Week of December 7 -13

Welcome to our weekly "What's Happening" email, designed to provide you with a glance at opportunities for an unbridled good time in the Bowling Green area.

Just stepping near a live Christmas tree puts many of us in a dreamy holiday trance from the aroma, remembering cherished mornings and loved ones. Visit the Eloise B. Houchens Center during this magical time of year and see many trees beautifully decorated by civic groups, non-profits, and others. Stroll through the enchanting historic home and take some family photos before voting for your favorite tree.

Enjoy a special Shopping Day this Friday from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. where local artists and crafters will have specialty gifts available, and shoppers can even delight in a sack lunch full of homemade goodies. Simply order in advance by calling 270-842-6761 or place your order, shop, and pick it up afterward. View the trees through December 20 weekdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided on Sunday afternoons.

Experience the sights, sounds and scents of a Victorian Christmas at another of Bowling Green's historic homes this weekend as you tour Riverview at Hobson Grove by candlelight and lamp light. This truly extraordinary experience should not be missed, especially if you have not before visited the Italianate home of Atwood and Juliet van Meter Hobson.

See how our ancestors celebrated the season by adorning their trees with handmade designs. Witness a Victorian dining table set for formal service. Imagine the laughter as children swung at the Christmas pinata hanging from the cupola. Refreshments will be provided and there is no need for reservations for this special event. Call 270-843- 5565 or visit the link below for more information.

To view the complete calendar of upcoming events, click here and visit our homepage.

Ongoing- Dec. 10 Side by Side, VSA arts of Kentucky, Kentucky Library & Museum, 270-745-2592, www.wku.edu/library/kylm

Ongoing- Dec. 18 Victorian Holiday Tours, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 270-843-5565, www.bgky.org/riverview/

Ongoing- Dec. 23 3rd Annual Holiday Art Sale, VSA arts of KY, 270-781-0872, www.vsartsky.org

Ongoing- Dec. 31 Dollar Days, National Corvette Museum, $1 admission with valid KY ID, 270-781- 7973, www.corvettemuseum.org

Ongoing- Jan. 4 2009 All Kentucky Juried Exhibition, Capitol Arts Center, 270-782-2787, www.capitolarts.com

Ongoing- Jan. 10 Holiday Trees, Kentucky Library & Museum, 270-745-2592, www.wku.edu/library/kylm

7- 8 Silhouettes by Tim Arnold, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 10 am- 7 pm, please reserve ahead, 270-843-5565, www.bgky.org/riverview

8 Last Chance to Dance, WKU Dept of Theatre and Dance, 8 pm, FAC Russell Miller Theatre, free, 270-745-5845, www.wku.edu/theatre

8, 10 The Star of Bethlehem, Hardin Planetarium, WKU, 7 pm, 270-745-4044, www.physics.wku.edu/planetarium

8-9 27th Annual BB&T Classic, WKU Men's Basketball v. Evansville Tues, WKU Lady Toppers v. Louisiana Tech Wed,E.A. Diddle Arena, 7 pm, 1-800-5- BIG RED (244733), www.wkusports.com

9 Astronomy Public Viewing, WKU Observatory, 7 pm, 270-745-4357

9-13 Walk Through Bethlehem, Grace Baptist Church, available from 6-9 pm, nearly 80 costumed participants, live animals, 110 Mark Trail, exit 7 off Natcher Pkwy, free admission, 270-781-5355

10 Victorian Christmas Tea, Riverview at Hobson Grove, 2 pm, reservations required, 270-843- 5565, www.bgky.org/riverview

10 Family Christmas Celebration, Jack and Leslie Montgomery, Warren County Public Library Main Branch, 6 - 7 pm; songs, crafts and refreshments, 270-781-4882

10 Holiday Pops, The Symphony at WKU, First Baptist Church, 7:30 pm, 270-745-7681, www.bgwso.org

10-13 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Public Theatre of KY, Phoenix Theatre, Thur 7 pm, Fri- Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm, 270-781-6233, www.ptkgb.org

10-20 Christmas Belles, Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Horse Cave, 1-800-342-2177, www.kentuckyrep.org

11 Holiday Open House, Bowling Green City Hall, 2- 4 pm, 270-393-3642

11 Holiday Open House, Warren County Courthouse, 2-4 pm, 270-842-9416

11 Chris Young Concert, WKU Ag Expo Center, Doors open at 5:30 pm; show at 6:30 pm, Tickets available at 270-745-2578, www.wku.edu/agexpocenter

11-12 Christmas Cabarets, Kentucky Repertory Theatre, 5:30 pm, 800-342-2177, www.kentcukyrep.org

11-13 A Modern Christmas Carol, Capitol Arts Youth Theater, Capitol Arts Center, 270-782-2787, www.capitolarts.com

11-13 Fairy Tales You've Never Heard, Children's Theatre Series, WKU Gordon Wilson Lab Theatre, 270-745-5845, www.wku.edu/theatre

12 Breakfast with Santa, Chaney's Dairy Barn, 8:30 am - 10 am, 270-843-5567, www.chaneysdairybarn.com

12 Christmas Bazaar and Breakfast with Santa, Greenwood High School, area artists, benefiting GHS Band, 8 am- 2 pm, 270-202- 1635

12-13 Josey Barrel Clinic, WKU L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center, 8 am, 270-745-3976, www.wku.edu/agexpocenter

13 Bowling Green Woman's Club 15 Annual Christmas Home Tour, 1 - 5 pm, Tickets at Morris Jewelers in advance, $10, $12 at the door, 6 homes and 1 business, 270-683-2651

Nov. 24-Dec. 18 Victorian Holiday Tours, Riverview at Hobson Grove

December 14-17 The Polar Express Readings, Historic Railpark & Train Museum

Decmeber 18-19 Christmas Madness, Capitol Arts Center

December 19-20 Santa and Sleigh Photos, Riverview at Hobson Grove

December 20-22 Citizens First Holiday Classic, Bowling Green High School

December 26-29 Lady Gator Holiday Classic, Greenwood High School

Don't forget about all the great gift shops around town at our unique attractions and right here at the Visitors Bureau as you shop this season! Find great items for the collector in your life, like our new Capitol Arts Center Hestia ornament, or send your loved ones a fun reminder of their visit to Bowling Green.