Visit 11 Christmas Lights Displays in Kentucky For a Magical Experience

As we make our way toward winter, you know what that means... it's time to start celebrating with the Christmas lights in Kentucky. If you're looking for something a bit more exciting than blaring Christmas music, drinking egg nog, and watching A Christmas Story for the thousandth time, then check out some of the best Christmas light shows in Kentucky. Every year, these magical destinations illuminate with festive cheer and they are some of the best things to do at Christmas in Kentucky and some of the best Christmas Christmas lights near me. Take a look at these 11 wonderful options to help celebrate the holiday spirit.

Pro tip: We all know these Christmas lights become very popular as we get closer to Christmas Day. These are phenomenal places to snag your annual family photo, so do yourself a favor and plan to visit one of these Christmas lights displays in Kentucky early! This way, you can escape the large crowds. Plus, you'll have extra time to send those photos out for holiday cards!

1. Lights Under Louisville, Mega Cavern

Head to the Mega Cavern to see the world's only underground light show. Lights Under Louisville runs from mid-November to early January. Lights Under Louisville takes place from November 8, 2024, until January 4, 2025. Visit the Lights Under Louisville website to purchase your tickets. 

2. The Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival, Central Park and Downtown Ashland

Ashland puts on an impressive holiday festival every year, complete with a beauty pageant, parade, train rides, and of course, spectacular Christmas lights in Kentucky. The light display will be illuminated from mid-November to early January. The entire season is filled with festive cheer in Ashland. Discover more on the Winter Wonderland of Lights website.

3. Southern Lights Holiday Festival, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington

This spectacular driving tour attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year to one of the best Christmas light shows. The route is open nightly from late November to the end of December. Plan your visit on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation website.

4. Grand Rivers Festival of Lights, Patti's 1880 Settlement, Grand Rivers

This fun property in downtown Grand Rivers has over 700,000 lights to get you into the holiday spirit. Find out more about one of the largest Christmas light displays in Kentucky on Patti's 1880's Settlement website.

5. Light up Louisville, Fourth and Jefferson Streets

Light Up Louisville has been a holiday tradition since 1981, offering some of the best Christmas lights near me. There is even a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree and a pop-up ice skating rink. A "Holiday Market" with vendors and food remains open from Jefferson Street to Liberty Street through the season. Find more information on the Louisville, Kentucky website.

6. Light Up The Levee Grand Illumination, Newport on the Levee

This festival to kick off the holiday season is located in Newport, right across the river from Cincinnati. At the Grand Illumination, you can listen to live music, watch artists create amazing ice sculptures, meet Santa, and admire the sparkling 50-foot tree. We love to see the kids' reaction to the holiday joy! The lights will continue to glow until early January. Follow along with the event's information on the Newport on the Levee website.

7. Christmas at Panther Creek Park, Owensboro

Drive through this amazing illuminated tour that has more than 400,000 Christmas lights in Kentucky. The tour is open every night from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout the season and continues until early January. Admission is $5 per car. Learn more on the Visit Owensboro website.

8. Christmas In The Park, Noble Park, Paducah

For the month of December, come see Paducah's Noble Park glow with Christmas Lights. Moving light displays will dance throughout the park. You can bring non-perishable food items or cash to be donated to local charities. Get all of the details on the Paducah, Kentucky website.

9. Light Up Bardstown, Court Square

Bardstown is always such a magical Christmas town in Kentucky throughout the holiday season! The people here go all out with their light displays and Christmas trees showcasing the best Christmas lights in Kentucky. Plan a visit to this charming little town. Read more on the Bardstown Main Street website.

10. Lighting Of The Trace, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort

Starting in early December, Buffalo Trace has a month-long celebration of lights. You will be able to drive around this distillery's beautiful property and see it all lit up until early January, from dusk until 11 p.m. There are holiday events at Buffalo Trace throughout the season, so visit the Buffalo Trace website to peep the schedule.

12. Bardstown Road Aglow, Highlands of Louisville

Bardstown Road is the place to be in early December! For the first Saturday in December, participating businesses up and down Bardstown Road compete in a holiday decorating contest, so it's fun to walk around and see who is the brightest and most creative with their displays. Many of the businesses will have special sales. This year, it's taking place on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Find out more on the Bardstown Road Aglow Facebook page.

If you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, you certainly will be if you visit one of the best displays of Christmas lights in Kentucky! When you need another pick-me-up, make a road trip to see some more Christmas lights near me. And for those who've experienced some of these stunning holiday displays, or if we've missed some, please let us know in the comments.

While you're traveling through Kentucky this holiday season, consider treating yourself to a cozy weekend away.