Nothing puts the ho-ho in your holidays quite like a few well-chosen family outings. So all season long, we're turning for inspiration to ParentsConnect Local, whose great events calendar features hundreds of merry-and-bright happenings in 51 cities around the country. Here's a sample of what we found on the calendar for Louisville:Lights...Energy...Elves!: Head to the Louisville Science Center for holiday-inspired science activities and an exclusive showing of the IMAX film “The Light Before Christmas.” Kids can help make a super-sized candy cane, dissect common holiday plants and explore them under a stereoscope, make snow, and even take a taste of an astronaut's holiday dinner. Tickets must be ordered in advance, online or by phone. Best for ages 3-18. (December 21, 2pm-5pm; 502/561-6100, ext. 6111; $4-$12.)
A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens' classic holiday story is performed on the Brown stage at the Actors Theatre. Purchase tickets in advance. Best for ages 6-18. (December 20, 21, 23, show times vary; 502/584-1205; $25-$44.)
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker: A holiday tradition returns to the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, featuring choreography by Alun Jones and Helen Starr and Tchaikovsky's classic score. Tickets can be purchased by phone and online. Best for ages 6-19. (December 20-21, 1:30pm and 7:30pm; 502/562-0100; $27-$85.)
See more holiday events in Louisville on ParentsConnect Local.
