Holiday in the Park
Now through January 1
Legion Park
Legion Park transforms into a glowing wonderland during the holiday season. Families can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the walking path, where festive light displays line the route. The event is free and open nightly, making it a perfect way to enjoy the season again and again.
Christmas at Panther Creek Park
Now through January 1 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Panther Creek Park
This beloved drive-through display features thousands of twinkling lights and holiday scenes for families to enjoy from the warmth of their vehicle. Admission is $5 per car, with proceeds supporting five local nonprofit organizations.
Holiday Forest Festival of Trees
Through December
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
Now in its 48th year, this beloved tradition is one of Owensboro’s oldest holiday celebrations. Visitors can explore 21 uniquely decorated Christmas trees spread across 14 galleries, each inspired by the museum’s exhibits and created by local artists, florists, schools, and organizations. The museum also features the Artland Children’s Studio, where kids can create Christmas ornaments to decorate the ARTLAND Tree or take home. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Fun for the whole family!
Owensboro Dance Theatre’s Snowball Daddy Daughter Dance
December 5 from 6 – 8 p.m.
RiverPark Center
Step into a winter wonderland for an evening of magical memories with your little one. Guests will enjoy dinner, dancing, festive décor, and special visits from Santa Claus and beloved Nutcracker characters. Ideal for fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or special guardians.
Care Net 5K Reindeer Run/Walk
December 6 at 7:30 a.m.
Smothers Park
Get your jingle on at this festive, family-friendly run! The morning kicks off with a Reindeer Dash for kids, followed by a timed 5K for all ages and abilities. Participants are encouraged to dress in their most spirited holiday gear.
Christmas in the Park
December 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Yellow Creek Park
Mr. and Mrs. Claus welcome families to the Jim Lambert Pioneer Village for live performances from local school choirs, festive fun, and a free Candy Cane Hunt to kick off the holiday season.
Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Downtown Owensboro
Enjoy a gnome scavenger hunt, live music, downtown shopping, coffee and cocktail crawl, and more!
Kids’ Day at Anderson’s
December 6 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Turn back time during this special day where kids can shop for gifts with a personal shopper, make holiday cards, visit with Santa and his elves, and enjoy festive fun. $5 admission; museum members get in free.
Owensboro Dance Theatre’s The German American Bank Nutcracker
December 6 at 7 p.m.
RiverPark Center
A holiday tradition returns as over 150 local dancers, professionals, and performers bring The Nutcracker to life with stunning choreography, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.
Breakfast with Santa
December 6 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Daviess County Lions Club
Enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast alongside crafts, writing letters to Santa, and meeting local pageant queens. Santa will be there for photos and smiles. Admission is a $10 toy, twin bed set, or $10 donation to benefit local charities.
Hot Chocolate Hop
December 12 – 13 (hours vary)
Downtown Owensboro
Head to Downtown Owensboro for the third annual Hot Chocolate Hop! All weekend long, various local downtown businesses will be selling different specialty hot chocolate drinks. Full list of participating businesses coming soon!
Lanham Brothers Jamboree: Christmas Jam
December 13 at 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Join Randy Lanham and friends for a joyful holiday concert with local talent, bluegrass flair, and festive cheer. The show will be filmed for broadcast on KET and features guest musicians, dancing, and more.
Owensboro Symphony: Home for the Holidays
December 13 at 7 p.m.
RiverPark Center
Celebrate the season with the Owensboro Symphony, joined by guest artist Andrea Ross, for a magical night of holiday classics performed by the Symphony, Chorus, and Youth Orchestra.
Whitesville Lions Club Christmas Parade
December 13 at 10 a.m.
Parade starts at Whitesville Lumber
Enjoy a classic small-town holiday parade filled with floats, music, candy, and festive fun for all ages. A perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with the whole family.
Southern Lanes Bowling with Santa
December 14 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Southern Lanes, 600 E 14th St.
Enjoy a casual afternoon of holiday cheer with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts. Bowling is available at an additional cost, but the event is free and open to the community.
8th Annual Breakfast with Santa
December 20 from 7:30 – 10 a.m.
Owensboro Convention Center
Families can enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with all the fixings, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy holiday-themed crafts and activities. Each child receives a small gift. Donations support WBKR’s Christmas Wish program.
Santa Baby Party
December 18 from 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Little Explorers’ Play Cafe
Designed for children ages 0–3, this festive morning includes pictures with Santa, seasonal crafts, snacks, and all-day playtime in a safe, fun environment. $20 per child, with two adults included. Socks required.
Voices of Anderson’s
December 19 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Shop local vendors and enjoy live music and theatrical scenes sharing the stories of S.W. Anderson’s Department Store and downtown Owensboro Christmases of years past. Admission is $5.
Whoville Holiday with Santa
December 20 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Edge Ice Center
Step into a festive Whoville wonderland and meet both Santa and the Grinch for an afternoon of holiday fun! Families can take photos, enjoy themed activities, and skate alongside these iconic Christmas characters. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with a little cheer—and a touch of Grinchy mischief!
Ugly Sweater Skate
December 23 from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Edge Ice Center
Skate into the holidays in your most outrageous ugly sweater. This fun afternoon includes music, lights, and laughs on the ice. Admission is $7 and includes skate rental.
Noon Year’s Eve
December 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Celebrate New Year’s Eve early with games, face painting, magic shows, and a countdown with a balloon drop at noon. A fun and festive option for families with young children.
New Year’s Eve Glow-in-the-Dark Skate Party
December 31 from 10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Edge Ice Center
Ring in the new year with a late-night glow skate, complete with music, lights, and holiday fun. Admission is $15 per person and includes skate rental.