Here Are The Top 8 Christmas Towns In Kentucky, They’re Magical
Catching the holiday spirit in Kentucky is easier for some than it is for others. Fortunately, some festive functions will quickly sway those spirits. There are cities and towns in Kentucky which are recognized for their friendly attitudes and twinkling lights. These specific places do their best to spread the holiday cheer and bring about some of the true reasons for the season. Here are eight Christmas towns in Kentucky that take the holiday spirit to a whole other level!
Carrollton has an annual Festival of Trees located at the General Butler State Resort Park on 1608 US Hwy 227. Friends and families gather in early December with characters from the movie Frozen and, of course, Santa himself, and enjoy breakfast and lovely festive decorations.
Carrollton/Carroll County Tourism & Convention Commission, 515 Highland Ave, Carrollton, KY 41008, USA
It simply doesn't get any better than Christmas in Bardstown, Kentucky. While enchanting all year long, this winsome town positively dazzles during the holidays. From holiday railroad excursions along My Old Kentucky Dinner Train to celebrations at the town's numerous historical sites and attractions, Bardstown is *the* place to be during Christmas in Kentucky.
During the holiday season, Shaker Village in Kentucky bustles with light-hearted moments that remind us of long-ago winter days filled with wonder and laughter. Make time to delight in life’s simple gifts with family and friends, as lively music, merriment, and candlelight illuminate the Village. View a full calendar of events and activities at this Christmas town in Kentucky at the Shaker Village website.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
The holiday spirit is alive and well in Grayson County, with towns such as Leitchfield going all out for Christmas. From epic Christmas lights displays to amazing festivals and parades, this is one place you definitely want to be in November and December! Learn about the county's festive fun at the Grayson County Tourism Facebook page.
For a big, 'ole dose of holiday cheer in the Bluegrass, simply head to Frankfort. From the beautiful tree at the Old State Capitol to the cheerful lights around this thriving Main Street district, Frankfort is a Christmas town in Kentucky that's pure magical during the holidays. Learn more at the Visit Frankfort Facebook page.
Each year, Southern Lights lights up Lexington on 4089 Iron Works Parkway from the end of November through the end of December. This Kentucky Horse Park-orchestrated event offers a holiday dream world of animated figures, twinkling lights, music, pony and camel rides, Santa, and lots of festive Christmas fun for all ages. This was voted by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 best events in the United States and Canada, and absolutely needs to be on your "Christmas in Kentucky" bucket list!
Patti's is one of the most beloved destinations in the Bluegrass State, so it only makes sense that Patti's hosts one of the most epic holiday events as well! Each year, the lights at Patti's 1880s Settlement shine bright across the bucolic Bluegrass landscape, enchanting families and signaling the official start of Christmas in Kentucky. Check out all of the festive fun offered during the season at the official Patti's 1880s Settlement website.
Patti's 1880's Settlement, 1793 J H O'Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
Being the biggest city in Kentucky, Louisville also tends to have the biggest holiday festivities. The downtown area is lit up with lights, an ice rink opens, and the giant Christmas tree is decorated for all to see. The Mega Cavern attraction offers Lights Under Louisville, which is an entire world (and underground Christmas town!) in and of itself. Then we have one of the most popular, Christmas at the Galt House, a renowned hotel. It includes breathtaking decorations, a snow fairy princess, and Santa. Just imagine if Charles Dicken’s "A Christmas Story" came to life, and the Galt house has that and more. Each of these festivities in Louisville is an unforgettable experience, making this arguably the most epic Christmas town in Kentucky!
Louisville, KY, USA
We all have our own way of celebrating the holidays, and Christmas is a truly special time of year. These Christmas towns in Kentucky make the most of the holiday by involving the residents and trying to build a festive spirit. If not one of the above, what type of Christmas celebration does your community have?
Can’t get enough Christmas towns in Kentucky? We don’t blame you! We wax poetic about La Grange, one of our favorite small towns in Kentucky. La Grange is an all-around small-town superstar that offers visitors a fun and wholesome Bluegrass experience. During the holidays, this small town in Kentucky becomes downright magical – definitely put it on your Christmas to-do list!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Kentucky
October 14, 2022
Sarah
What are some fun ways to celebrate Christmas in Kentucky?
There’s no shortage of holiday spirit in the Bluegrass. From our big cities to small towns, Kentucky goes big for the holiday season! And while we enjoy a good walk-thru or drive-thru Christmas lights display, we absolutely love our Christmas towns (see above!). In fact, there’s one small town in Kentucky that’s positively bursting with Christmas spirit. Light Up LaGrange is a big holiday event in a tiny Kentucky town that’s proof positive that the heart and soul of the Bluegrass State really is, in fact, in our smallest towns.
What are the top must-visit Christmas light displays in Kentucky?
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 at Kentucky’s one and only island, 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. 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.
What are some unique things to do during the holiday season in Kentucky?
The holidays are a magical time of year in Kentucky, and we have everything from Christmas towns and trains to amazing light displays and festivals. But there’s one event that takes the holiday spirit to another level entirely, inviting Santa’s very own reindeer to the party! Did you know that Santa's reindeer don't all reside in the North Pole; they live at The Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky?! The Reindeer Farm is easily the most unique holiday attraction in Kentucky, and sure to become your new favorite festive tradition. This enchanting reindeer farm in Kentucky is a relatively new addition to the holiday lineup here, and it's quickly become a beloved tradition for local families.
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
