Lexington, KY - Horse Capital of the World

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. Call the numbers provided to verify dates,times and prices before finalizing your travel plans.

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 a sixteen-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 23, 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 20 through December 31. Admission is $15 per car, $30 per extended van, $50 per mini-bus, $75 per school bus and $125 per motorcoach. The indoor attractions are closed on Thanksgiving Day, and December 24-31, but the drive-through portion remains open every night through the 31st.
(859) 255-5727.

Blue Note: This year Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park features the 8th Annual Southern Lights Stroll/5K Run to benefit the American Lung Association and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. On November 19, the night before opening to the public, participants will run, walk or stroll three miles along light displays. Back at the Visitor Center, awards and door prizes await. Call (859) 259-4219 or (859) 259-4280 for information.

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 6 and Saturday, December 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live music on self-guided tours of the mansion and hot cider and sweets in the Keeper’s Cottage. This year’s theme is “A Currier and Ives Christmas at Ashland.” Reservations are not required. $15 for adults; not recommended for children ages 6 and under. (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 12-13. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students. (859) 272-3611.

Blue Note: A "white Christmas" is a long shot in Lexington, but in the event there is snow, you can enjoy sleigh rides at the Kentucky Horse Park, as well as at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

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 5 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Christmas Shaker traditions in holiday vignettes come to life during the Pleasant Hill Singers Christmas Choral Concert. Learn Shaker songs, make paper chains and string popcorn for old-fashioned tree decorating. Also on December 5, the village will host Shaker Community Christmas Caroling beginning at 7 p.m.; admission for this event is a donation of canned goods. (800) 734-5611.

Landmark Christmas. Visit beautiful Ward Hall for a Christmas Open House and Holiday Market. Open the first weekend of December, the 5th and 6th; Saturday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday 11-5 p.m. This elegant Greek Revival home, built around 1855 is located on US 460, west of downtown Georgetown. (859) 879-0303.

Harrodsburg Holiday Homes. Harrodsburg homes from the 19th and early 20th century and an historic Mercer County church will open their doors for the 18th Annual Holiday Homes Tour, December 5 from 1 to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Harrodsburg Historical Society. Purchase $15 tickets ($11 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 28 through December 27. Enjoy a traditional Kentucky holiday buffet with a contemporary twist prepared by Chef Ouita Michel. In the past guests have enjoyed 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 Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $25.95 plus tax per person. Reservations recommended. The gift shop will be open and full of holiday gift ideas. (859) 879-1953. (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)

Medieval Madrigal Feast. Enjoy an old English Meal and entertainment at 7:00 p.m. December 3 through 5. 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, November 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The state’s largest holiday parade begins at Main and Midland, and proceeds along Main Street, around Triangle Park, and ending at the corner of Vine and Main. Free. The first annual Holiday Market will be set up in Triangle Park from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (859) 425-2593.

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 activities will take place during the first annual Winter Festival and Holiday Market on November 27 at Triangle Park, right after the Christmas parade. (859) 425-2593.

Super Sing-Along. The Kentucky Christmas Chorus, December 15 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. Warm up your voice: it’s broadcast live! Doors open at 6 p.m.; the singing begins at 7:30 p.m. Parking and admission is free. (859) 258-3123.

Blue Note: For information on annual December Kwanzaa celebrations in Lexington, call the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center at (859) 257-4130.Celebrated by millions throughout the world, this African American and Pan-African holiday brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.

In the Region
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 13 through December 12. 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. “Story of the Star” explores the winter season from a celestial perspective -- including cultural, religious and historic traditions. The show opens November 27 and runs through December 19 with shows on Fridays at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday shows at 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 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 12-13 and 19-20. Departure time is 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $12 adults, $11 seniors and $10 ages 2-12. Call for advance tickets. (859) 873-2476.

Blue Note: Many Bluegrass communities woo shoppers with unique shops, refreshments and entertainment during the holiday season. Enjoy carriage rides and caroling at “Downtown Frankfort Candlelight Tour” in Frankfort November 12-14. (502) 223-2261. In Georgetown, explore antiques shops and enjoy refreshments and kids activities during “Downtown Holiday Open House,” December 3, 10 and 17. (502) 863-2547. Pick up a piece of Kentucky heritage at the Berea College Crafts Holiday Sale on November 21. (859) 985-3225.

Classic Performances
Messiah Magic. Enjoy the holiday classic, Handel’s “Messiah,” performed at 8 p.m. on December 11 by the Lexington Philharmonic and the Lexington Singers at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts. Tickets are $30 to $52. (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 2 at the Carrick Theatre. Donations are gratefully accepted. Call (859) 281-3621 for more information.

Family Ties. Join Lexington Children’s Theatre for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It opens November 28. This laugh-out-loud funny story is filled with the excitement of the holiday season.. Call the box office for the dates and times of this special holiday offering. $16 for adults and $15 for 18 and under. (859) 254-4546.

Winter Blast. Trans-Siberian Orchestra blows in to town on December 17 for a 7:30 p.m. show at Rupp Arena. Tickets are $27.00 - $57.00. Known for their elaborate concerts with synchronized pyrotechnics, their fusion of progressive rock, symphonic music and heavy metal breathes new life into many Christmas standards. Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Toe Tapping Family Fun. The Lexington Philharmonic Family Series presents a Candy Cane Concert on December 13 at 3:00 p.m at the Singletary Concert Hall. Don’t miss guest conductor Ryan Shirar and the Diana Evans Dancers and a visit from you-know-who. Adults $17 and children $13.

Holiday Ballet. It wouldn’t be Christmas without “The Nutcracker.” At The Lexington Opera House you can see Kentucy Ballet Theater’s interpretation December 11-13. For ticket information call (859) 252-5245. See the Lexington Ballet’s version at the Guignol Theatre December 11 - 20. For tickets call (859) 225-0370. But wait, there’s a third option as well. December 17, 18 and 20, Bluegrass Youth Ballet presents “Nutcracker in One Act” at the Singletary Center for the Arts. Call (859) 257-4929.

Get Your Holiday Kicks. The “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” starring the world famous Rockettes, comes to Rupp Arena on December 10 for two shows: 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This stunning holiday extravaganza is not to be missed. Tickets are $49.50 - $91.50 and available through www.ticketmaster.com.

Holiday Spirits
Bourbon Traditions. On December 3 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 Gala on December 5 from noon 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) 846-9463.

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, December 4 through 6 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 5 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.

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 7 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. Visit the new Kentucky Proud Market at the Lexngton Shops in our convention center to find food products, Kentucky wines, jewelry, housewares and even Kentucky-made pet treats. Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Bluegrass Note: Here’s your chance to get inside the mysterious “Castle”. For a$40 donation to the Salvation Army, you can tour CastlePost December 6 through 8, 2009. Local decorators have donated their time and energy to decorate it for Christmas. Park at Kingsway Assembly of God church at 4175 Lexington Road. There will be shuttles to take you to CastlePost. Call the Salvation Army for information about advance ticket sales. (859) 252-7706

 

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 and Lauren Campbell October 2009

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