DECEMBER 2011

Maker's Mark Distillery Holiday Tours
December 1-10
The picturesque national landmark will be decorated with holiday lights and music, played nightly through December 10. The gift shop is a great place for shopping for family and friends. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tours are free, but canned goods donation will be accepted for the Salvation Army. From Bardstown take Hwy 49 South to Hwy 52 East through Loretto to 3350 Burk’s Spring Rd., Loretto. 270-865-2099. www.makersmark.com

Chapeze House Bourbon Cooking School
December 8-10
Welcome to the fun, food & folklore of Kentucky Cookin’. These entertaining classes are located at Chapeze House, a 1789 Federalist Mansion. The Colonel will demonstrate Mint Juleps, Benedictine, Baked Cheese Grits and Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. Cooking Class 11 a.m., Lunch 12 p.m. Reservations required $35. 502-349-0127. www.kentuckyshomeforbourbon.com

Chapeze House Spirits and Spirits Tour
December 8-10
Come bear witness to the spirits at Chapeze House, one of Bardstown’s most haunted structures—narrative tour of all three floors and grounds. The evening concludes in the stone lined cellar where a Bourbon Toddy is served, the better to appreciate the strong spirit indications that are present. Bring your camera and a good sense of humor. Spirits Tour at 9:30 p.m. Reservations required $15. 502-349-0127. www.kentuckyshomeforbourbon.com

The Bardstown Opry
December 9
Country music show with house band and four singers every Friday night. 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Blue Grass Entertainment & Exposition Complex, 426 Sutherland Rd off of HWY 31E. Adults $10, children 6-12 $6. 859-336-9839. www.musicmansoundstage.com

A Visit with the Spirits of Wickland
December 9
Most Friday evenings during the year, Friday and Saturday evenings during October. Experience the history and mystery of Wickland, Home of Three Governors. Take a 90 minute paranormal family-friendly tour which includes the opportunity to interact through a psychic medium and the friendly spirits who once lived there. 7:30 p.m., $15, reservations required, cash or check only. Contact Dixie Hibbs 502-507-0808. 550 Bloomfield Rd. www.historicwickland.com

My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours
December 9-10
My Old Kentucky Home is decorated for Christmas in the antebellum style beautifully accented by the glow of candles everywhere. Guests have a guided tour with refreshments afterwards. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Adults $5.50, Seniors $5, Children 6-12 $3.50, under 6 free. 502-348-3502 or 800-323-7803. www.parks.ky.gov

Eddie Miles “An Elvis Blue Christmas" Concert
December 9-10
Eddie Miles presents his “Salute to Elvis Christmas” Special Concert. All of Elvis’s classic Christmas songs, “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Bring My Baby Back”. Two hour production featuring many other classic Christmas favorites. Tickets 800-638-4877 ext. 1, $21, 8pm. Bluegrass Entertainment & Expo Center, 426 Sutherland Rd.

Mrs. Julia Beckham's Christmas Tea at Wickland
December 9-11
Julia Wickliffe Beckham, the only woman in the world to be the mother, sister and daughter of a governor, hosts a Victorian Tea at Wickland, Home of Three Governors. She shares her memories of living at Wickland at the turn of the century. December 9 and 11, afternoon tea at 4 p.m.; December 10, luncheon tea at Noon. Reservations required. Cost $15. Call 502-507-0808. 550 Bloomfield Rd. US 62 E. www.historicwickland.com

Kentucky Railway Museum’s Evening Santa Express
December 9-11
All aboard for an evening of fun and holiday cheer as we journey to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas for pictures with Santa at the depot. Adults, $21; Children 2-12, $16. Trains depart Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 6 p.m. 136 S Main St., New Haven. 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152. www.kyrail.org

Santa On The Square
December 10
Take a picture while you visit with Santa at the Old Nelson County Courthouse on Saturday, 11am – 1pm. 502-348-4877 or 800-638-4877.

Christmas Tour of Homes
December 10
Tour of privately owned homes, both old and new, decorated for the holidays in Bardstown and the surrounding area. It includes the candlelight tour of My Old Kentucky Home. Refreshments served at selected site. 2 – 9 p.m. Tickets $15. 502-348-4877 or 800-638-4877

Christmas Open House At The FABS Art Gallery
December 10
Join us for light refreshments while you shop for your art-loving friends and family. Artists will be on hand to help you with your selections. Complimentary gift wrap and refreshments. Free admission, 2 - 7pm. Old Nelson County Library Building on Court Square, Contact Jackie Sanneman 502-348-5257.

Kentucky Railway Museum's Santa Express
December 10-11
Visit with Santa and his helpers as they pass through the train handing out Christmas goodies of cookies and hot chocolate. Wear your pajamas for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera! Adults, $21; Children 2-12, $16. Excursion time is 2 p.m. 136 S. Main St., New Haven. 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152. www.kyrail.org

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s North Pole Express
December 11
Join us for a one and a half hour magical train ride. Santa will join us and visit each child. Our chef will prepare a special holiday meal to be enjoyed by all. 1 p.m. and 5:30pm. Groups are welcome. Adults, $30; Children 2 – 12, $25. 866-801-3463 or 502-348-7300. www.kydinnertrain.com

Chapeze House Bourbon Cooking School
December 15-17
Welcome to the fun, food & folklore of Kentucky Cookin’. These entertaining classes are located at Chapeze House, a 1789 Federalist Mansion. The Colonel will demonstrate Mint Juleps, Benedictine, Baked Cheese Grits and Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. Cooking Class 11 a.m., Lunch 12 p.m. Reservations required $35. 502-349-0127. www.kentuckyshomeforbourbon.com

Chapeze House Spirits and Spirits Tour
December 15-17
Come bear witness to the spirits at Chapeze House, one of Bardstown’s most haunted structures—narrative tour of all three floors and grounds. The evening concludes in the stone lined cellar where a Bourbon Toddy is served, the better to appreciate the strong spirit indications that are present. Bring your camera and a good sense of humor. Spirits Tour at 9:30 p.m. Reservations required $15. 502-349-0127. www.kentuckyshomeforbourbon.com

Downtown Holiday Wrap Up
December 16 & 17
Join us in Downtown Bardstown as the streets come alive. You'll enjoy shopping, dining and restaurants. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Take a picture while you visit with Santa at the Old Nelson County Courthouse, Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 502-348-4877 or 800-638-4877.

The Bardstown Opry
December 16
Country music show with house band and four singers every Friday night. 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Blue Grass Entertainment & Exposition Complex, 426 Sutherland Rd off of HWY 31E. Adults $10, children 6-12 $6. 859-336-9839. www.musicmansoundstage.com

A Visit with the Spirits of Wickland
December 16
Most Friday evenings during the year, Friday and Saturday evenings during October. Experience the history and mystery of Wickland, Home of Three Governors. Take a 90 minute paranormal family-friendly tour which includes the opportunity to interact through a psychic medium and the friendly spirits who once lived there. 7:30 p.m., $15, reservations required, cash or check only. Contact Dixie Hibbs 502-507-0808. 550 Bloomfield Rd. www.historicwickland.com

Kentucky Railway Museum’s Evening Santa Express
December 16-18
All aboard for an evening of fun and holiday cheer as we journey to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas for pictures with Santa at the depot. Adults, $21; Children 2-12, $16. Trains depart Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 6 p.m. 136 S Main St., New Haven. 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152. www.kyrail.org

Live Nativity
December 16-18
Watch the Bible come to life at the 31st Annual Live Nativity! The live portrayal of the birth time of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the Bethlehem manger scene, includes live actors and live animals each evening to uniquely present the story and reason for the season. Free admission. 6 - 8 p.m. Bardstown Baptist Church at North Third and Brashear. 502-348-3866.

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train's Murder Mystery
December 17
602 N Third St., 5 p.m. Reservations required. 502-348-7300 or 866-801-3463. www.kydinnertrain.com

Santa On The Square
December 17
Take a picture while you visit with Santa at the Old Nelson County Courthouse on Saturday, 11am – 1pm. 502-348-4877 or 800-638-4877.

Kentucky Railway Museum's Santa Express
December 17-18
Visit with Santa and his helpers as they pass through the train handing out Christmas goodies of cookies and hot chocolate. Wear your pajamas for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera! Adults, $21; Children 2-12, $16. Excursion time is 2 p.m. 136 S. Main St., New Haven. 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152. www.kyrail.org

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s North Pole Express
December 18
Join us for a one and a half hour magical train ride. Santa will join us and visit each child. Our chef will prepare a special holiday meal to be enjoyed by all. 1 p.m. and 5:30pm. Groups are welcome. Adults, $30; Children 2 – 12, $25. 866-801-3463 or 502-348-7300. www.kydinnertrain.com

Men's Night Out At The Gallery
December 20
Special evening at the art gallery especially for men. Artists will be available to help with selections. Complimentary gift wrap and refreshments. Free admission, 5 - 7 p.m. Old Nelson County Library Building on Court Square, Contact Jackie Sanneman 502-348-5257.