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In Lexington and the Bluegrass, you can experience the holidays in the light of your choice.

Be dazzled by tens of thousands of twinkling lights at the state’s largest animated light display — or bask in the glow of candlelight at an historic house. Watch your children’s faces light up with excitement at a holiday parade, arts performance or Christmas sing-along — and lighten the task of finding just the right gifts by shopping at Bluegrass craft shows and unique shops.
From mid-November through the end of the year, the calendar abounds with special exhibits, home tours, performances and family fun.

A Horsey Highlight
Lexington is the “horse capital of the world,” so it shouldn’t seem too surprising that the holiday season features some equine enchantment.

At Southern Lights: Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights at the Kentucky Horse Park, horses of light “race” in front of a cheering crowd, clear a steeplechase fence, and graze in Bluegrass pastures. The unique horse scenes help make Southern Lights one of the most distinctive lights festivals anywhere. And with tens of thousands of shimmering lights, it’s Kentucky’s largest lights festival and an eight-year tradition.

You’ll enjoy animated scenes featuring Santa and his reindeer, elves, snowflakes and other traditional holiday characters as you drive along the three- mile route through the park.

Through December 21, you can park and check out the indoor exhibits and entertainment. Youngsters can pet reindeer and other creatures in the petting zoo and talk to Santa in the park’s International Museum of the Horse, where animated figures and a model railway exhibit enhance the regular equine-related exhibits. You can also shop for handmade arts and crafts, or just enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while you listen to local choirs and other entertainers.

Catch Southern Lights nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. November 16 through December 31. Admission is $15 per car, $30 per extended van, $50 per mini-bus, $75 per school bus and $125 per motorcoach. A number of Lexington hotels offer special packages. Check out
www.visitlex.com. The indoor attractions are closed on Thanksgiving Day, and from December 24-31, but the drive-through portion remains open every night through the 31st.
(859) 255-5727.

The Glow of Holidays Past
Imagine what Christmas was like in the days before “hot toys” and artificial trees. At historic houses and sites in and around Lexington you can experience the sights, sounds and spirit of Christmas as it was celebrated in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In Lexington
Christmas on the Estate. This year the Henry Clay Estate will open its doors for two Holiday Candlelight Tours on Sunday, December 2 and Sunday, December 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy live music on self-guided tours of the mansion and hot cider and sweets in the Keeper’s Cottage. Reservations are not required. $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 10. (859)266-8581.

Antebellum Christmas. At Waveland State Historic Site, you can see what the holiday season was like on a Bluegrass plantation. Antebellum decorations, music, refreshments and costumed historic presenters will be featured at this year’s Christmas Candlelight Tours from 6 to 9 p.m. December 8-9. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students. (859) 272-3611.

In the Region
Simple Gifts. The simple beauty of the Shaker celebrations takes on special significance during special holiday events at the restored Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill near Harrodsburg. On December 1, Christmas Shaker traditions in holiday vignettes come to life during “Christmas in the Shaker Spirit,” with Shaker music performances and tree decorating. Also on December 1, the village will host Shaker Community Christmas Caroling beginning at 7 p.m.; admission for this event is a donation of canned goods. Tours December 26-31 celebrate “The Simple Gifts of Christmas” -- Shaker life, music and Christmas customs. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $3.50 for ages 12-17 and $2.50 for ages 6-11. (800) 734-5611.

Harrodsburg Holiday Homes. Harrodsburg homes from the 19th and early 20th century and an historic Mercer County church will open their doors for the 16th Annual Holiday Homes Tour, December 1 from 1 to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Harrodsburg Historical Society. Purchase $15 tickets ($12 for Seniors) and begin the tour at the Historical Society’s office, 220 Chilies Street. (859) 734-5985.

Festive Foods
Spirited Cooking. Enjoy a Kentucky gourmet lunch at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Woodford County during Holidays at Woodford Reserve, November 17 through December 30. Enjoy a traditional Kentucky holiday buffet with a contemporary twist. In the past Chef David Lawson has prepared selections such as roasted loin of pork, bourbon-glazed chicken, slow-roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon, pumpkin cheesecake and Woodford Reserve cake. Lunch will be served Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $24.95 plus tax per person. Reservations required. The gift shop will be open and full of holiday gift ideas. (859) 879-1953.

Tea Time Tours: "Ashland Christmas 1862"
On December 12 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, in a dramatization as Susan Clay, actress Margaret Price-Swim tells visitors that she’s returned to the family estate to celebrate Christmas after a troubled year. The play starts with laughter and song, but soon it’s clear that 1862 has not been kind to the Clays. Tickets must be purchased by December 7. $23 for adults. Call (502) 564-1792, ext. 4414.

Medieval Madrigal Feast. Enjoy an old English Meal and entertainment at 7:00 p.m. November 29 through December 1. General admission is $25 and reservations are required. This event will take place in the W.T. Young Campus Center on the Transylvania University campus. (859)233-8141.

Family Fun
In Lexington
Love a Christmas parade? Wave to Santa and other celebrants at the Lexington Christmas Parade, December 1, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The state’s largest holiday parade begins at Main and Midland, and proceeds along Main to Mill Street in downtown Lexington. Free. (859) 425-2593. Danville has been holding its parade for 30 years. This year’s holiday fun starts at 7 p.m. on November 30. (859) 236-1909.

Light and lively! Lexington officially kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the city tree — a local tradition that dates to 1913. This year, the 2007 Lexington Christmas Tree Lighting activities will take place on December 1 at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, right after the Christmas parade. (859) 425-2593.

Super Sing-Along. The Kentucky Christmas Chorus, December 11 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, is caroling on a grand scale. The Lexington Philharmonic, Lexington Singers and dozens of area choirs will lead the singing as thousands of people get together to sing all the traditional carols along with some new ones. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the singing begins at 7:00 p.m. Parking and admission is free. (859) 258-3123

Hands on Holiday Crafts. Take part in the Holiday Go Round, a young artists’ market on Saturday, November 16 from 5 p.m. till 6 p.m. Children of all ages can enjoy drop-in workshops at The Explorium all season. Workshops are free with paid Museum admission. No registration is necessary. (859) 258-3256.

In the Region
Fort Christmas. On November 16 and 17, step back in time and enjoy a candlelit tour of the 18th century Fort Harrod replica. Visit the park gift shop and stroll through the cabins to see juried arts and crafts just in time for holiday shopping. Enjoy the sounds of holiday music, homemade cookies, and hot apple cider. The ever popular "Evergreen" the talking tree and Santa Claus will be available too. Luminaries will line the entire park. (859) 734-3314.

A Country Christmas. Renfro Valley (located off I-75, exit 62, about 35 miles south of Lexington) has something for all ages at its Christmas show November 16 through December 15. Christmas in the Valley features a large light display, Santa’s workshop, strolling carolers and clogging elves and an original music performance. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. (800) 765-7464.

Christmas Skywatch. Hummel Planetarium in Richmond, Ky. is one of the largest planetariums in the United States, and one of its most popular events is the annual holiday show. “Season of Light” explores the winter season from a celestial perspective -- including cultural, religious and historic traditions. The show opens November 24 and runs Mondays through Saturdays through December 23 at 2:00 p.m. with Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and students, $3 ages 12 and under. (859) 622-1547.

Holiday Express. Climb aboard the Bluegrass Scenic Railway's Santa Claus Special for a scenic holiday train excursion past holiday scenes, elves and Bluegrass countryside. The 45-minute excursions leave from Woodford County Park on December 8-9, and 15-16. Departure time is 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $11 adults, $10 seniors and $9 ages 2-12. Call for advance tickets. (859) 873-2476.

Classic Performances
Messiah Magic. Enjoy the holiday classic, Handel’s “Messiah,” performed at 8 p.m. on December 14 by the Lexington Philharmonic and the Lexington Singers at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts. Tickets are $24 to $45. (859) 233-4226.

A Dickens of a Time. Transylvania University drama Professor Tim Soulis will give his popular annual reading of “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. on December 5th at the Lucille Little Theatre. Donations are gratefully accepted. Call (859) 281-3621 for more information.

Family Ties. Join Lexington Children’s Theatre for their performance of “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” 2 p.m. on December 9, 15 and 16, or at 7:00 p.m. on December 15. The Little House series has captured the imagination of generations. Introduce your children to an important family from your childhood. $15 for adults and $12 for (859) 254-4546.

Holiday Ballet. Both of Lexington’s ballet companies have special holiday performances of “The Nutcracker”. At The Lexington Opera House you can see Kentucky Ballet Theatre’s interpretation December 14-16 and 21-23 . For ticket information call (859) 252-5245. The Lexington Ballet stages their Nutcracker at the The Singletary Center for the Arts on December 7 - 8 (with live music). Call for times and prices. (859) 233-3925. In Danville at the Norton Center for the Arts, see the Moscow Classical Ballet present this timeless family classic featuring stunning costumes, lavish sets and more than 50 dancers. November 29. (877) 448-7469.

Holiday Spirits
Bourbon Traditions. On November 29 at 6 p.m. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort kicks off another holiday season. Come out to the gardens of Buffalo Trace for their annual Christmas Lighting. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be available in the clubhouse, and Santa will stop by for a photo. While you are there you can visit the George T. Stagg Gallery featuring historic photos and bourbon artifacts. And, of course, the Gift Shop! (502)696-5957..

After the Harvest. Sample the newest wine releases from Equus Run Vineyards at their Holiday Open House on December 1 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy the scenic drive to Midway and wrap up your Christmas shopping with wine-themed gifts from the gift shop. (859)846-WINE.

Shopper’s Delights
Oh, Christmas Tree! Looking for the perfect pine, the best balsam, the most fabulous fir? You can find it — already beautifully decorated, to boot — at Trees of Life: A Festival of Trees, November 16 through 19 at
Lexington Green. (859) 277-8259.

Simpler Shopping. Escape the hectic pace of mall shopping and drive to Shaker Village for the Pleasant Hill Craft Store Holiday Open House on December 1 from 10 a.m - 4:30 p.m. A village admission ticket is not required to shop in the two craft stores. After shopping and visiting with craftsmen, enjoy a meal or tea in the Trustee’s Office dining room. (800)734-5611.

Country Christmas Treasures. All kinds of beautiful homemade crafts are on display in Georgetown November 17 and 18. There will be 60 booths, food and door prizes. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Georgetown College Conference & Training Center. (502) 863-1337.

Be a Crafy Shopper. Smart shoppers shop early! Thanksgiving weekend is the time to find jewelry, crafts, christmas decorations and much, much more at the annual Kentucky Christmas Craft & Gift Show. It’s held at Lexington Center on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $3. Children under 12 are free. Santa will be there! (859) 269-5197.

Stocking Stuff-a-rama. Gift shops at Lexington’s top attractions are great places to find that special something with a Kentucky connection. The gift shop at the Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, has everything for the horse lover. Many items are Kentucky-made. Another haven for equine themed gifts is the gift shop at Keeneland Race Course, which carries items ranging from jewelry to kidstuff to Keeneland logowear. From November 5 to December 26, the clubhouse lobby at Keeneland becomes “The Christmas Shop.” Hours are 9 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 5 on Sundays. The Museum Shop at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate on Richmond Road, has julep cups, cookbooks, and a host of items relating to life in the Victorian Era.

Need shopping ideas? Call our Visitor Information Specialists (800-845-3959) and ask for “The Right Stuff”.

For even more holiday events, go to www.visitlex.com and click on the Calendar of Events.

Teresa Day, a freelance writer in Georgetown, KY.
Edited and updated by Lu Ann Pelle October 2007

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