Enjoy the wide variety of Christmas lights throughout Kentucky.
Just the name Kentucky conjures up visions of rolling bluegrass hills, horse racing and Southern hospitality. Kentucky welcomes all visitors to experience the variety of Christmas light festivals held throughout the state in December. Small towns and big cities alike participate in decorating for Christmas with lights. There is even a place to view the lights during the day, regardless of the weather. Does this Spark an idea?
Winter Wonderland of Lights -- Ashland, Kentucky
Located in northeastern Kentucky, near the Ohio and West Virginia borders, is the city of Ashland. The Winter Wonderland of Lights is held for five weeks every year. A 52-acre park in Ashland serves as a home to 50 holiday displays showing more than 800,000 lights. The festival offers a train ride to see the displays for those who choose not to walk. As an added bonus, Santa is available in the oldest home in Ashland, which happens to be in the confines of the park. The festival began in 1988 as a project supported by local businesses. In 2010, the festival began emphasizing a "Go Green" initiative to re-light the displays with LED lights.
Southern Lights -- Lexington
West central Kentucky is home to Lexington and the Kentucky Horse Park. From late November through the end of December, the park features the Southern Lights. Visitors can stroll, walk or even run through the lights and displays. There is also a driving tour through miles of ornate displays that highlight horse racing, show jumping and steeplechase. When finished looking at the lights, enjoy the petting zoo, cafe or the International Museum of the Horse.
Bowling Green's Christmas Scene -- Bowling Green
Just an hour north of Nashville is Bowling Green, Kentucky. The town decks itself out in lights for the Christmas season, and the picturesque downtown comes to life. Early in December, watch the Christmas Parade, held every year to help everyone get in the holiday spirit. The Public Theater of Kentucky puts on shows nightly, and the Historic Railpark and Train Museum put on their annual Festival of Trains.
Louisville Mega Caverns -- Louisville
Louisville is home to the Mega Caverns and the Lights Under Louisville. The Mega Cavern is a 100-acre limestone cavern that is a balmy 56 degrees throughout the year. Every Christmas season, the cavern is home to the only underground light show in the world. Visitors take a 30 to 40-minute drive through the cavern to enjoy the light displays. With 500 characters and other displays, there are over 2 million points of light. The show runs from mid-November to early January.
Tags: Bowling Green, Christmas season, every year, festival began, horse racing
