Halloween season is a great excuse to turn a fun outing in Kentucky into something extra festive. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway definitely takes advantage of each season and holiday by offering special excursions that are particularly festive. Of course there's the Polar Express ride during the Christmas season and plenty of other chances to ride this scenic railroad, but they also offer a Halloween train in Kentucky. The Haunted Halloween Express leaves the station this weekend and you're going to want to grab a costume and hop aboard.
We love sharing the unique excursions with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway because they are all so much fun!
If you're anxious to get that costume out and give it a test run, this is a great opportunity! The ride is appropriate for all ages and everyone is welcome to arrive in costume.
Once all of the ghosts and witches have boarded the train, it will take off through the beautiful scenery of the Big South Fork Area.
If you're looking for one last Halloween actvity this year, check out the Haunted Halloween Express with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway.
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The Haunted Halloween Express is a family-friendly Halloween train in Kentucky that's perfect for one last spooky outing. Enjoy the scenery and plenty of festive fun on this one-of-a-kind outing in McCreary County. Do you love these seasonal train rides? Would you like to board a Halloween train in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Halloween Express, visit its website here. You'll want to scroll down to the calendar of rides and choose the Haunted Halloween Express. And for more on the festivities and beauty of McCreary County, follow along with them on Facebook here.
Also, head here to read more about the natural beauty and abundance of waterfalls in McCreary County.
When the winter chill descends and holiday tunes start playing, Kentucky goes all out to spread the festive cheer. It's that time of year when twinkling lights and holiday spirit take over, making the Bluegrass State a magical place to be. These sparkling showcases, found in charming towns and lively cities, are sure to light up your holiday season. Whether you're a local seeking new traditions or a traveler in search of seasonal joy, these top-rated picks promise to dazzle and delight. So get ready to explore the best Christmas lights in Kentucky!
Lights Under Louisville is a holiday wonderland like no other. Drive through the unique MEGA Cavern and experience the world's only underground holiday light show. It's a one-of-a-kind family tradition, with over 40 themed displays, 900+ lit characters, exciting themes, laser shows, and more than 6.5 million points of light. Don't miss the holographic Santa — it's a mega-dose of holiday cheer. Load up the family and enjoy the magic of the most unique Louisville Christmas lights. Buy your tickets on the Lights Under Louisville website.
As Ashland's Central Park and Downtown District present the Winter Wonderland of Lights celebration, join in the seasonal festivities. This enchanting event invites you to explore a 52-acre park illuminated by 60 magical holiday displays, boasting over 800,000 lights. Winter Wonderland not only transforms Ashland, Kentucky's Central Park and downtown area into a holiday mecca but also hosts the state's largest Christmas Parade, making it a must-visit destination to soak in the festive spirit and celebrate the season. They are among the most magical Christmas lights in Kentucky. Take a look at the Winter Wonderland of Lights website to see a calendar of events.
3. Southern Lights, Lexington
Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park is a favorite holiday tradition for families all over the state. Drive through and be amazed by over a million twinkling lights. And don't miss the Holiday Village – it's a real treat! You can get your picture taken with Santa, check out Animal Land, admire model trains, and find lots of other cool stuff to enjoy. The Southern Lights Holiday Village is all about fun for everyone, no matter your age.
4. Deck The Y'alls Lightfest, Florence
Head over to Thomas More Stadium, your top spot for Kentucky holiday lights. Adorned with over 2.5 million sparkling lights and cheery decorations, it's so bright that the stadium can give the North Pole a run for its money. These nights are far from quiet, featuring a variety of holiday activities, an ice skating rink, delicious food and drinks, fireworks, and much more. There's no grander or more brilliant celebration to be found anywhere else. If you're looking for a spectacle, I think Deck The Y'alls Lightfest has got what you need!
5. Winter Nights & River Lights
During the holiday season, the Purple People Bridge, connecting Newport, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, transforms into a festive affair for Winter Nights & River Lights. It's dressed with over 1,000 sparkling lights, and jolly holiday music plays through speakers along the bridge. You can also visit the Christmas tree on the Newport side, adding to the seasonal cheer.
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6. Festival of Lights, Grand Rivers
Grand Rivers, Kentucky, transforms into a dazzling spectacle with 1.5 million lights during the Festival of Lights, kicking off with the Lighting of Patti's 1880's Settlement in early November. The glowing illumination extends to storefronts, streets, and Patti's Settlement, bringing every corner to life.
7. Light Up The Fair, Burlington
Enjoy the mesmerizing Light Up The Fair at Boone County Fairgrounds, featuring a stunning display of nearly 1 million individually controlled LED Christmas lights along a two-mile drive-thru. The lights dance to holiday music, and you can tune in via your car radio for the live show. It's a magical tradition the whole family will love.
8. Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
Experience the holiday magic at Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill, a cherished tradition in Millersburg, Kentucky, just half an hour north of Lexington in the heart of Bourbon County. The festivities offer a captivating Light Display, enchanting Gingerbread House Exhibit, a bustling Artisan's Market, a cozy Holiday Tent and Cafe, opportunities for Christmas Campfire reservations, live musical performances, and more. Stroll through the mesmerizing lights, enjoy live music, shop for unique handmade gifts, and admire the most exquisite gingerbread house displays in Kentucky.
9. Christmas in the Park, Elizabethtown
Get into the holiday spirit and treat yourself to a dazzling display of lights. Christmas in the Park, hosted by the City of Elizabethtown, features over 100 brilliant displays that everyone can enjoy. Just follow the signs to the Blue Heron Way entrance at Freeman Lake Park, and you'll be guided along an illuminated path through this fantastic Christmas dreamland. It's a tradition you'll want to revisit time and time again.
Have you had a chance to explore these festive spots for some of the best Christmas lights in Kentucky? Do you think they stand out as some of the best Christmas lights in Kentucky? I love the vibe of the Festival of Lights – what about you? We would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
If you're planning to hit the road and visit these holiday hotspots, don't forget to put together a road trip packing list. It'll help make your adventure even more enjoyable!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
