Holiday Performances in Central KY

Enjoy celebrating the holidays with special performances in Central KY. Theatre, ballet, music and more! You’ll find all the local performances here!

Lexington Children’s Theatre

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical
Sunday, November 29 – 2:00pm
Saturday, December 5 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm (Pay What You Will*)
Sunday, December 6 – 2:00pm
Performed at the Lexington Opera House
The Herdmans are known as the worst kids in the history of the world – so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. In an effort to prove everyone wrong, director Grace Bradley gives the Herdmans a chance. But there’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! In this musical adaptation of the classic story, will the Herdmans step up and be a choir of angels or bring chaos to Bethlehem?
Perfect for all ages – grab your tickets now and make this a part of your holiday tradition!

The Nutcracker

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Singletary Center
November 7, 2026 3 pm
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm glow nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet.

2026 Winter Gala featuring The Nutcracker Ballet
Central KY Ballet Conservatory
November 13, 2026
7 pm
Singletary Center for the Arts
Enjoy this beloved classic

Bluegrass Youth Ballet – “The Nutcracker in One Act” at the Singletary Center
December 18, 2026 7 pm
December 19, 2026 11 am & 3 pm
Presented in a single, family-friendly act, BYB’s version of The Nutcracker was created with younger audiences in mind, condensing the enchantment to one hour to keep the attention of younger children. Follow the adventures of Clara, a young girl who receives a beautiful Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Delighted with the gift, Clara falls asleep holding her new toy until she’s suddenly awakened as a mouse steals her Nutcracker. Suddenly, her living room is magically transformed into a battlefield where the Nutcracker fights off the Rat Queen. The Snow Queen arrives and sweeps Clara and the Nutcracker through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets, where colorful visitors entertain them with dances from around the world. Clara’s mother finds her asleep on the couch where Clara has dreamt the fabulous story of The Nutcracker.

Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights
December 19, 2026
7 pm
Mitchell Fine Arts Center at Transylvania University
“The Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights” is the landmark event of the upcoming season.
Tchaikovsky’s famous score opens the door to a completely reimagined world: glowing costumes and world-class performers transform the classic tale into a captivating visual journey.
This is more than a performance — it’s a full immersion into a story of wonder and transformation, told through light, movement, and sound.
Each scene emerges like a living work of art, where holiday tradition meets bold contemporary design.
Discover The Nutcracker in a new light — a legend reborn with dazzling spectacle and emotional depth.
Tickets are now on sale — secure the best seats in advance.

Kentucky Ballet Theatre
December 19, 2026
2 pm & 7 pm
EKU Center for the Performing Arts
The Nutcracker, a magical Christmas ballet, is set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. This holiday performance is complete with Drosselmeyer and Clara, along with a cast of snowflakes, mice, soldiers, angels, fairies, and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The Nutcracker on Ice
Watch for 2026 Dates
Enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker ON ICE at the Lexington Ice Center. Tickets $19.

The Nutcracker by Lexington Dance Factory at EKU Center for the Arts
Watch for 2026 Information

Lexington Philharmonic

A Cathedral Christmas at The Cathedral of Christ the King
Friday, December 18, 2026 8 pm
Saturday, December 19, 2026 8 pm
LexPhil and The Lexington Singers return to the beautiful Cathedral of Christ the King for this holiday tradition of timeless orchestral and choral works. This awe-inspiring musical experience in a divine setting will transport all to a place of peace that evokes the spirit of the holiday season.

Lexington Chamber Chorale

What Sweeter Music: Carols of Hope and Wonder
Sunday, November 29, 2026 5 pm
Second Presbyterian Church
What Sweeter Music invites audiences into the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. Featuring beloved carols alongside works by John Rutter, Morten Lauridsen, Healey Willan, and others, the program moves through celebration, stillness, and light. Timeless melodies and luminous choral writing come together to reflect the season’s many traditions—from festive energy and gathering to moments of peace and contemplation, and the warmth of shared song. This program offers an evening that inspires hope, wonder, and connection during this special time of year.

COLLAGE: A Holiday Spectacular presented by UK Choirs at Singletary Center

Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 pm
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 pm
Rejoice in the holiday spirit with the 29th annual COLLAGE: A Holiday Spectacular! Celebrated vocalists and musicians from the UK School of Music and the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir perform holiday favorites from close to home and around the globe, conducted by UK Director of Choirs, Dr. Ryan Beeken.

Asbury Songs of the Seasons Christmas Concert

Friday, December 4, 2026 7:30 p.m.
Asbury’s Hughes Auditorium
FREE
Don’t miss beautiful music, poetry and thoughtful reflection hosted by our Music and English departments. Songs of the Season is your go-to Christmas event.

Alltech Celebration of Song

Watch for a 2026 Date
Kentucky Horse Park, Alltech Arena
Free, complimentary parking
Alltech Celebration of Song will feature popular Christmas music and traditional carols performed by dozens of gifted vocalists, including singers from the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, winners of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition, and special guests — all accompanied by a professional orchestra. Audience members will also be invited to sing along to classic Christmas favorites.