There is so much holiday fun to be had in central Kentucky. This handy guide will help you stay festive so you can celebrate the season without a single stop!
Dreaming of a white Christmas? You won’t want to miss a spirited adaptation of a beloved holiday classic. The Lexington Theatre Company presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical on November 17th-19th at the Lexington Opera House. This family-friendly stage spectacular features all of the iconic songs you love. Be sure to buy tickets early; we wouldn’t be surprised if this show sells out! Visit lexingtontheatrecompany.org for showtimes or to buy tickets.
‘Tis the season for buying gifts. Fortunately, the Lexington Junior League’s Holly Day Market has 80+ merchants in one location for you to browse and enjoy, along with fun activities, family-friendly fun and so much more. Head to the Central Bank Center November 11th and 12th to start checking off your holiday shopping list. Tickets are $10 online or at the door, while children 10 and under get in free! Visit hollydaymarket.com to learn more.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage is a beautiful, colorful, exciting reimagining of a treasured classic holiday special. Join all of your beloved Peanuts characters as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas – and join them after the show for a Christmas sing-along! The single showing is December 6th 6pm at the EKU Center for the Arts. Visit ekucenter.com for more info and tickets for this family-friendly holiday event.
Lexington’s Holiday Lighting Festival is a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season. See Lexington’s official Christmas tree lit for the season. Sing carols, enjoy snacks by local vendors and mingle around Triangle Park before Santa makes his grand appearance! To get the latest on this fun family event, visit downtownlex.com – and while you’re on their site, you can find out when The Rink at Triangle Park will be open for skating!
The Lexington Chamber Chorale’s Sing Noel (November 26th 5pm at the Second Presbyterian Church) features tunes that will be familiar as well as many that may be new to you – and they invite the audience to sing along for part of the program! Visit lexingtonchamberchorale.org for tickets. The Alltech Celebration of Song (December 10th 4pm at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena) features the incredible voices of Kentucky Opera Theatre and the winners of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. The UK Choirs Collage: A Holiday Spectacular (December 2nd and 3rd at the Singletary Center for the Arts) features student choirs. Fans of Glee should check out A Very Darren Crissmas on December 19th 8pm at the Lexington Opera House, which is sure to be a toe-tapping good time. The Lexington Philharmonic and The Lexington Singers present their annual holiday favorite concert, A Cathedral Christmas, December 16th 8pm at the Cathedral of Christ the King; get tickets at lexphil.org.
Christmas lights are one of the most fantastic sights of the season. But knowing where to look seems like a struggle every year. We’re sharing our favorite lights attractions for you to enjoy!
Southern Lights
Is it really Christmas in Kentucky if you don’t take a drive through Southern Lights? We don’t think so! This three-mile driving tour features over a million twinkling lights that will get your entire family in the Christmas spirit. From pictures with Santa to the ever-adored Animal Land, there’s so much to see and enjoy!
This year, the Southern Lights are on Novemer 24th - December 31st (closed Christmas Day) 5:30-10pm. Tickets are $35 per carload; purchase tickets online or at the gate. To learn more about all the fun, visit southernlightsky.com.
Want a sneak peek at the Southern Lights? The Southern Lights Stroll and 5K will be Saturday, November 18th. Gates open at 5:30pm. Learn more at khpfoundation.org.
White Christmas House
This home at 1080 Chinoe Road always puts on a spectacular display for Christmas that’s free to view. The Turners typically try to have everything illuminated by the day after Thanksgiving.
Fire Station #20
Located at 3001 Arrowhead Drive, the firefighters of this station put up a fantastic display of lights that’s coordinated to music. It’s free to view.
Fire Station #11
Not to be outdone, the firefighters at Station 11 are doing Christmas up right. Visit 1626 Harrodsburg Road to see the show.
Wild Lights
Since 2017, this home at 112 Bernie Trail in Nicholasville has lit up for a good cause. Follow them on Facebook to learn more.
Jones Family Christmas Light and Music Show
Visit 1748 Abbington Hill to see a spectacular private lights show December 1st - January 1st 6:30pm-9pm.
The Blow-Up House
This home at 200 Toronto Road sure loves blow-up figures. Drive by for some instant holiday cheer!
... and More!
Tons of private homes and neighborhoods in the area have fantastic displays. Check social media for what everyone’s buzzing about!
Holiday Lights at Buffalo Trace
This drive-through display of holiday lights is a can’t-miss. It’s free and open to the public November 30th - December 25th and begins at 113 Great Buffalo Trace. Learn more at buffalotracedistillery.com.
Lights Under Louisville
This unique drive-through lights tour of the Mega Cavern is open November 10th - January 1st. Learn more at lightsunderlouisville.com.
Winter Nights, River Lights
On warmer nights, head to Newport for a fun holiday stroll across their iconic purple people bridge, which is decked out in holiday lights. This is free to enjoy, but maybe stop by one of the riverfront shops for cocoa before you make the trek!
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
From candlelight tours to their stunning Christmas tree, you can step back in history while celebrating the season. | henryclay.org
Waveland State Historic Site
They typically host Christmas teas and more fun events. | parks.ky.gov
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
From festive lunches to Illuminated Evenings, there’s so much to enjoy! | shakervillageky.org
Mustard Seed Hill
This Millersburg home features holiday activities, lights and more. | mustardseedhill.events
Patti’s 1880s Settlement
Grand Rivers comes alive this time of year. | pattis1880s.com
Woodford County
There is so much to do in Woodford, from shopping to events! | visitwoodfordky.com
The Kentucky Castle
From wreath workshops to an exclusive NYE experience, it’s a magical spot. | thekentuckycastle.com
Kentucky Railway Museum
Check out their holiday-themed rides! | kyrail.org
Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum
Their Santa Trains are so much fun. | bluegrassrailroad.com
The Polar Express Train Ride
All aboard for holiday magic! | stearnsthepolarexpressride.com
Lexington Children’s Theater
The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever will warm your heart! | lctonstage.org
The Kentucky Theatre
Look for special holiday screenings! | kentuckytheatre.org
Lexington Parks & Recreation
Fun community events and more. | lexingtonky.gov
Lexington Public Library
Look for booktacular holiday fun! | lexpublib.org
