There Is An Entire Christmas Island In Kentucky And It’s Absolutely Delightful

Kentucky is a state that loves the water; this is well-known. From paddling in the Houseboat Capital of the World to exploring the state's beautiful beaches and resplendent rivers, there's no shortage of water-bound fun to be had in the Bluegrass State. But did you know that there's an island in Kentucky? And not just any old island: a Christmas island. Each winter on Christmas Island in Burnside, KY, there's a holiday event that positively dazzles. Christmas Island at General Burnside State Park is a wholly unique, only-in-Kentucky attraction that absolutely belongs on your holiday bucket list.

Burnside, Kentucky, is a beautiful slice of Bluegrass paradise. Located right along lovely Lake Cumberland, Burnside offers visitors unrivaled access to an abundance of outdoor recreation.

Within this lovely locale, you'll find the eponymous General Burnside Island State Park, a 400-acre oasis that's Kentucky's one and only island park.

And it's on this island where holiday magic happens each year.

Since the '90s, Burnside's Christmas Island has dazzled and delighted Kentuckians. This Kentucky State Park is decked to the nines in thousands of bright, twinkling lights and whimsical holiday displays.

Christmas Island happened for several years; but in the late 2010s, Kentucky State Parks sold the lights, and the future of this beloved event hung in the balance.

So Burnside pivoted, decking its delightful downtown streets with festive decorations and twinkly lights.

Yet it just wasn't the same, until...

...now.

It's the season of Christmas miracles; and this year, Christmas Island is back in Burnside, Kentucky. Sponsored by Cumberland Lake Shell, Christmas Island promises to be bigger and better than ever.

This event runs nightly November 18 through December 31, from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Tickets start at $20 per car, more for larger vehicles, so pile up the family minivan, crank up the Christmas tunes, and get ready to delight in this time-honored holiday tradition in Kentucky!

Check out the holiday lights at Christmas Island KY in this video from Keeping It Real Outdoors:

Did you know about Christmas Island in Burnside, KY? What a marvelous place -- and event! Learn more about this event at the City of Burnside website. If you'd like to see more of the stunning Christmas light displays that are available in Kentucky, try out our Christmas lights road trip to explore some wonderful Christmas towns in Kentucky! Make it an extra fun time by renting an RV from RVShare and bringing the whole family - Griswald style!

Do you have a favorite place to visit in Kentucky during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!