Admission is free and hours are Monday - Saturday 9am-4:30pm. They are located on Hwy 245, Clermont, KY. For more information, call 502-543-9877.
What better way to roll into Christmas than aboard a historic train? The Kentucky Railway Museum Santa Express rolls down the tracks at 2pm sharp on December 8, 9, 15 & 16. You'll ride the rails with Santa as you sing holiday songs, hear stories and enjoy the trip. Back at the depot, you can take a picture with Santa and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. All of you night owls can climb aboard The North Pole Evening Express, it runs December 7, 8, 14 & 15 and pulls out of the depot at 7pm. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and snuggle in for a trip to Santa's workshop. Reservations are required for all events. More information is on the web at www.kyrail.org.
What would Christmas be without a parade? On December 6 (7th, if weather cancels) The Bardstown-Nelson County Christmas Parade kicks off in grand style at 6pm. Featuring this year's theme of "Christmas Night of Lights", downtown Bardstown will come alive with the music, marching and joy of the holiday season. The holiday season comes alive in Bullitt County this year at "Christmas in the City" located in Lebanon Junction (Exit 105) December 9. The Community Center will present "A Visit with Santa" along with refreshments, games, carriage rides and much more from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. You can find more information at www.travelbullitt.org or call 502-833-2190.
Christmas in the Park comes to the city of Elizabethtown for the 17th year at Freeman Lake Park. An illuminated roadway will guide you through this free event featuring 103 holiday displays and more than a million lights. It's open from 6pm to 11pm starting November 20 - January 1. Christmas in the Park has been selected by the Kentucky Tourism Council as one of Kentucky's Top 10 winter/holiday events.
If your holiday shopping is done and you have seen all the holiday lights, make sure you save a weekend in December to take in a Christmas play or enjoy the harmonies and beautiful sounds of a choir singing holiday favorites. "The Nutcracker" will be on stage in Elizabethtown this Christmas. A holiday favorite for all generations, this show is presented by The Dance Center of Elizabethtown on Saturday December 15 at 12pm (Tea Party), 1:30pm and 6pm and Sunday December 16 at 3pm. For more information, visit www.thepac.net. Hardin County Playhouse will perform "A USO Christmas" at Plum Alley Theater in the Historic State Theater Complex November 29 - December 9. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 270-351-0577 or go online to www.hardincountyplayhouse.com.
Explore Louisville this holiday season and enjoy a show at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. See their biggest and best holiday traditionÑthe classic story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the "spirits" of Christmas in "A Christmas Carol," showing November 21 - December 23. "A Tuna Christmas" is also showing. It's a laugh riot featuring two actors portraying over twenty characters running November 22 - January 2. More information about performance dates, times and ticket prices can be found at actorstheatre.org or by calling the box office at 502-371-0956.
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the yuletide songs you know and love as The Mid-Kentucky Chorus at St. Catharine will perform its annual Christmas concert. Singers and musicians from eight counties join to sing and celebrate the Christmas season. On December 7 they will be in Bardstown at St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral at 7:30pm. On December 8 & 9 they will be in Springfield at St. Catharine College, St. Catharine Hall at 7:30pm and at 3pm on December 9. Admission is $8, Seniors $6, and students are admitted free. For reservations or more information, call 859- 336-9232. So put on those scarves and mittens, pack up the sleigh and get ready to have some fun. In Central Kentucky this holiday season, there is simply no end to the magic and wonder of the holiday season right here at home. Happy Holidays!