SATURDAY, DEC. 7
SPOTLIGHT: OLD LOUISVILLE HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Come and explore homes from the country’s most extensive collection of Victorian mansions at the 37th Annual Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour, Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, Noon-6 p.m. In keeping with the rich tradition of Southern hospitality, homeowners invite visitors inside their charming residences to get a unique glimpse of life from a bygone era – when elegant women rushed about in bustles and corsets, and dapper gentlemen donned tails and ties for dinner. Good cheer and tidings of the season abound as visitors to this one-of-a-kind national historic preservation district have the chance to tour nine neighborhood dwellings, lovingly decked in old-world finery and festive holiday decor. A Holiday Gift Boutique will offer unique gift items along with a holding area for packages. Free shuttles will run continuously to all stops on the tour for those wishing to ride instead of walk. Tickets are $30 ($25 if purchased before Friday, Dec. 6), or free to volunteers who agree to work a three-hour shift. Will-call tickets are available at The Woman’s Club, 1320 S. Fourth St. For more information, to purchase tickets or to volunteer, visit www.oldlouisvilleholidayhometour.org or call (502) 635-5244. (Old Louisville)
GO SANTA GO 5K FUNDRAISER
Louisville Waterfront, 129 E. River Road, $45 before Dec. 6/$50 day of event, Free to individuals who volunteer during part of the event. No Kill Louisville will host a festive 5K run to raise money for a variety of No Kill Louisville programs and services, which include pet fostering/adoptions, a Pet Food Bank for low-income members of the community, low-cost spay/neuter vouchers and more. Runners, joggers and walkers with leashed dogs are invited to participate. For safety reasons, strollers are not permitted. All participants will receive a holiday-themed long-sleeved shirt. Costumes are encouraged; awards will be given for best group and best individual Santa costumes. For more information or to register, visit www.nrroadracing.com and click on Go Santa Go. (Downtown)
HOLLY AND IVY
Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $25 (members $20) to make a wreath, $20 (members $15) to make a swag or table decoration. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks while making personalized holiday wreaths, swags and table decorations. Ribbons, gloves and wire cutters will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own tools. Proceeds go toward helping the Louisville Nature Center continue its mission of providing education and encouraging stewardship in our urban forest. Visit www.louisvillenaturecenter.org or call (502) 458-1328. (Newburg)
SHAMROCK’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOPPE
American Legion Highland Post, 2919 Bardstown Road, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free. If you’re looking for a holiday bargain, want to talk to an animal communicator, adopt a dog or cat, or have your child’s or pet’s picture taken with the Grinch, look no further than Puss & Boots Old Time Holiday Shoppe, benefiting The Shamrock Foundation. The event features themed gift baskets, artwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia, crafts, holiday decorations and hundreds of animal-related gifts. A wide variety of food will also be available for on-site consumption or carryout. All proceeds go directly to the animals’ care. For more information, visit www.shamrockpets.com. (Highlands)
HOLIDAY CARD FACTORY
American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave., 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Free, but registration is required. Learn about ways in which people who are blind or visually impaired “see” with their fingers through tactile illustrations. Then make your own tactile holiday card and add a message in Braille. Call (502) 899-2213 to register. For more information, visit www.aph.org. (Clifton)
WINTER HOLIDAY ART CAMP
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, 715 W. Main St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., for ages 5-12, $55 ($45 for KMAC members). During this one-day camp, kids can make gifts for family and friends and have an awesome art experience at the same time. Meanwhile, you’ll get a chance to do some shopping, catch up around the house, or just relax! For more information, visit www.kentuckyarts.org/educaton-camps, call (502) 589-0102 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
. (Downtown)
GREEN GIFT FAIR
Rainbow Blossom, 3738 Lexington Road, Noon-4 p.m. Free. The eighth annual Holiday Green Gift Fair features local artisans, businesses and nonprofits offering a unique mix of handmade, fair-trade or locally inspired gifts in a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere. Shoppers can find something unique for everyone on their list and feel good about their purchases. For more information, visit www.rainbowblossom.com or call (502) 498-2340. (St. Matthews)
ST. NICHOLAS ACADEMY FEAST
St. Nicholas Academy, 5501 New Cut Road, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., $12 adults, $6 per child. The annual SNA Feast is a fun-filled family event with a great chili dinner along with hot dogs, grilled cheese, a dessert table, live music by Remedy, a photo booth, children’s craft corner, storytelling by “Mrs. Claus,” and chances on many great prizes, including a drawing for the $10,000 capital prize. For more information, visit www.sna-panthers.org or call (502) 368-8506. (Iroquois)
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
SHAMROCK GREYHOUND HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Almost Home Boarding and Training, 1219 Dorsey Lane, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free. Shop for unique holiday gifts at the 2nd Annual Shamrock Greyhound Holiday Bazaar. There will be canine items and foods, jewelry, pottery, wood gifts, soaps and oils, a bake sale, raffles and more. For more information, visit www.greyhoundsofshamrock.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
. (Hurstbourne)
COOKIES WITH SANTA
Baptist Health Eastpoint, 2400 Eastpoint Pkwy., 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Free. Santa Claus will be listening to Christmas lists and sharing cookies with all the good little boys and girls. This community event will include free photos with Santa, choir performances by Anchorage School and Stopher Elementary, kid-friendly crafts and activities, and refreshments. For more information, call (502) 210-4700. (East End)
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
SPOTLIGHT: MACK DRYDEN
Mack Dryden will perform at Comedy Caravan, 1250 Bardstown Road, Thursday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 15. Dryden is a writer/comedian/actor who has appeared on The Tonight Show with both Johnny and Jay, acted in such shows as The Guardian and JAG, is a former staff writer for ABC’s Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, and is the only living comedian who has been kicked in the backside by karate champion Chuck Norris. He has survived everything from the sharks of showbiz to a stay in an African prison – and lived to tell inspiring, motivating and hilarious stories. From humble beginnings as “the funniest paper mill employee in Mississippi,” Dryden earned a black belt in karate while simultaneously earning a Masters in Creative Writing. In addition to all that, Dryden is a regular columnist for The Highlander! Tickets for Thursday or Sunday are $11 in advance/$12 at the door; Friday or Saturday, $16.50 in advance/$17.50 at the door. Performances are at 7:45 p.m. each night, with an additional performance on Saturday at 10 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Visit www.comedycaravan.com or call (502) 459-0022. (Highlands)
DIGESTIVE SECRETS FOR WEIGHT LOSS & ENERGY
Rainbow Blossom, 3046 Bardstown Road, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Free. Learn simple lifestyle habits you can practice to heal your digestive system, tips to reduce bloating, superfoods to heal your gut, and how to eat for energy. Instructor Wendy Mendoza is a certified holistic health coach and certified yoga instructor. She is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has been trained as a hormone-balancing coach. For more information, visit www.rainbowblossom.com or call (502) 498-2470. (Highlands)
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
CHRISTMASTIDE AT LOCUST GROVE
Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane, Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m.-9 p.m., $6 adults; $3 children or $18 maximum per family (limit two adults and up to four children under age 18). Experience the year 1816 as the Clark and Croghan families invite you into their home to visit and partake of holiday cheer. In the great parlor, live music and dancing await guests, intermingled with concerts by a talented neighbor. Out in the hearth kitchen, recently harvested foods are prepared over an open fire and refreshments are offered to guests. In the Visitors’ Center, enjoy music, refreshments, storytelling and dancing, plus a craft time from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. for children ages 3 and older. For more information, visit www.locustgrove.org. (Blankenbaker)
VOICES OF KENTUCKIANA 2013 WINTER CONCERT
Clifton Center, 2117 Payne St., 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 15, $15 in advance; at door, $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. VOICES of Kentuckiana presents their winter concert “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Reprisals of classic carols, new favorites, and joyful songs from around the world are sure to delight every member of your family. For more information or advance ticket purchase, visit www.voicesky.org. (Clifton)
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
OLDE TYME CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON FRANKFORT
Frankfort Avenue from Mellwood to Stiltz avenues, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Free. The 18th Annual Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration on Frankfort Avenue will include the festive Dog Walk, retail sales, live music, refreshments, and photos with Santa Claus at Margaret’s Consignment from Noon-3 p.m. Free horse-and-carriage and trolley rides along Frankfort Avenue will be available from Noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.frankfortave.com. (Clifton/Crescent Hill/St. Matthews)
RESEARCHING YOUR OLD HOUSE
Preservation Louisville, Inc., 631 S. Fifth St., 1 p.m.-4 p.m., $30 ($20 for members of Preservation Louisville). Learn how to research the history of your home. Preservation Louisville’s educational lecture series “Hands on History” is designed to give participants an in-depth look at various preservation issues and methods of maintaining and preserving historic buildings. Throughout the series, participants learn practical, hands-on techniques for working with original materials and finishes to maintain, restore and preserve historic elements such as plaster, woodwork, gutters, roofing and masonry. Adapting “green” concepts for historic structures and historically appropriate landscaping are also explored. For more information and to register, visit www.preservationlouisville.org, or call (502) 540-5146 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
. (Downtown)
HISTORIAN STEVE WISER TO SIGN NEW BOOK
Carmichael’s Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Ave., 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Free. Architect and historian Steve Wiser will sign copies of his new book “Historic Houses of Louisville.” With beautiful photography by Dan Madryga, the book profiles 45 historic homes representing over 200 years of Louisville’s architectural heritage. For more information, visit www.carmichaelsbookstore.com (Crescent Hill)
SIMON JOYNER PLAYS INTIMATE LIVING ROOM SHOW AT GREENHAUS
Greenhaus, 2227 S. Preston St., doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m., $15. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.undertowtickets.com. Love and death: these are the only themes, or so it’s been said. In Simon Joyner’s 20 years of making records, from his 1992 “Umbilical Chords” cassette to the most recent double LP “Ghosts,” Joyner’ s music gathers acolytes rather than casual fans, contributing to his “songwriter’s songwriter” status and inspiring comparisons to artists like Bill Fay, Townes Van Zandt, David Blue and Leonard Cohen. (Germantown)