Here in the Bluegrass, we go big for the holidays. Each year come November, Kentucky's smallest towns and biggest cities deck the halls, trim the trees, and invite Santa and his reindeer to join in the festivities. There's something extra special celebrating Christmas in a small town, however, as it's the nostalgic kind of experience alluded to in many a holiday carol. Maysville is one such place; it's a charming small town in Kentucky where you can still experience a good, old-fashioned Christmas.
Maysville is, without a doubt, one of the most charming small towns in Kentucky. Maysville boasts a picture-perfect downtown district offering visitors amazing shops and eateries, as well as numerous points of historic significance.
If you are curious about history, you'll find it around every corner in Maysville, with numerous Underground Railroad sites, the National Underground Railroad Museum, the Colonel Charles Young Birthplace Cabin, the Mays Lick Rosenwald School, and, just outside town, the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky. And at Christmastime? Well, Maysville puts on the best old-fashioned Christmas in Kentucky!
This festive event features historic museum tours, live music, local artisans, crafts and baked goods, a Santa Claus meet-and-greet, festive crafts and activities, and much more.
The town's businesses and residences deck their halls with twinkle lights, festive wreaths, and more, turning the town into a bona fide Christmas snow globe!
While Frontier Christmas is a weekend-only event, the holiday festivities continue all through December, and Santa puts in numerous appearances in Maysville, too.
There's no doubt about it: Maysville is most certainly on Santa's Nice List, and the one place in Kentucky where folks can still enjoy a good, old-fashioned Christmas!
Catching the holiday spirit in Kentucky is easier for some than it is for others. Fortunately, some festive functions will quickly sway those spirits. There are cities and towns in Kentucky which are recognized for their friendly attitudes and twinkling lights. These specific places do their best to spread the holiday cheer and bring about some of the true reasons for the season. Here are eight Christmas towns in Kentucky that take the holiday spirit to a whole other level!
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1. Carrollton
Carrollton has an annual Festival of Trees & Trains located at the General Butler State Resort Park on 1608 US Hwy 227. Friends and families gather in early December with characters from the movie Frozen and, of course, Santa himself, and enjoy breakfast and lovely festive Kentucky Christmas decorations.
2. Bardstown
It simply doesn't get any better than Christmas in Bardstown, Kentucky. While enchanting all year long, this winsome town positively dazzles during the holidays. From holiday railroad excursions along My Old Kentucky Dinner Train to celebrations at the town's numerous historical sites and attractions, Bardstown is *the* place to be during Christmas in Kentucky.
During the holiday season, Shaker Village in Kentucky bustles with light-hearted moments that remind us of long-ago winter days filled with wonder and laughter. Make time to delight in life’s simple gifts with family and friends, as lively music, merriment, and candlelight illuminate the Village. View a full calendar of Shaker Village holiday events and activities at this Christmas town in Kentucky at the Shaker Village website.
4. Grayson County
The holiday spirit is alive and well in Grayson County, with towns such as Leitchfield going all out for Christmas. From epic Christmas lights displays to amazing festivals and parades, this is one place you definitely want to be in November and December! Learn about the county's festive fun at the Grayson County Tourism Facebook page.
5. Frankfort
For a big, 'ole dose of holiday cheer in the Bluegrass, simply head to Frankfort. From the beautiful tree at the Old State Capitol to the cheerful lights around this thriving Main Street district, Frankfort is one of the best Christmas towns in Kentucky that's purely magical during the holidays. To truly experience Christmas in Kentucky, a visit to Frankfort is a must! Learn more at the Visit Frankfort Facebook page.
Each year, Southern Lights lights up Lexington from the end of November through the end of December. This Kentucky Horse Park-orchestrated event offers a holiday dream world of animated figures, twinkling lights, music, pony and camel rides, Santa, and lots of festive Christmas fun for all ages. This was voted by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 best events in the United States and Canada, and absolutely needs to be on your "Christmas in Kentucky" bucket list!
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Take a look at this video of a previous year's Southern Lights by @LEX18NEWS:
7. Patti's Festival of Lights
Patti's is one of the most beloved destinations in the Bluegrass State, so it only makes sense that Patti's hosts one of the most epic holiday events as well! Each year, the lights at Patti's 1880s Settlement shine bright across the bucolic Bluegrass landscape, enchanting families and signaling the official start of Christmas in Kentucky. Check out all of the festive fun offered during the season at the official Patti's 1880s Settlement website.
Take a look at this video to see what Patti's Festival of Lights is all about by @grandriversky:
Being the biggest city in Kentucky, Louisville also tends to have the biggest holiday festivities. The downtown area is lit up with lights, an ice rink opens, and the giant Christmas tree is decorated for all to see. The Mega Cavern attraction offers Lights Under Louisville, which is an entire world (and underground Christmas town!) in and of itself. Then we have one of the most popular, Christmas at the Galt House, a renowned hotel. It includes breathtaking decorations, a snow fairy princess, and Santa. Just imagine if Charles Dicken’s "A Christmas Story" came to life, and the Galt house has that and more. Each of these festivities in Louisville is an unforgettable experience, making this arguably the most epic Christmas town in Kentucky!
Take a look at this video of things to do in Louisville during the holidays by @katieskeen:
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We all have our own way of celebrating the holidays, and Christmas is a truly special time of year. These Christmas towns in Kentucky make the most of the holiday by involving the residents and trying to build a festive spirit. If not one of the above, what type of Christmas celebration does your community have?
Can't get enough Christmas towns in Kentucky? We don't blame you! We wax poetic about La Grange, one of our favorite small towns in Kentucky. La Grange is an all-around small-town superstar that offers visitors a fun and wholesome Bluegrass experience. During the holidays, this small town in Kentucky becomes downright magical - definitely put it on your Christmas to-do list!
As a child, and even as an adult, one of the most magical places to imagine was the North Pole. It turns out that you can visit a spot that's just as magical right here in the Bluegrass State. Christmas in Bardstown should be considered the North Pole of Kentucky, thanks to its enchanting Main Street and plethora of holiday festivities. This popular destination for bourbon and history takes on a whole new atmosphere this time of year, so plan a visit and experience the magic of the North Pole of Kentucky.
Known as one of the best small towns in America, Bardstown is a favorite destination in the Bluegrass State. And during the holidays, this Kentucky town literally lights up with beautiful decor and festivities. After the town's tree is lit and the parade heads down Main Street, the festive fun continues throughout the season. Bardstown is known for its history, bourbon, and charm and you can still experience all of those during the holiday and winter seasons.
Throughout December, Main Street and the historic buildings are glowing with lights and decor. You may even run into Santa Claus, which wouldn't be surprising in this North Pole atmosphere. Many people visit Bardstown as a place along the Bourbon Trail and every stop is even more memorable during the holidays.
Learn about the making of bourbon and its history at many destinations around the town. Find out more about these spots on the Visit Bardstown website. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is another must-visit place in Bardstown, especially during the holidays.
If this were the North Pole, Santa would likely choose this as his home. Find more information on the My Old Kentucky Home site. Another lesser-known place in Bardstown that is beautifully decorated for the holidays is Spalding Hall. Recently renovated, you'll love the museum and gift shop inside. Get all of the details on the official website of the Oscar Gertz Whiskey Museum.
If you happen to be in the area around mid-December, head to Bardstown Baptist Church. The church hosts live nativity scenes. This lovely event is just another reason to visit Bardstown this season. Visit the Facebook page of Bardstown Baptist Church for event times and schedules this winter.
Bardstown is bursting with small-town charm all year long, but the enchantment only increases during the holidays.
If you can't swing a trip this year, keep this Kentucky getaway in mind for years to come. This North Pole of Kentucky will surely always be a sought-after destination in the Bluegrass at Christmastime.
A magical Christmas in Bardstown KY 2024 awaits you! If you've been considering a visit to this memorable town, now may just be the best time. Have you celebrated a Bardstown Christmas in Kentucky? What is your favorite thing to do or see? Let us know in the comments! For more information on this festive town, visit the Christmas 'Round Bardstown website.
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What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in Kentucky? If you're still looking to pack out the space under the tree, we've put together this super fun gift guide for travelers that should be a great help.
