Photo by AP Imagery
Hometown Christmas, a series of holiday activities in downtown Owensboro, is sure to bring lots of fun and excitement to families this holiday season.
The holiday celebration kicked off with the Smothers Park Christmas Tree lighting ceremony with the Kentucky Youth Chorale on Nov. 18.
Tim Ross, Director of Public Events for the City of Owensboro, said there are activities for all ages downtown throughout the season for everyone to be wrapped up in the excitement of the holidays.
“Everyone enjoys the Christmas holiday season,” he said. “From a great Christmas light show nightly to performing arts or even 5K runs, there are numerous ways to get involved and experience the holidays in Owensboro with your family and friends.”
Also returning in 2022 is the Energy on Ice outdoor skating rink at the Owensboro Convention Center. Other events will include the Hot Chocolate Hop, Holiday Photo Night, Friday After 5’s Christmas at the Inn, as well as numerous productions at the RiverPark Center, Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Owensboro Convention Center, just to name a few.
This year’s festivities have expanded to include the Dancing Lights show down Veterans Blvd. as well as programming that takes place nightly from 5-9 p.m. So, everyone can enjoy a choreographed light show every 15 minutes along the riverfront. In addition, there are numerous shows at the RiverPark Center and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame for people to enjoy some tremendous Christmas shows.
“We are excited to expand the Dancing Lights display and to be adding a variety of activities along the riverfront for the Christmas season,” Ross said. “We saw great success with the 12 Days of Christmas concept last year, and wanted to expand it longer than four weeks. We are happy to be able to add even more activities this year, including the Dancing Lights display which will now occur nightly.”
Dancing Lights
December 1-31, 5-9 p.m.
Holiday Lights will transform the center portion of Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro into an interactive holiday lightshow. Every 15 minutes, lights will dance to a different classic Christmas carol. It is a spectacle that you won’t want to miss.
Dancing Lights is presented by Big Rivers Electric Corp. and Visit Owensboro.
Friday After 5’s Christmas at the Inn
December 2 – 16 Fridays from 6-8 p.m.
Bring the entire family and experience the Holidays with live music, pictures & story time with Santa Claus and the magical Igloo serving free Hot Chocolate with candy canes, all located in our festive winter wonderland. Located at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, 701 W. 1st St.
Care Net Reindeer Run 5K
December 3, 8-10 a.m.
The 8th Annual Care Net Reindeer Run/Walk is a family-fun event open to runners and walkers of all types so grab your family members, friends, or co-workers and join the fun to kick off the Holiday Season.
The German American Bank Nutcracker at RiverPark Center
December 3, 7 p.m. and December 4, 3 p.m.
Children of all ages will find the joy of Christmas through the beauty of music and dance with Owensboro Dance Theatre’s “The German American Bank Nutcracker.” This timeless production fills the stage with movement and imagination, generating enthusiasm for all students.
Lanham Brothers Christmas Jamboree at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
December 3, 7 p.m.
Brothers Randy and Barry Lanham are celebrating roots music, clogging, and Kentucky arts with the Lanham Brothers Jamboree. This event will be recorded for broadcast on KET.
Live Reindeer Experience with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Owensboro Museum of Science and History
December 3, 10 a.m. – noon and 1-5 p.m.
Join the Owensboro Museum of Science and History Reindeer Experience by exploring the museum and make your own keepsake photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their reindeer. Event is included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at RiverPark Center
December 7, 7 p.m.
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.
The Prophecy Show at RiverPark Center
December 8, 7 p.m.
Come experience the power, the music, and the magic once again this Christmas season at RiverPark Center, as the Prophecy performs music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more.
Hot Chocolate Hop
December 9-10
The third annual Hot Chocolate Hop is all weekend long and features various local downtown businesses that will be selling different specialty hot chocolate drinks.
Energy on Ice
December 1-31
Fridays, 5-9 p.m.
Saturdays, 2-9 p.m.
Sundays, 2-7 p.m.
Monday-Thursday (Dec. 19-23 only) 2-7 p.m.
An outdoor skating experience on the Kentucky Legend Pier at the Owensboro Convention Center. Sponsored by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Atmos Energy, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, and the Staton Family Foundation.
Owensboro Symphony’s Home for the Holidays at RiverPark Center
December 10, 7 p.m.
The Owensboro Symphony’s beloved Christmas tradition promises to mesmerize listeners with Holiday favorites and fresh new works; including The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and Sleigh Ride. The Owensboro Symphony Chorus and the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the symphony in performing some of the season’s most recognizable tunes.
“Christmas in the Colonies” Historical Program by Eddie Prince at Owensboro Museum of Science & History
December 10, 7 p.m.
Join regional historian Eddie Price as he shares a fascinating and fact-filled look back at how Christmas was celebrated in the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. Event is included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Jimmy Fortune Christmas Show
December 15, 7 p.m.
Preferred seating is $45, and reserved seating is $35. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Bar and concessions available.
5th Annual Breakfast with Santa Presented by German American Bank at Owensboro Convention Center
December 17, 7:30-10 a.m.
Santa Claus is coming to town. Enjoy breakfast and take your own photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Santa’s Sweets
December 16 – 17
Satisfy your holiday sweet tooth with some indulgent specialty treats from downtown restaurants and businesses.
Winter Break Blast at Owensboro Museum of Science & History
December 20-23
A variety of programs each day. Events are included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Noon Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Owensboro Museum of Science & History
December 31, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join other families at the museum for crafts, a live DJ, and a balloon drop at noon. Events are included with the price of admission ($5 for non-members, free for members).