Experience the magic of the holiday season in Lexington, KY, with a variety of festive activities to delight both locals and visitors. Southern Lights offers a mesmerizing drive-through display at the Kentucky Horse Park, while The Nutcracker Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's classic to life with a local touch. Revel in historical charm with Christmas at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, where period decorations and tours transport guests to the 19th century.
Whether you're seeking dazzling light shows, cultural performances, or a glimpse into Kentucky's past holiday traditions, Lexington has something to make your Christmas season truly special. Come and immerse yourself in the joyful spirit of the Bluegrass State!
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The Top Christmas Events in Lexington
- Southern Lights
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Christmas at Ashland
- Ice Skating at Triangle Park
- Lexington Christmas Parade
- Victorian Christmas at Waveland
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert
- Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
- Kenwick Winter Market
- Christmas Collage Concert
Lexington Holiday Light Displays
Southern Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display at the Kentucky Horse Park
Description:
Southern Lights illuminates the Kentucky Horse Park with a dazzling drive-through experience. Visitors cruise through miles of twinkling displays, showcasing the region's equestrian heritage. The event began in 1993 as a fundraiser for the park's equine programs. You'll encounter animated scenes depicting famous racehorses and holiday themes unique to the Bluegrass State. The finale features a towering Christmas tree synchronized to music, creating a memorable auditory experience.
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Lexington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Kenwick Winter Market
What to Expect:
Neighborhood market featuring local artisans and sustainable products
Description:
The Kenwick Winter Market celebrates local craftsmanship and sustainability in a charming neighborhood setting. Artisans and farmers from across Kentucky gather to showcase their handmade goods and locally sourced products. The market emphasizes eco-friendly and upcycled items, reflecting the community's commitment to environmental consciousness. Established in 2010, this grassroots event has grown into a beloved holiday tradition. Visitors can sample artisanal foods while browsing unique gifts, from hand-knit scarves to locally roasted coffee beans.
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Lexington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local production featuring live orchestra and community dancers
Description:
Lexington's rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to life with a distinctly Kentucky flair. The production showcases local talent, from aspiring young dancers to seasoned professionals. A live orchestra fills the theater with the iconic score, transporting audiences to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The ballet has been a Lexington tradition since 1989, evolving each year with new choreography and costumes. During intermission, explore the lobby's display of historical Nutcracker dolls from around the world.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert
What to Expect:
Rock-opera style Christmas concert with elaborate light show
Description:
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra electrifies Lexington with their signature blend of classical music and rock. Their performance features a dazzling light show synchronized to powerful renditions of holiday classics and original compositions. The orchestra's unique style has redefined Christmas music since their debut in 1996. Lasers and pyrotechnics create a visual spectacle that complements the music's intensity. Audience members become part of the show during interactive segments, where the entire arena is bathed in synchronized lights.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert
Christmas Collage Concert
What to Expect:
Multi-genre holiday music performance by local musicians
Description:
The Christmas Collage Concert weaves together diverse musical styles in a tapestry of holiday sounds. Local musicians from various genres—classical, jazz, folk, and more—come together for this unique performance. The concert showcases Lexington's rich musical heritage, featuring both traditional carols and contemporary compositions. This event began as a small community gathering and has evolved into a highly anticipated annual celebration of local talent. Audience members experience a sensory journey as each piece flows seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous stream of holiday melodies.
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Lexington Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Ashland
What to Expect:
Historical holiday celebration at Henry Clay's estate
Description:
Christmas at Ashland transports visitors to the 19th century at the historic home of statesman Henry Clay. The estate comes alive with period decorations, showcasing how the Clay family celebrated the holidays. Docents in authentic costumes lead tours through the mansion, revealing holiday traditions of the era. The event highlights Clay's role in popularizing the Christmas tree in America after his diplomatic travels to Europe. Visitors can participate in a Victorian-inspired ornament-making workshop, creating a unique keepsake to take home.
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Ice Skating at Triangle Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Lexington
Description:
Triangle Park transforms into a winter playground with its outdoor ice skating rink. The rink offers a unique urban skating experience, surrounded by the twinkling lights of downtown Lexington. Skaters glide across the ice, feeling the crisp winter air on their faces. The tradition of ice skating in Triangle Park began in 2011, quickly becoming a beloved holiday activity for locals and visitors alike. Novice skaters can join a learn-to-skate session, while more experienced skaters show off their moves during evening skate parties.
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Lexington Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Kentucky-themed floats and performances
Description:
The Lexington Christmas Parade marches through downtown, showcasing the spirit of the Bluegrass State. Elaborate floats feature Kentucky icons, from thoroughbred horses to bourbon barrels. Local marching bands fill the air with holiday tunes, while dance troupes perform routines inspired by Kentucky's rich cultural heritage. The parade has been a Lexington tradition since 1939, evolving from a small community event to a major regional attraction. Spectators can warm up with hot chocolate from local vendors lining the parade route.
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Victorian Christmas at Waveland
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century holiday experience at a historic mansion
Description:
Waveland State Historic Site revives the splendor of a Victorian Christmas. The antebellum mansion, adorned with period-accurate decorations, offers a glimpse into 19th-century holiday celebrations. Candlelit tours reveal the customs and traditions of Kentucky's wealthy families during the 1850s. The event showcases the mansion's original furnishings, providing an authentic backdrop for the holiday festivities. Visitors can join a Victorian tea party, sampling treats made from historical recipes and learning about the etiquette of the era.
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Victorian Christmas at Waveland
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
What to Expect:
Downtown tours in vintage carriages pulled by Lexington's famous horses
Description:
Horse-drawn carriage rides offer a nostalgic journey through downtown Lexington. Passengers are transported back in time as they clip-clop along historic streets in beautifully restored carriages. The tours showcase Lexington's equestrian heritage, with knowledgeable drivers sharing stories about the city's horse culture. This tradition harkens back to the 19th century when carriages were the primary mode of transportation in Lexington. Snuggle under warm blankets as you pass by landmarks adorned with holiday decorations, creating a cozy and intimate experience.
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Trees of Life: A Walking Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of decorated trees honoring loved ones
Description:
Trees of Life transforms downtown Lexington into a meaningful memorial through a self-guided walking tour. Local businesses and organizations decorate trees to honor loved ones lost, creating a poignant display of remembrance and hope. Each tree tells a unique story, with ornaments and decorations reflecting the lives being celebrated. The tradition began in 2015 as a way to bring the community together during the holiday season. Participants can contribute to the tour by adding their own ornament to a community tree, creating a collective expression of love and memory.
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Nearby Events
Holidays at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg)
What to Expect:
Celebration of Shaker traditions and craftsmanship
Description:
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill embraces the simplicity and beauty of Shaker holiday traditions. The historic village comes alive with demonstrations of Shaker crafts, from broom-making to weaving. Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved buildings, each offering a unique perspective on Shaker life during the holiday season. The event highlights the Shakers' commitment to sustainability and innovation, showcasing their ahead-of-their-time practices. Participate in a Shaker-inspired candle-dipping workshop, creating a handmade gift that embodies the Shaker spirit of utility and beauty.
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Holidays at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill