The holiday season is magical, exciting, beautiful and at times, overwhelming. There are so many options when it comes to ways to spend quality time with loved ones this time of year, so how do you decide which one to try? Some stick to the same thing each year, while others enjoy trying something new. No matter how you approach the month of December, Kentucky is filled with enchanting destinations. If you need a little help narrowing it down or would like to know which places are worth the drive from any corner of the state, then check out these 7 over-the-top light displays in Kentucky.
Located in Petersburg in Northern Kentucky, the Creation Museum offers an enchanting Christmas light garden with its ChristmasTown event. The gardens surrounding the museum are illuminated with colorful lights and decor and it is one of the most magical walk through displays in our state. Learn more on the ChristmasTown website.
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2. Lights Under Louisville at the Louisville Mega Cavern
You can't put together a list of the most over-the-top light displays in Kentucky and not include Lights Under Louisville. This attraction is truly unique, as you drive through the display while underground in a massive cave. There are other ways to see the lights (even during the day!), including a ride on the Christmas Express. Plan a trip to Kentucky's Christmas cave on the Lights Under Louisville website.
3. Festival of Lights at Patti's 1880's Settlement
Grand Rivers is a fun-filled place to visit in Kentucky all year long. Right on the water, it is filled with charm and during the holidays, the popular Patti's 1880's Settlement hosts Festival of Lights. This enchanting walk-through display is free for guests and winds through the Settlement's property. It is open nightly and there are also shops and restaurants to check out! Find out more on the Patti's website.
Another must on a list of over-the-top displays is ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter. Where else can you see a massive replica of Noah's Ark illuminated in lights? The surrounding gardens are also filled with colorful lights and you can enjoy activities like ice skating, shopping, visiting the zoo, and much more. Find out all of the details on the Ark Encounter website.
Southern Lights makes this list thanks to its stunning drive-thru display, but also the wide variety of activities that are fun for the whole family. Drive through the lights at the park and then head to the Holiday Festival at the Visitor Center. Guests can visit with Santa, hop aboard a mini train, take a pony ride, and more. Learn all about this family friendly event on the Southern Lights website.
Next, we'll head west to Owensboro and the most over-the-top home and neighborhood light display. The Stonegate neighborhood, and this home in particular, go all out with lights for the holiday season. You can walk or drive by, but they also have a specific night with a festival atmosphere that's a wonderful fundraiser for the community. Read all about this festive neigborhood in our previous article.
Ashland is one of the best Christmastime towns in Kentucky with several events, a festive parade, and this beautiful drive-thru display. It's a town tradition and the entire city is worth a visit from any corner of the state. Take a closer look on the Winter Wonderland of Lights website.
This list of 7 over-the-top light displays in Kentucky showcases some of the biggest, best, and more unique holiday destinations in the state. Of course there are even more places to consider this season, so if your favorite spot didn't make the list, be sure to share it with us in the comments!
As we make our way toward winter, you know what that means... it's time to start celebrating with the Christmas lights in Kentucky. If you're looking for something a bit more exciting than blaring Christmas music, drinking egg nog, and watching A Christmas Story for the thousandth time, then check out some of the best Christmas light shows in Kentucky. Every year, these magical destinations illuminate with festive cheer and they are some of the best things to do at Christmas in Kentucky and some of the best Christmas Christmas lights near me. Take a look at these 11 wonderful options to help celebrate the holiday spirit.
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Pro tip: We all know these Christmas lights become very popular as we get closer to Christmas Day. These are phenomenal places to snag your annual family photo, so do yourself a favor and plan to visit one of these Christmas lights displays in Kentucky early! This way, you can escape the large crowds. Plus, you'll have extra time to send those photos out for holiday cards!
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1. Lights Under Louisville, Mega Cavern
Head to the Mega Cavern to see the world's only underground light show. Lights Under Louisville runs from mid-November to early January. Lights Under Louisville takes place from November 8, 2024, until January 4, 2025. Visit the Lights Under Louisville website to purchase your tickets.
2. The Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival, Central Park and Downtown Ashland
Ashland puts on an impressive holiday festival every year, complete with a beauty pageant, parade, train rides, and of course, spectacular Christmas lights in Kentucky. The light display will be illuminated from mid-November to early January. The entire season is filled with festive cheer in Ashland. Discover more on the Winter Wonderland of Lights website.
3. Southern Lights Holiday Festival, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
This spectacular driving tour attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year to one of the best Christmas light shows. The route is open nightly from late November to the end of December. Plan your visit on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation website.
4. Grand Rivers Festival of Lights, Patti's 1880 Settlement, Grand Rivers
This fun property in downtown Grand Rivers has over 700,000 lights to get you into the holiday spirit. Find out more about one of the largest Christmas light displays in Kentucky on Patti's 1880's Settlement website.
5. Light up Louisville, Fourth and Jefferson Streets
Light Up Louisville has been a holiday tradition since 1981, offering some of the best Christmas lights near me. There is even a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree and a pop-up ice skating rink. A "Holiday Market" with vendors and food remains open from Jefferson Street to Liberty Street through the season. Find more information on the Louisville, Kentucky website.
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6. Light Up The Levee Grand Illumination, Newport on the Levee
This festival to kick off the holiday season is located in Newport, right across the river from Cincinnati. At the Grand Illumination, you can listen to live music, watch artists create amazing ice sculptures, meet Santa, and admire the sparkling 50-foot tree. We love to see the kids' reaction to the holiday joy! The lights will continue to glow until early January. Follow along with the event's information on the Newport on the Levee website.
7. Christmas at Panther Creek Park, Owensboro
Drive through this amazing illuminated tour that has more than 400,000 Christmas lights in Kentucky. The tour is open every night from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout the season and continues until early January. Admission is $5 per car. Learn more on the Visit Owensboro website.
8. Christmas In The Park, Noble Park, Paducah
For the month of December, come see Paducah's Noble Park glow with Christmas Lights. Moving light displays will dance throughout the park. You can bring non-perishable food items or cash to be donated to local charities. Get all of the details on the Paducah, Kentucky website.
9. Light Up Bardstown, Court Square
Bardstown is always such a magical Christmas town in Kentucky throughout the holiday season! The people here go all out with their light displays and Christmas trees showcasing the best Christmas lights in Kentucky. Plan a visit to this charming little town. Read more on the Bardstown Main Street website.
10. Lighting Of The Trace, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort
Starting in early December, Buffalo Trace has a month-long celebration of lights. You will be able to drive around this distillery's beautiful property and see it all lit up until early January, from dusk until 11 p.m. There are holiday events at Buffalo Trace throughout the season, so visit the Buffalo Trace website to peep the schedule.
12. Bardstown Road Aglow, Highlands of Louisville
Bardstown Road is the place to be in early December! For the first Saturday in December, participating businesses up and down Bardstown Road compete in a holiday decorating contest, so it's fun to walk around and see who is the brightest and most creative with their displays. Many of the businesses will have special sales. This year, it's taking place on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Find out more on the Bardstown Road Aglow Facebook page.
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If you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, you certainly will be if you visit one of the best displays of Christmas lights in Kentucky! When you need another pick-me-up, make a road trip to see some more Christmas lights near me. And for those who've experienced some of these stunning holiday displays, or if we've missed some, please let us know in the comments.
While you're traveling through Kentucky this holiday season, consider treating yourself to a cozy weekend away.
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...
