5 Must Have Kentucky Christmas Experiences
When someone says Kentucky, your first thoughts go to horse racing, bourbon and fried chicken. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong. Some might would even throw in that game using a round ball. But there is so much more to this state, you just need to know where to look. Kentucky is a beautiful state with lots to offer, especially during the holidays. It offers a great mix of a classic southern Christmas and festive experiences to get you in the holiday spirit. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a native to the state, or looking to plan a holiday getaway, Kentucky is worth your consideration.
Located in the central part of the state, just a short 20-minute drive outside of Lexington is Shaker Village. On the National Historical Registry, the property has over 3000 acres containing many original Shaker building from the 19th century. Taking a stroll on the property you feel as though you have stepped back to a simpler time.
During the holidays, Shaker Village ups the experience to a new level. Laid out before you are thousands of white Christmas lights that twinkle and dance across the gently rolling hills. These lights line the walk paths, hang from the trees, and adorn the modest yet beautiful buildings. Even the drive up to the property is an amazing sight.
For an extra special treat, on Saturday evenings throughout the month of December, Shaker Village celebrates the holidays with their Illuminated Evenings. Here you can take a candlelight tour of the property while learning more about the Shaker’s way of life. Other activities include jingle bell shuttle rides, bonfires, hot chocolate, and carols. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Plan on having dinner on property at The Trustee’s Table, housed in the original buildings within the historic center. They specialize in fresh farm to table southern dishes and traditional Kentucky favorites such as Pimento Cheese, Quail, and Country Fried Steak. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees and candlelit tables create a warm and cozy holiday evening.
Louisville, Kentucky, home to the Kentucky Derby has their Thunder Over Louisville which is the 2-week celebration leading up to Derby Day, but during the holiday season, you don’t want to miss Lights Under Louisville. It is the only underground light show in the world and is a truly magical experience. Drive your own car down into a cave system where pathways are lit with over 3 million lights that create numerous holidays scenes that range from the Nativity to Star Wars. Who knew Darth Vader would look good in Christmas lights?
The drive takes about 30 minutes and because you are going at idle speed, you have plenty of time to enjoy each of the 850 lit characters that are set up in scenes along the way. Since you are underground, the air temperature is usually around 60 degrees year-round so you can roll down the car windows for an even better view.
New for 2018 is the Christmas Express. Instead of driving through the cavern in your own car, hop aboard an open-air trailer for a ride through the lights and into Winter Wonderland. Here children receive milk and cookies.
No matter which experience you choose, this will become a new Christmas tradition for you and your family for years to come.
No trip to Kentucky would be complete without a visit to one of the bourbon distilleries in the state. But Buffalo Trace has kicked it up a notch in order to celebrate the holiday season. Their kickoff was held November 29 this year with the Lighting of the Trace. The event is free and open to the public.
Participants take a candlelight tour of a couple of the distillery buildings (not real candles….open flames and bourbon are not a good combination) and listen to Christmas Carols sung by a choir. The highlight of the evening is when Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive on the back of a vintage fire truck to light the large outdoor Christmas tree. Kids can then have cookies and meet Santa.
If you missed the Lighting of the Trace, you can still participate in the driving tour of the distillery. Drive in your own car through the distillery where the roads are lined with lights and Christmas figures. The event is complimentary and is held nightly through December from 5:30 – 10:00 pm.
*Bonus: Click here to get your Old Fashioned Recipe.
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Located about 30 minutes from each other, the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter offer a magical night including lights, ice skating, and a live nativity. It might be difficult to fully experience both parks in the same night without feeling rushed. It would depend on how much time you feel you need at each of the locations.
The Creation Museum features their Garden of Lights where you walk through the botanical gardens while enjoying multi-colored Christmas light displays and a live Nativity celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. Along the way, you may encounter shepherds and one of the Magi who is on his way to see the baby, Jesus.
At Ark Encounter, the gardens, Ark, and lake are all brightly lit with a full array of colors. The free event includes walking through the decorated grounds, the Ark zoo, a view of the light display on the outside of the Ark, and admittance to the gift and trade fair. A special admission price of $32.99 after 5:00 pm includes a buffet dinner and access to inside the Ark.
Both outdoor Christmas events are free and do not include access to museum exhibits. That would require an additional ticket if desired. Plus, there is a small parking fee as well. Events run daily (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 5:00-8:30
Nestled in western Kentucky, at Land between the Lakes, is Patti’s, a recreated log cabin village that overflows with charm and southern hospitality. With humble beginnings as just a hamburger and ice cream parlor with a small motel, the property has grown to include 2 restaurants that serve over 350,000 people each year. Sadly, one of the restaurants was damaged by fire but they are in the process of rebuilding and hope to reopen in 2019.
The setback has not dampened the spirit of those in the little town. Every year the family and friends work tirelessly to decorate the village called “The Festival of Lights”. With Christmas lights and decorations they welcome visitors from all around to enjoy in their festivities. Just this year Patti’s competed in ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight Show” for a chance to win $50,000 in the Heavyweight Division.
With nearly 4 ½ acres of land, the folks at Patti’s put up approximately 1.3 million lights on practically every tree and bush on the property. There are paths to wander around the settlement, shops to explore and of course lots of great food. Patti’s is truly an old-timey country Christmas.
So really no matter what you love to do in order to get into the holiday spirit, there is something for you to do in Kentucky. I encourage you to not get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that you don’t take time to get out an explore. Have a Merry Kentucky Christmas.
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