The holiday season has arrived. Here are 9 ways to celebrate it in Lexington.
The holiday season has rolled around again and Lexington is ready to celebrate with full-blown Christmas cheer.
With a plethora of events from tree lightings and performances to cookie-decorating classes and Santa meet-and-greets, there’s something to keep everyone cheerful in winter’s shortest days.
“Downtown Lexington is the perfect place to kick off the holiday season,” said Lexington Downtown Partnership director of development and events Laura Farnsworth.
The city’s Holiday Lighting Festival kicked off Dec. 1.
Also in downtown Lexington is the Rink, set up for ice skating through Jan. 20.
Families can check out this year’s production of “The Nutcracker,” shop at various local holiday markets, drive through three miles of gorgeous sparkling light displays, take a candlelit tour of a historic mansion or immerse yourself in the Shaker Village, all decked out for the holidays.
“To get everyone into the holiday spirit we are hosting family-friendly events all season long,” said Shaker Village Chief Marketing Officer Shelby Jones.
“Mrs. Claus is making her annual trip to the Village to host a children’s tea party and story time, and Santa will join her at our Illuminated Evenings events every Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas. We also have workshops where you can learn to hand-make ornaments and decorate holiday cookies.”
Check out this list of holiday events and mark your calendars for dates running to the end of the year.
Go watch the Holiday Parade
WHAT: Lexington’s Holiday Parade returns, presented by Commonwealth Credit Union, on Dec.7. Santa Claus is coming to town along with floats, marching bands and family-friendly fun. Stick around after for story time and a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at LexLive.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
WHERE: The parade starts at Main Street and Midland Avenue and ends at Main Street and Mill Street.
Take a drive through Southern Lights
WHAT: This three-mile drive through sparkling lights is full of Christmas spirit for the whole family. Ticket cost includes the option to park and explore the “Holiday Village” and meet with Santa, take a mini train ride and shop at the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop.
WHEN: The drive is open every night from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 (Closed Christmas Day) from 5-10 p.m. Tickets are $35 per car. The park is closed on Christmas Day.
WHERE: Kentucky Horse Park “Campground Entrance,” 3785 Campground Road.
Check out Lexington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
WHAT: The Lexington Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” for performances running Dec. 13-22. The show follows Marie on a journey with the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing flowers and snowflakes, and of course, the Nutcracker Prince. This production includes brand-new choreography by artistic director Eric Trope.
WHERE: Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington.
Stroll through Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
WHAT: Just 30 minutes north of Lexington is a beautiful Christmas village in Millersburg, Kentucky, complete with a light display, gingerbread house exhibit, artisan market, holiday cafe, igloo reservations, nativity carriage rides and more.
WHEN: The event runs from Dec. 7-23.
WHERE: Mustard Seed Hill Events, 112 Main St., Millersburg, KY
Go ice skating at The Rink at Triangle Park
WHAT: Rent a pair of skates by the hour and go skating at Triangle Park. You can also make a night of it by stacking events; show proof of a ticket to an event at the Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, Lexington Opera House or a LexPark receipt for 20% off.
WHEN: Nov. 18 through Jan. 20; hours may vary
WHERE: Triangle Park, 400 W. Main St.
Take a candlelight tour of “Ashland,” the Henry Clay Estate
WHAT: This 19th-century mansion, which is Kentucky’s first National Historic Landmark, will be dressed up for the holidays, making it a perfect time to visit if you haven’t been. You can tour the mansion anytime, but special candlelight tours will be held on select nights only for a bit of extra magic. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children.
WHERE: 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington.
WHEN: Candlelight tours will be held Dec. 7, 12, and 14 every half hour from 5:30-7 p.m.
Attend holiday events at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
WHAT: Head out to Shaker Village for a history-filled holiday season, starting with the “blessing of the hounds” on Nov. 30, a candlelight village tour on December Fridays and twinkling lights, holiday music, bonfires and tea with Mrs.Claus on December Saturdays.
WHERE: Shaker Village, 3501 Lexington Road.
Take a sugar cookie decorating class
WHAT: This 1.5 hour class from A Traveling Cupcake at Local Lex Market will teach you the best way to decorate sugar cookies, with everything you need provided. If you have limited decorating experience or just want to have some fun, this is a great choice. Tickets are $55 on EventBrite.
WHEN: 6:30-8:30 pm, Dec. 12 and Dec. 20,
WHERE: Local Lex Market, 439 Southland Drive
Check out “A Wonderful Woodford Christmas” in Versailles
WHAT: The city of Versailles is hosting this year’s Christmas village in true Hallmark style with events lined up until the end of the year. Go ice skating, shop local businesses for gifts, meet Santa Claus, make s’mores and go all out for a Tacky Sweater Party.
WHEN: Various events Nov. 30 to Dec. 22
WHERE: Downtown Versailles.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 10:11 AM.