From underwater predators to America’s sports car, these Kentucky capitals each have their unique claim to fame, but during the holidays they go full-on Christmas with spectacular holiday light shows, yuletide island fun and meet-and-greets with Santa’s reindeer.
Frankfort – Historic Heartbeat of Kentucky
Step inside the life-size snow globe. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour. See the lighting of the Christmas tree. The magic unfolds in downtown Frankfort during Candlelight Weekend (Nov. 7-9)—Kentucky’s most beloved regional event of the year. Also on the calendar: a petting zoo, photo ops with Santa Claus and holiday characters, exclusive holiday shopping, music performances, delicious food and drinks, holiday tours at local museums and historical sites and an Ugly Sweater Sip & Shop Cocktail Stroll.
Holiday hidden gem: Gingerbread and lollipops, choo choo trains and Santa’s elves—you never know what (or who) you’ll see during the annual Frankfort Christmas Parade (Dec. 7)—and that includes the First Dog of Kentucky: Winnie. This year’s theme? A Kentucky Christmas—celebrating the spirit of the Bluegrass.
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Owensboro – Bluegrass Music Capital of the World
A one-stop-Christmas shop opens its doors at the Owensboro Convention Center with the 11th Annual Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo (Nov. 8-10): 200-plus booths showcase artisan- and crafter-made woodcrafts, decor, quilts, candles, holiday decorations, custom foods, paintings, floral arrangements, pottery, embroidery and more.
Holiday hidden gem: Close-Ups with the Clauses (Nov. 23) is a free community event that includes portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, complimentary refreshments and holiday activities. It takes place on the same day as the Owensboro Christmas Parade.
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Bowling Green – Corvette Capital of the World
The Reindeer Farm brings the North Pole to Kentucky. Visit Santa’s reindeer and get into the pen with them. Meet a reindeer at Breakfast with Santa or the Grinch. Have a family photo session with them. Choose your tour—but sign up early! Reindeer events and encounters book fast. See the website for specific dates (weekends from Nov. 15-Dec. 27) and tours.
Holiday hidden gem: As the ONLY reindeer farm in the South, the Reindeer Farm IS the hidden gem!
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Somerset-Pulaski Co. – Houseboat Capital of the World
Houseboats, yes . . . but an illuminated island, too. It’s Christmas Island (Nov. 18-Dec. 31), held at General Burnside Island—the only island park in the Kentucky State Park system. Over 80 brilliant light scenes, with some seasonal statement makers as large as 104-feet-long and 16-feet-high; cozy Vendor Village featuring handmade gifts (Thursdays through Sundays); visits with Santa and friends; photos ops; and Jingle Bell Run 5K.
Holiday hidden gem: Bear Wallow Farm’s Country Christmas FarmFest (Nov. 29-Dec. 23) is 20-plus attractions—including slides, pedal carts and apple blasters—a Trail of Lights, visits with Santa and live music.
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Paducah – Quilt Capital of the World
You don’t become a UNESCO Creative City without a strong commitment to, well, creativity—as Paducah’s Christmas in the Park (Nov. 27-Dec. 31) attests. Set up for the annual holiday light drive-through spectacular begins in October so organizers can find creative new ways to refresh light displays and brainstorm news ones, like last year’s tunnel of lights. Tune into station 89.5 FM to hear Christmas music synchronized with the lights.
Holiday hidden gem: Paducah Main Street hosts several themed events, including a tree lighting ceremony, candy cane hunt, Christmas parade, Holiday Open House (Nov. 8-10) and annual Holly Jolly event (Dec. 12-14).
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Oldham Co. – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky
If it’s holiday lights and horticulturally inspired décor, it must be Yuletide at Yew Dell (Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29-Dec. 21), an event that transforms this beautiful botanical garden into a wonderland of sparkling lights, Holiday Trees and whimsical train village, with lots of traditional family fun, plenty of seasonal charm and one Jolly Ol’ Elf.
Holiday hidden gem: The 19th Annual Nature of Christmas in Goshen (12-3 p.m. Dec. 7; Ice Date: Dec. 14) charms with small-town holiday fun. Come to Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus; s’mores; crafts and complimentary face painting in the Nature Center; complimentary chili, hot dogs and hot chocolate; booths from various artisans and businesses; plus, a silent auction with an array of items. The event is free; donations encouraged.
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Lexington – Horse Capital of the World
Southern Lights (Nov. 29-Dec. 31) might be the only seasonal spectacle where you’ll see thoroughbred race horses a ‘twinkle in lights as they charge toward the finish line. The three-mile driving tour at Kentucky Horse Park, a Kentucky Top 10 Winter/Holiday Festivals and Events, enchants with over a million winking lights animating Kentucky-inspired and traditional holiday vignettes.
Holiday hidden gem: Drive through Southern Lights, then park and enjoy Holiday Village, featuring photos with Santa, Santa’s North Pole Mailbox (bring those Christmas lists!), Animal Land, and a Bluegrass Miniature Train Display. Enjoy hot chocolate and funnel cakes at Tootie’s Peppermint Café and pop into the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop.
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London-Laurel Co. – Cycling Capital of Kentucky
In December, one of the most Christmassy towns in Kentucky gets down to the business of bringing good cheer to all: The Lights Around London Christmas Driving Tour (Dec. 1-31) features more than 60 stops; the Tree Lighting of the Interactive Christmas Tree at Town Center Park (Dec. 3), lights up daily at 6 p.m.; and Christmas on Main (Dec. 6) presents a Christmas Book Walk and the Randy Smith Christmas on Main Parade downtown London.
Holiday hidden gem: Lights Over London (6-9 p.m. Dec. 13) is an impressive 160-programmed-drone light show offering two different viewing times. Town Center & Broad Street—although the show can be seen from almost anywhere downtown.
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Hopkinsville – Batter Capital of the World
O Christmas Tree! Individually themed and decorated Christmas trees trimmed to the holiday nines and sparkling with lights: It’s the Festival of Trees (Dec. 13-14) at Bruce Convention Center.
Holiday hidden gem: So many stores! So little time! The clock will tick down the five hours The Christmas Village at The Silo (10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 30) is open with its huge variety of boutiques, gift stores, Etsy-like vendors and local craft artists—all under one roof. Food trucks and photos ops with Santa and Elsa and Anna, too.
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Winchester – Beer Cheese Capital of the World
It’s time for holiday magic with the Leeds Center for the Arts’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Nov. 8-10 and 15-17). Sing along with “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” Experience the enchantment, romance and daring escapades that make this junior musical an unforgettable aquatic extravaganza, and perfect family outing to kick off the holidays.
Holiday hidden gem: One of Winchester’s most beloved post-Thanksgiving holiday traditions is the Beech Springs Farm’s Annual Christmas Market (Nov. 30), featuring holiday treats, plenty of live music, photos with Santa Claus—and vendors displaying an array of irresistible gift items.
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Morehead-Rowan Co. – Muskie Fishing Capital of the South
In December, it’s all about the Musky Fishing at Cave Run Lake. That’s because the best musky fishing takes place in cooler temperatures—the perfect time to give yourself the gift of a fishing excursion with an expert musky fishing guide.
Holiday hidden gem: Wear your shopping shoes and bring your Christmas list to the 38th Annual Appalachian Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23) at Morehead Conference Center, a treasure trove of diverse regional arts and crafts, showcasing everything from traditional items to contemporary works and including holiday decorations.