Here Are The 12 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Kentucky
With December just around the corner, it’s time to start hanging up the wreaths and stringing those lights. However, properly decorating for the holidays can be an elaborate process, so why not visit one of these enchanting Christmas towns in Kentucky for some inspiration? Their decorations and celebratory events will no doubt get you in the holiday spirit.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Every year, Ashland puts on a huge holiday festival that spans nearly all of November and December. Their amazing light display in Central Park and downtown has been sparkling since November 14, but they will remain lit until January 8. Other events in their holiday festival include a parade, breakfast with Santa, and train rides. For a full list of activities, including dates, times and pricing, click here.
A city the size of Louisville is guaranteed to have plenty of holiday events to choose from. The biggest event is Light Up Louisville, which happens on Friday, November 25. A spectacular light display will be lit by Santa, and afterwards you can enjoy a fireworks show or go ice skating on their pop-up rink. Before the illumination, there is a Christmas parade and the Run, Run Rudolph 5k.
The Galt House Hotel transforms itself into a holiday wonderland every year, with tons of activities for adults and children alike. Visit their website for a full schedule of events, prices, and to purchase your tickets. The Galt House Hotel is located at 140 N. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
Other great holiday events in Louisville include Lights Under Louisville at the Mega Cavern and Bardstown Road Aglow.
The Galt House Hotel transforms itself into a holiday wonderland every year, with tons of activities for adults and children alike. Visit their website for a full schedule of events, prices, and to purchase your tickets. The Galt House Hotel is located at 140 N. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
Other great holiday events in Louisville include Lights Under Louisville at the Mega Cavern and Bardstown Road Aglow.
Another big city, Lexington has plenty to offer as well. On Saturday November 26, they will host the annual Luminate Lexington festival at Main Street in between Midland Avenue and Mill Street.
Another popular attraction is the Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park. This driving tour of holiday lights is open until December 31 from 5:30pm until 10:00. It costs $15.00 per car Monday through Thursday, and $25.00 per car Friday through Sunday. The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.
Another popular attraction is the Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park. This driving tour of holiday lights is open until December 31 from 5:30pm until 10:00. It costs $15.00 per car Monday through Thursday, and $25.00 per car Friday through Sunday. The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.
The quaint town of Maysville holds a holiday parade every year on the first Friday in December. You can find the Twilight Christmas Parade at E. 2nd Street and Bridge Street. Come out to see a plethora of decorations, floats, and Santa. This year the parade will fall on December 2. It starts at 6:00pm, but get there early to assure you get a premiere viewing spot.
Light Up Bardstown will take place on Friday November 25, and will showcase a decorated and bright downtown Bardstown. Many of the shops will remain open late to accommodate people who came to see the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Be sure to visit the historic mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park for some unique Christmas activities. See a live production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," or tour the mansion and see it completely decked out in decorations. Visit their website to see a full calendar of events and ticket prices. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located at 501. E. Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004.
Be sure to visit the historic mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park for some unique Christmas activities. See a live production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," or tour the mansion and see it completely decked out in decorations. Visit their website to see a full calendar of events and ticket prices. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located at 501. E. Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004.
Be sure to visit Newport on the Levee on Friday November 25 to see Light Up The Levee kick off. There will be free light shows every evening until January 2 beginning at 6:10pm and lasting until 11:50pm.
Another unique and fun thing to in Newport around Christmas is visiting the Newport Aquarium. Starting on November 25 and lasting until December 31, you can see Santa go scuba diving in his "Water Wonderland." This daily event is free with admission. On December 4 and 11, there is a special Scuba Santa Breakfast where kids will get to make their own ornament and of course meet Scuba Santa. Tickets to the breakfast are $42.99 for general admission, or $19.99 if you're a special passholder. You can purchase your tickets here. Newport Aquarium is located at One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071.
Another unique and fun thing to in Newport around Christmas is visiting the Newport Aquarium. Starting on November 25 and lasting until December 31, you can see Santa go scuba diving in his "Water Wonderland." This daily event is free with admission. On December 4 and 11, there is a special Scuba Santa Breakfast where kids will get to make their own ornament and of course meet Scuba Santa. Tickets to the breakfast are $42.99 for general admission, or $19.99 if you're a special passholder. You can purchase your tickets here. Newport Aquarium is located at One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071.
Burnside is unique in that it is the only town located on Lake Cumberland. On December 10, they will hold their annual Magical Christmas in Burnside Parade and the Christmas Crafters Village. The parade starts at 1:00pm, and the Village will feature great and unique gift options, and Santa will be there to take pictures with kids and listen to them tell him what they want for Christmas.
Harrodsburg is home to the historic Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, which hosts delightful holiday celebrations. One of the most popular activities is Children's Tea Time with Mrs. Claus, which is unfortunately sold out for 2016, but is a great idea to keep in mind for next year. For a full list of events, visit their website. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is located at 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.
Grand Rivers puts on an amazing holiday light show every year called the Grand Rivers Festival of Lights. It's located at a popular local restaurant called Patti's 1880's Settlement, and features thousands of twinkling lights. The Festival of Lights has already kicked off, and will continue until the first weekend of January. For more information, click here. Patti's is located at 1793 J H O'Bryan Avenue, Grand Rivers, KY 42045.
Enjoy the warmth of your car as you drive through Leitchfield's City Park, which will be aglow with thousands of lights, starting on December 2 at 5:00pm. The park is located on East Lake Drive in Leitchfield. Enjoy the Hometown Christmas Parade the following day on December 3 at 10:00am. This year's theme for the Hometown Christmas Parade is Merry Movies, so all the floats will represent a favorite holiday movie.
On December 3, Carrollton will have a Winter Wonderfest Day. Kids can have breakfast with Santa at Two Rivers Restaurant, and General Butler State Resort Park will host a holiday concert. Also at General Butler State Park will be the Festival of Trees. For the whole month of December, come see a variety of Christmas trees decorated by various local businesses, schools, and churches.
The Creation Museum hosts this free event where you can take a walk through "Christmas Town." The botanical garden at the museum will be glowing and decorated for the holidays. Christmas Town will be open December 16 through December 30, but it will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
These 12 towns in Kentucky are sure to get you and your family ready for Christmas. For even more dazzling Christmas events, check out our article on the most magical light displays in Kentucky. Has anyone ever celebrated the holidays in these towns before?
