There are many new holiday traditions throughout the Bluegrass State, and then there are those that have delighted visitors for years. Southern Lights in Kentucky has been around for almost three decades and each year welcomes more than 100,000 guests to admire the lights at this iconic Bluegrass destination. The Kentucky Horse Park is a favorite place to visit any time of year, but during the holidays you will love experiencing this drive-thru Christmas lights in Kentucky that offers three miles of over one million twinkling lights, as well as a few other surprises for the entire family.

The Kentucky Horse Park and its campground are popular destinations all year long that attract visitors from all over the state and beyond.
Southern Lights/Facebook
While not all attractions are open throughout the colder months, it's still a nice time to visit, especially in the evening throughout the holidays for Southern Lights.
If you're looking for "drive-thru Christmas lights near me," Southern Lights is a three-mile-long drive-thru light display that showcases over one million sparkling lights.
Southern Lights/Facebook
Hours and pricing information can be found through the link below, but the event runs nightly from the day after Thanksgiving through December 31st. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended and if you do so, you'll get to enter the drive-thru in an expedited line.
If you visit on a weekend, be prepared for long lines but a wait that's worth it.
Southern Lights/Facebook
Just turn up the Christmas tunes and pass around the snacks while you wait your turn to drive through the impressive displays.

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The light displays range from horse-themed to traditional Christmas and the quality and quantity of the display are what keeps guests returning each year.
Facebook/Southern Lights
Your family can also catch a glimpse of the big guy in red, as Santa Claus will be there through December 24th. He will wave from a distance and kids will also have a chance to hand in that all-important letter.
After the drive-thru, you can park and visit Animal Land, which is included with admission.
Facebook/Southern Lights
Visit with adorable animals like kangaroos, baby camels, miniature zebras, and more. For an extra fee, you can also feed the animals and take a ride on a camel or pony!
After you visit with the animals, grab some kettle corn and a hot chocolate and head home after a memorable holiday evening this Christmas in Kentucky.
Facebook/Southern Lights
These Christmas lights in Kentucky are a Bluegrass tradition that is truly a favorite of many and with a spectacular light display and fun for the whole family, it's easy to see why.

Take a look at this video of a previous year's Southern Lights event by @LEX18NEWS:

Southern Lights in Kentucky is a holiday tradition that many families return to year after year. It’s what many call the best drive-thru light display in Kentucky and as an award-winning event, it’s safe to say that everyone in your family will drive away in the holiday spirit. Is a drive through the over one million lights at Southern Lights something you look forward to every year? Do you plan on going this year? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on the Southern Lights drive-thru Christmas lights in Kentucky and to purchase tickets ahead of time, visit the Southern Lights website and follow the Southern Lights Facebook page for updates.

If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for friends and family this year, check out the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Christmas In Kentucky

Melissa M. | November 01, 2023

 Are there any Christmas towns in Kentucky?

There are several Christmas towns in Kentucky worth visiting for some holiday cheer this season. They include the following:

  • Carrollton enjoys celebrating the holidays with its annual Festival of Trees & Trains, a must-attend event in town.
  • Bardstown celebrates the holidays all season long with a variety of events, not to mention the festive decor all around town.
  • Frankfort is a lovely place to visit during the holiday season. With its Main Street adorned with lights and a festive tree all aglow outside the Old State Capitol building, it’s hard not to find Christmas cheer here.
  • Louisville’s Mega Cavern is one of the most unique places to visit during the Christmas season. Lights Under Louisville, as it’s called, turns into an underground winter wonderland!

 

What other Christmas light displays in Kentucky should I check out this holiday season?

Aside from Southern Lights, other light displays in Kentucky to check out are the following:

  • Lights Under Louisville at the Mega Cavern, an incredible subterranean light display.
  • Grand Rivers Festival of Lights at Patti's 1880 Settlement in Grand Rivers will have over 700,000 lights on display.
  • Christmas at Panther Creek Park in Owensboro is a drive-thru display featuring more than 400,000 lights.
  • Light Up Bardstown at Court Square in Bardstown with its Christmas lights display and tree adorned with lights.
  • Ruley’s Santa Clause Land in Loretto is a neighborhood light display put on by the Ruley family over 4 acres. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

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Featured Addresses
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA