Candlelight Holiday Weekend Tradition
Downtown Frankfort comes alive with holiday cheer, featuring the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a petting zoo. Visitors can meet Santa Claus and holiday characters, watch a performance of the Nutcracker, and listen to live music throughout the streets. Local businesses and cultural venues host special shopping promotions, museum tours, art activities, and seasonal refreshments.
What to Expect
Festive downtown celebration with tree lighting, carriage rides, and holiday shopping.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Frankfort
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Downtown Frankfort, Inc.
Food & Drink
Event offerings include food trucks, gingerbread treats, hot cocoa, s’mores, holiday drinks and Kentucky Proud tastings and samples at participating downtown stops.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Thursday 5:00–8:00 pm; Friday 5:00–9:00 pm; Saturday 3:00–8:00 pm.
Tips & Advice
- Wear your coziest pajamas on Friday for the Pajama Sip & Shop, and pick up a Sip & Shop Passport at one of the participating downtown businesses.
- On Friday night, use the free shuttle by waving at the bus anywhere along the route and hopping on between stops.
- If your kids want to join Friday's Kids' Night Out: Candlelight Pajama Party, register on the YA website ahead of time, because registration is required.
- On Saturday, bring a pet food donation to Why Not Gifts & Bargains for a discount, with donations going to All About Animals Rescue.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors downtown, and stop by the firepit at Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe to roast s'mores while live music plays on Friday and Saturday.
Special Events & Promotions
- Thursday: Lighting of the Christmas Tree Ceremony, joined by the KSU Marching Band
- Friday: Pajama Sip & Shop cocktail stroll, with free shuttle rides and Sip & Shop Passports at various businesses
- Friday: Kids' Night Out: Candlelight Pajama Party (registration required on the YA website)
- Saturday: Polar Express Pajama Party at the Grand Theatre, with Santa visits afterwards
- Saturday: Bring a pet food donation to Why Not Gifts & Bargains for a discount; donations go to All About Animals Rescue
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a shuttle around downtown?
Yes. On Friday night a free shuttle runs for the Pajama Sip & Shop. Just wave at the shuttle bus along the route and hop on.
What should I wear to the Pajama Sip & Shop?
Your coziest pajamas. On Friday you can shop downtown with a holiday drink in hand, and you can pick up Sip & Shop Passports at various businesses.
Where can kids find Santa?
On Thursday he's on the left side of the Old State Capitol lawn. On Friday he strolls along Broadway, St. Clair Street and Main Street. On Saturday he strolls Broadway and St. Clair Street, visits B's Bakery in the morning, and appears after the Polar Express Pajama Party at the Grand Theatre.
What is there for kids besides Santa?
Horse carriage rides and a petting zoo for all ages, Letters to the North Pole and kids' activities led by Paul Sawyier Library at the Capital City Museum, a Kids' Glow Party on Saturday hosted by First Christian Church, and holiday characters for photos.
What food and drink is there?
On Thursday there are food trucks at First Presbyterian Church. Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe has s'mores over a firepit, and Kentucky Boujee Boutique has a hot cocoa bar. B's Bakery has gingerbread treats and the returning Lemon Cranberry Shortbread cookies. Engine House Coffee has a new holiday drink menu, and Completely Kentucky offers KY Proud tastings.
More Christmas Events Near Frankfort
More Christmas Events near Frankfort
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.