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!

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.

3. Shaker Village

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 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 a Christmas town 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.

6. Lexington

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!

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:

8. Louisville

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:

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!

Taking a winter getaway this year? Check out our cold weather essentials packing list before your trip!