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Southern Lights Holiday Festival
Lexington, KY
Three-mile driving tour of over a million twinkling holiday lights.
About
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, a cherished tradition at the Kentucky Horse Park. This spectacular event features a three-mile driving tour adorned with over a million twinkling lights, creating a dazzling spectacle for all ages. Beyond the luminous drive, explore the enchanting Holiday Village, complete with photos with Santa, a charming petting zoo, miniature train rides, and festive food vendors.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, groups
Vibe
Festive, magical, traditional
Energy Level
Low (driving)
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low (mostly drive-through)
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.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
$35 per carload (online or at gate). Mini Bus $100, School Bus $150, Motor Coach $250.
Duration
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM nightly
Ages
All ages
Schedule
The driving tour of lights is open nightly from November 29 to December 31, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with the exception of Christmas Day. Santa is available for photos from November 24 to December 24, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Animal Land is open November 29 to December 31, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Featured Performers
- SCAPA-Lafayette Choir
- Dunbar High School Choir
- Central Kentucky Saxophone Quartet
- Celebration of Song
Organizer
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
Practical Information
Parking
Free parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot for the 5K Stroll. For the main event, parking is available at the Visitor Center, Gate House, Restaurant and Holiday Village courtyard.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible, but no wheelchair rentals are available.
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are allowed, but not in the Animal Land tent or in the Restaurant unless they are certified service animals.
Food & Drink
Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site, including Tootie's Peppermint Café, Mack’s Candy Shack, The Original Kettle Korn, The Holiday Nut Hut, and Rudolph’s Hitching Post. Alcohol is available at Tootie's Peppermint Café and Rudolph's Hitching Post.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- To avoid the longest wait times, plan your visit on a weeknight rather than a weekend, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
- Bring snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the car, as wait times can be significant, particularly on busy nights.
- Dress in layers and bring blankets, as you'll be spending time in your vehicle, and the Holiday Village activities are outdoors.
- Check the event schedule for specific dates featuring live choir performances or other special entertainment in the Holiday Village.
- Consider arriving earlier in the evening, shortly after opening, to potentially experience shorter queues for both the light display and the Holiday Village attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to purchase tickets?
Tickets are encouraged to be purchased online in advance at www.southernlightsky.com for a smoother entry, but they can also be bought with cash or credit card upon arrival at the gate.
Can I bring my pet?
Leashed pets are permitted, but they are not allowed inside the Animal Land tent or the restaurant unless they are certified service animals.
What activities are available in the Holiday Village?
The Holiday Village includes photos with Santa, Animal Land (a petting zoo), pony and camel rides, a mini-train ride, a miniature train exhibit, food vendors, and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop.
Is the event accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the event is wheelchair accessible, however, wheelchair rentals are not available on-site.
What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weeknights are generally less crowded than weekends. Historically, the busiest periods are from the second week of December through Christmas.