Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Kentucky

For those eager to embrace the Christmas spirit, Kentucky offers plenty of festive charm. Cities like Ashland, Louisville, Owensboro, and Lexington feature stunning light displays and a variety of holiday activities. From meeting Santa in a mega cavern to a horse park or a historic village, Kentucky's holiday attractions are filled with unique and memorable experiences.

Lights Under Louisville at the Louisville Mega Cavern (November 8, 2024–January 4, 2025)

Lights Under Louisville is a unique Christmas experience that is not like any other light display. Louisville Mega Cavern transforms into a fairytale land with an impressive holiday light spectacular. A festive ride through part of the 17-mi (27-km) of underground passageways takes about 30 minutes. Visitors will see over 900 characters lit up with over 6,500,000 points of light. The guests drive their vehicles through the Louisville Mega Cavern or take The Christmas Express, a 30-minute daytime drive-through in an open-top trailer. It can be followed by breakfast with Santa in Winter Wonderland. This is a one-of-a-kind holiday attraction!

The event offers a range of pricing options depending on the vehicle type. Standard vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and minivans, are priced at $42.99, while the Priority Pass for standard vehicles is $89.99. The Christmas Express costs $21.99 per person. Daily hours are 9 am to 10 pm, with special hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. The Christmas Express is typically available from 10 am to 4 pm.

Here, you can find more about Christmas lights events in Louisville.

Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival in Central Park, Ashland (November 18, 2024–January 2, 2025)

Since 1988, Winter Wonderland of Lights in Ashland has been one of the most impressive light displays in Kentucky. Visit Central Park in downtown Ashland during the holiday season and enjoy the light spectacular. A 52-ac (21-ha) park is illuminated with over 60 holiday displays that consist of over 800,000 lights. Kids love to ride the Winter Wonderland Express train and visit Ashland's oldest home, located in Central Park, to meet the old St.Nick himself!

Light Display hours are from dusk to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and from dusk to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. The Opening Night Ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm on November 18 at Central Park Bandstand. The annual Christmas Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 26 at 7 pm. This year's theme: "Traditional Country Christmas."

Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington (November 29–December 31, 2024)

The annual Southern Lights Holiday Festival at Lexington's Kentucky Horse Park was the first light display in the area over 25 years ago. It now attracts about 120,000 visitors every year and is named one of Kentucky's Top 10 Winter/Holiday Festivals and Events by Kentucky Travel and Tourism. Wear some warm clothes and participate in Southern Lights Stroll or a competitive 5K race. Seeing the magnificent surroundings of the Kentucky Horse Park either on foot or from your car window is a spectacular Christmas experience. Additional attractions include visits with Santa, Santa's North Pole Mailbox (where kids can drop off their Christmas list), Animal Land, Mini Train rides, Bluegrass Miniature Train Display, and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop.

The drive-through light show runs nightly from November 29 to December 31, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm (closed on Christmas Day). For an easier experience, tickets can be pre-purchased online for $35 per carload, the same price as tickets bought at the gate.

Patti's Festival of Lights at Patti's 1880 Settlement, Grand Rivers (November–January, 2024, TBA)

Experience an old-fashioned small-town Christmas and Patti's Festival of Lights in Grand Rivers, a picturesque area between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Patti's 1880's Settlement and the Grand Rivers transform into a wonderland each November. Thousands of enchanting lights are visible daily after dusk through mid-January. The festival grounds are illuminated with over 750,000 lights. Patti's Settlement and downtown also offer a Musical Christmas production and variety shows at the Badgett Playhouse, unique crafts and gifts, and cozy lodging.

Christmas at Panther Creek, Owensboro (November, 2024 –January, 2025, TBA)

Panther Creek Park Christmas Festival is a cherished local tradition for families in Owensboro, a city in Western Kentucky, on the bank of the Ohio River. The park, located on Wayne Bridge Road, hosts an amazing drive-through light display. More than 500,000 lights illuminate a beautiful trail that you can explore in your car. Wagon rides are also available, weather permitting. Open from 6 pm to 9 pm each night. $5 charge per carload. Proceeds from Christmas at Panther Creek benefit many local non-profits throughout the year.

Christmas In The Park at Noble Park, Paducah (November 27– December 31, 2024)

Christmas in the Park is the premier holiday attraction in Paducah and the whole region. Paducah Power System lights up the spectacular illumination in Noble Park every holiday season, starting with a lighting ceremony in mid-November. A walk under the lights will be available nightly through New Year's Eve. There are also horse-drawn carriage tours available by reservation.

Drive through from 6 pm to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Donations of canned goods or cash are appreciated to assist local agencies and their food pantries.

Lighting Of The Trace at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort (early December 2024–early January 2025, TBA)

There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season in Frankfort than enjoying the colorful, festive displays at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The magical display consists of more than 145,000 lights across the Distillery. In addition to fantastic decorations, it features the Kentucky State University Choir and Santa himself. Go on a Candlelight Tour, enjoy Carols and Holiday Stories, and participate in other fun activities at Lighting of the Trace. Take a picture with Santa in the Clubhouse, and enjoy cookies with hot chocolate. Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company, which dates back to 1773. It produces bourbon and vodka on-site.

Lighting of the Trace typically occurs on the last days of November, kicking off the holiday season here with family-friendly activities. This event is complimentary to attend and open to the public.

Bardstown Road Aglow, Louisville (December 7, 2024)

Bardstown Road Aglow is a signature Louisville Christmas event put on by the Highlands Commerce Guild. A tree lighting ceremony at Bardstown and Grinstead kicks off the season. There are numerous shopping specials throughout the neighborhood. Stores attract visitors by offering refreshments, snacks, live music, and a trolley. The Park Community Polar Palooza is a major highlight of Bardstown Road Aglow. It includes kids' entertainment, letters to Santa, photos with funny characters, and holiday music.

Live music will take place at several pop-up locations along Bardstown Road as well as free Trolley rides. The event is scheduled from noon until 10 pm. The annual Wendy's Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at 6 pm, accompanied by the festive arrival of Santa Claus. This festive supports local businesses by boosting holiday sales at Highlands restaurants and shops.