Holiday Activities
The following is a list of holiday activities being held throughout Kentucky.
Enjoy all you can fit into your schedule this festive season, and happy holidays!
Community Celebrations/Parades
Friday & Saturday, December 1-2
Christmas Down on the Farm-Corinth. Scaffold Lick Rd. off Hwy. 36, Cordova
community. Original 1850s log cabin comes alive with craft demonstrations (such
as basket making, wool spinning, quilting, wood carving, and candle dipping),
handcrafted gifts for sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and a live nativity scene Saturday,
6-9 p.m., free, (859) 824-0564.
Friday & Saturday, December 1-2
Richmond Christmas Celebration-Richmond. A downtown Richmond Christmas with
lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. and parade at 7 p.m. The following
day is the Richmond Christmas Celebration with free guided walking tours, free
carriage rides, arts and craft show, Santa, and more, (800) 866-3705.
Friday & Saturday, December 1-2
Christmas at Shakertown-South Union. Craft show and Shaker holiday traditions
at the Shaker Museum, Preview Party on Friday 7-9 p.m. by reservation; Saturday
9 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission if you bring non-perishable item for admission,
(800) 811-8379.
Friday, December 1
Holiday Magic Twilight Christmas Parade-Harrodsburg. Join us downtown at
6:30 p.m., see horses, bands, floats, Snow Queen Court and Santa Claus, free,
(859) 734-4394.
Friday, December 1
Christmas on Main-London. Traditional downtown celebration with tree lighting,
food, music, crafts, 12 noon-9 p.m., and a parade at 7 p.m. (606) 864-4789.
Friday, December 1
Christmas in Mt. Eden-Mt. Eden. Features a live nativity, home decoration
awards, horse and buggy rides, gospel singing, arts and crafts for sale, chili
supper highlights the evening, 7 p.m., free, (502) 738-5400.
Friday, December 1
Community Christmas-Radcliff. Citywide Christmas celebration featuring a
lighted Christmas parade, carolers, Christmas Tree lighting, Wonderland of Trees,
visit from Santa, and fireworks display, 7-10 p.m., free, (270) 352-1204.
Friday, December 1
Christmas Parade-Smiths Grove. Begins downtown at 6 p.m., free, (270) 563-5141.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Beaver Dam. Begins at 10 a.m., free, (270) 274-7106.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Burgin. Main Street, 2 p.m., floats, antique vehicles/tractors,
horses, motorcycles, bands, carolers, walkers, and Santa Claus, free, (859)
748-9333.
Saturday, December 2
Jaycees Christmas Parade-Bowling Green. Begins downtown at 9 a.m., free,
(270) 781-3959.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Caldwell County/ Princeton. Begins at 5 p.m. at Butler
parking lot on West Main Street, free, (270) 365-5393.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Calhoun. Calhoun-McLean County VFW Christmas Parade begins
on Main Street at 2 p.m., free, (270) 273-9760.
Saturday, December 2
A Christmas Carroll-Carrollton. Festival begins with merchants’ hot buy,
visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, storytelling, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.,
(800) 325-4290.
Saturday, December 2
Parade of Lights-Glasgow. Join us for the Christmas Parade in Town Square
at 6:00 p.m. for an exciting show of lights, free, (800) 264-3161.
Saturday, December 2
Harlan Christmas Parade-Harlan. One of Kentucky’s oldest and biggest holiday
parades. More than 100 units featuring bands, cartoon characters, unique floats,
and Santa Claus, 2 p.m., free, (606) 573-4717.
Saturday, December 2
Breakfast with Santa-Harrodsburg. From 8:30-11:30 a.m., at Harrodsburg Lion’s
Park Community Center, Santa’s helpers serve up pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice,
milk, and coffee. Children can visit Santa and will receive a photo and gift
bag, charge, (859) 734-9622.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Hawesville. For time and more information, call Hawesville
City Hall at (270) 927-8707.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Henderson. Begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Henderson, free,
(800) 648-3128.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Horse Cave. Begins at 10 a.m., free, (270) 524-2892.
Saturday, December 2
A Riverside Christmas-Louisville. Take a horse- drawn carriage ride back
in time to a 19th-century holiday celebration. Costumed interpreters lead visitors
through the historic Farnsley-Moremen House by candlelight, 5-9 p.m., charge,
(502) 935-6809.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Madisonville. Join us for our annual Christmas Parade,
2 p.m., free, (270) 821-3435.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Paducah. Christmas Past, Present & Future parade begins at
17th and Broadway, 10 a.m., free, 1-800-PADUCAH.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Park City. Begins at 10 a.m., free, (270) 749-5695.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Parade-Scottsville. Join us at 4:30 p.m. for the annual Christmas
Parade, free, (270) 237-4782.
Saturday, December 2
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade-Somerset. Christmas Throughout the
World parade, 2 p.m., begins at the Fairgrounds and travels downtown, free,
(606) 679-7323.
Saturday, December 2
Old Fashion Christmas-Versailles. Start with a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
at 6 a.m., events all day, line dancers, animals, music, food, parade at 5:30
p.m. and pictures with Santa afterward, free, (859) 873-5436.
Saturday, December 2
Old Fashion Christmas-Wilmore. A charming step back in time to early Christmas
in Kentucky. All-day event starting with a pancake breakfast, carriage rides,
model train, tree lighting at 5 p.m., followed by live music, free, (859) 858-9031.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3
Frontier Christmas-Old Washington. A 1780s historic village with strolling
carolers, outdoor Christmas market, book signings, craft demonstrations, music,
food and drink, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., (606) 759-7411.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3
White Christmas Open House-Greenup. Come anytime to see the beautifully
decorated Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Lodge, including 18 trees. Special
activities Saturday, 6:30-9 p.m., and
Sunday, 1-4 p.m., include live holiday music and refreshments,
free, (606) 473-9881.
Saturday, December 2 & 9
The Shaker Order of Christmas-Harrodsburg. Shaker Christmas traditions come
to life in holiday vignettes at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Shaker Christmas music with
concerts, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the singing
and tree decorating, charge, (800) 734-5611.
Saturday, December 2 & 9
Candlelight Tours at Maker’s Mark Distillery-Loretto. Guided walking tour
by candlelight. Share the spirit of Christmas with us as we show how we hand-make
our bourbon in small quantities. Enjoy the beauty of our little distillery decorated
for Christmas and do some shopping in our gift gallery, dip your own bottle,
tours every 1/2 hour beginning 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., free, (270) 865-2099.
December 2-17
Trees of Christmas 2000-Bowling Green. A festival of decorated Christmas
trees at Houchens Center, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.,
nominal charge, (270) 782-3505.
Sunday, December 3
Christmas Vespers-Franklin. Open to the public, at the Methodist Church, 2:30
p.m., free, (270) 586-7609.
Sunday, December 3
Hanging of the Greens-Harrodsburg. Hanging of wreaths and garlands in Harrodsburg
United Methodist Church, candlelight service with readings and music, 10:45
a.m. and 6 p.m., open to the public, free, (859) 734-3704.
Sunday, December 3
Alice P. Taylor Candlelight Service-Henderson. Open to the public, at First
United Methodist Church, 4 p.m., free, (270) 827-9831.
Friday, December 8
Parade of Lights-Hyden. A Christmas Carol themed parade with floats illuminated
with lights, horses, bands, 5 p.m., free, (606) 672-1529.
Friday, December 8
Christmas in Liberty-Liberty. Join us downtown at 5 p.m, free, (606) 787-6463.
Friday & Saturday, December 8-9
Christmas on Main Street-Taylorsville. Friday features children’s activities,
live entertainment, parades, decorations, caroling, and carriage rides, 5:30
p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-12 noon. Santa Claus appears Friday and Saturday. Events
held downtown and in the Chamber of Commerce building, free, (502) 477-3205.
Saturday, December 9
Christmas on the Cumberland-Burkesville. All-day events include a Christmas
Bazaar, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., contests for kids and businesses, then join us at 5
p.m., starting at the high school, for a wonderful holiday parade, free, (270)
864-5111.
Saturday, December 9
Christmas Parade-Cave City. Join us at 5 p.m. for the annual Christmas Parade,
followed by an open house until 7 p.m., free, (270) 773-2188.
Saturday, December 9
Christmas Spirit of 2000-Edmonton. Join us at 1:00 p.m. for a spirited Christmas
parade, free, (270) 432-3222.
Saturday, December 9
Christmas Parade and Small Town Christmas- Franklin. Parade and Christmas
celebration in Downtown Square at 4 p.m., free, (270) 586-7609.
Saturday, December 9
Community Christmas Caroling in the Village -Harrodsburg. Begin the holiday
the 19th-century way by caroling along the lantern-lit village road at Shaker
Village at Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m. A canned good donation is the price of admission,
(800) 734-5611.
Saturday, December 9
Christmas in the City-Lebanon Junction. Crafts, food, children’s parade
with Santa in carriage, singers, Santa visits. Free parade 4:30 p.m., (502)
833-2296.
Saturday, December 9
Christmas Parade-Marion. Community Christmas parade, 2-3 p.m., (270) 965-2239.
Saturday, December 9
Candlelight Christmas Trail-Paducah. A 12-mile candelight trail, with a
reception at Yeiser Art Center in Historic Market House Square, complimentary
guided tour, board buses at 7 p.m. or follow the map and drive on your own,
(800)-PADUCAH.
Saturday, December 9
WinterFest-Paint Lick. Join us for a full day of community holiday activities
including a country ham breakfast, crafts, baked goods, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., free,
(859) 925-2417.
Saturday, December 9
Merchants Christmas Parade-Russell Springs. Join us at 4 p.m. for our Christmas
for a New Millennium parade with floats, Santa Claus, and more, free, (270)
866-2550.
Saturday, December 9
Wilderness Trace Christmas Parade & Pageants-Stanford. Parade begins at
1 p.m. on Main Street, followed by the Snow Queen and Snow Princess Pageants
at 1:30 p.m., free, (502) 365-4518.
Saturday-Tuesday, December 9-12
Return to Bethlehem-Madisonville. A walk-through drama telling the story
of the birth of the Christ child at the First Baptist Church, with live animals,
craftsmen at work, food, 5-8 p.m., Sunday 2-4 p.m., free, love offering taken,
(270) 821-3611.
Sunday, December 10
Lighting of Yuletide Luminaries-Ellington. Thousands of luminaries and holiday
decorations displayed throughout Southgate Estates, dusk until 11 p.m., free,
(859) 734-0776.
Saturday, December 16
Christmas in the Park-Kenlake State Park. Bring the kids for crafts, cookies
and punch, and a visit with Santa, donate a canned good and get in free, 2-4
p.m., (270) 474-2211.
December 26-31
The Simple Gifts of Christmas-Harrodsburg. Guided tours focus on Shaker
life and Christmas customs at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Shaker Christmas music performances
at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; and showings of “The Shakers,” narrated by Ben Kingsley,
at 2:30 p.m., charge, (800) 734-5611.
Holiday Tours
Now through December 9
My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours-Bardstown. Elaborate period costumes,
music, and traditional refreshments, nominal charge, (800) 323-7803.
Now through December 23
Mountain HomePlace Old Time Christmas-Paintsville. Every Thursday, Friday,
and Saturday evening. Starts at dusk around 6 p.m., reservations, nominal charge,
(606) 297-1850.
Now through December 30
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate-Lexington. An 1890s Victorian Christmas theme
includes period decorations, costumed interpreters, and special events, regular
tour hours Tuesday-
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. Join us on December 21, 6-8 p.m.,
for a special candelight tour of the mansions with costumed interpreters, live
music and refreshments, charge, (859) 266-8581.
Saturday, December 2
Christmas Home Tour-Taylorsville. Visitation on a pre-planned basis to specially
decorated homes throughout Spencer County, 2-7 p.m., charge, (502) 477-3225.
Saturday, December 2
Annual Holiday Homes Tour-Harrods- burg. Luminaries light the walkways of
beautifully decorated sites highlighted on the self-guided tour throughout historic
Harrodsburg and Mercer County, 1-8 p.m., tickets, (859) 734-5985.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3
Victorian Yuletide House Tour-Louisville. Historic homes in Old Louisville
are decorated for Christmas, museum tours, holiday gift shop, 12 noon-7 p.m.,
charge, (502) 635-5244.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3
10th Annual Victorian Christmas Tour-Newport. The Mansion Hill Neighborhood
Association hosts it Annual Victorian Christmas Tour, 1-7 p.m. Walk or ride
a shuttle bus through the lavishly decorated historic homes. A Christmas shop
showcasing local artwork and holiday inspired crafts will be open, (859) 431-7607.
Sunday, December 3
Christmas Tour of Homes-Ashland. Tour homes in the Ashland area decorated
in beautiful Christmas delights, charge, (606) 329-1826.
Tuesday, December 5
Christmas Open House at the Goodnight-Franklin. At the Goodnight House,
8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., free, (270) 586-7609.
Daily, December 5-December 17
Victorian Holiday Tours-Bowling Green. Riverview at Hobson Grove is decked out
in holiday splendor for these special tours, nominal charge, (270) 843-5565.
Friday & Saturday, December 8-9
Pioneer Christmas Candlelight Tours-Stanford. William Whitley House, Highway
150, 5-9 p.m., refreshments provided. Tickets nominal charge, (502) 355-2881.
Saturday, December 9
Homes for the Holidays-Henderson. This home tour benefits the American Cancer
Society, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., donation, (270) 826-4410.
Sunday, December 10
DAR Tour of Homes-Paintsville. Join us from 2-5 p.m., nominal charge, (606)
789-3392.
Sunday, December 10
Christmas Tour of Homes-Hopkinsville. Six homes including a wide variety
of historic and new houses will be featured on this year’s annual Christmas
Tour of Homes from 2-5 p.m., free, (270) 887-4295.
Music & Shows
Every Saturday, December 2-23
Old Kentucky Homestead Jamboree Barn Christmas Show-Fairview. The month-long
celebration takes place every Saturday at the Jamboree Barn (off U.S. 68 near
Blue Lick State Park), 7-10 p.m., charge for show. Special outdoor light display,
dusk until 10 p.m., nominal charge, (606) 267-6672.
Friday, December 1
Godspell-Danville. Norton Center for the Arts, Newlin Hall, Centre College,
8 p.m., tickets, (859) 236-4692.
Friday-Sunday, December 1-3 and December 8-10
A Christmas Story-Danville. At the West T. Hill Community Theatre, 8 p.m.,
Sunday matinees, tickets, (859) 236-1310.
Sunday, December 3
The Nutcracker-Bowling Green. By Ballet Jorgen at Capitol Arts Center, 3
p.m., tickets, (877) 694-2787.
Sunday, December 3
Handel’s The Messiah-Owensboro. This is the 59th annual choral presentation,
held at 2 p.m., Third Baptist Church. No cost, but a freewill offering will
be taken, (270) 683-0269.
Sunday, December 3
The Nutcracker-Owensboro. Presented by the Owensboro Dance Theatre, 3 p.m.,
RiverPark Center, tickets, (270) 687-2787.
Monday, December 4
Handel’s The Messiah-Danville. Centre College, 8 p.m., tickets (859) 236-4692.
Thursday, December 7
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas-Bowling Green. Capitol Arts Center, 6:30
p.m., tickets, (877) 694-2787.
Saturday, December 9
Larry Gatlin’s Christmas- Bowling Green. Capitol Arts Center, 3 p.m. and
8 p.m., tickets, (877) 694-2787.
Saturday, December 9
A Twilight Christmas in the Country-Danville. At the Forkland Community
Center, join us for an open house including food, festive decorations, and fun,
6 p.m., nominal charge, (859) 332-7146.
Saturday, December 9
Riders in the Sky Concert-Franklin. A Christmas concert, at the Goodnight
Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., tickets, (270) 586-7609.
Sunday, December 10
Sounds of the Season-Owensboro. Presented by Owensboro Symphony Orchestra,
2 p.m., and again at 7:30 p.m., at RiverPark Center, tickets, (270) 687-2787.
Wednesday, December 13
The Philharmonic Orchestra-Paintsville. At the Sipp Theatre, 7:30 p.m.,
tickets, (606) 789-6487.
Thursday, December 14
Holiday Spectacular on Ice-Owensboro. Presented by Owensboro Concert Association,
8 p.m., RiverPark Center, tickets, (270) 687-2787.
Thursday-Sunday, December 14-17
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever-Bowling Green. Capitol Arts Center, Thursday-Saturday
8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m., tickets, (877) 694-2787.
Saturday, December 16
Natalie Cole Christmas Show-Danville. Norton Center for the Arts, Newlin
Hall, Center College, 8 p.m., tickets, (859) 236-4692.
Saturday & Sunday, December 16-17
First Christmas-Owensboro. Presentation by First Baptist Church at RiverPark
Center, 7 p.m., tickets, (270) 687-2787.
Saturday & Sunday, December 16-17
Outdoor Christmas Drama-Paint Lick. Under the stars drama with story and
music at the Paint Lick Methodist Church, Hwy. 52 West, shows at 7 p.m. and
8 p.m., open to public, free, (859) 925-4441.
Sunday, December 17
Holiday Music by Brass Company of Louisville-Owensboro. Free Sunday Series
at 2 p.m., RiverPark Center, (270) 687-2787.
Crafts & Feasts
Daily, December 1-30
Holiday Tea-Harrodsburg. Celebrate a traditional winter tea at Shaker Village
of Pleasant Hill, Monday- Saturday, 2-4 p.m. (none on December 24 or 25), charge,
reservations advised, (800) 734-5611.
Friday & Saturday, December 1-2
Homemaker’s Holiday Sale-Harrodsburg. Handmade crafts and goodies for sale,
United Presbyterian Church, Friday 5-8 p.m.,
Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., (859) 734-4378.
Friday & Saturday, December 1-2
Christmas Tea Room-Harrodsburg. Join us for Christmas Tea between 11 a.m.-
6 p.m. at historic Morgan Row on Chilea Street, charge, (859) 734-5985.
Friday-Sunday, December 1-3
Christmas Bazaar & Luncheon-Harrodsburg. Bake and craft sale, Friday & Saturday
9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m., St. Andrew’s Church, charge for lunch, (859)
734-6813.
Saturday, December 2
Old Fashioned Christmas Dinner-Danville. Forkland Community Center (sold
out for this year, but call now for reservations for next year!), charge, (859)
332-7146.
Saturday, December 2
Pleasant Hill Craft Store Holiday Open House-Harrodsburg. Visiting crafts
people and special activities, free, crafts for sale, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., (800)
734-5611.
Saturday, December 2
Appalachian Christmas Arts & Crafts & Antique Market-Morehead. Laughlin
Health Building, corner of Main and University, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., nominal charge,
(606) 783-2204.
December 5-15
Christmas in the Kitchen-South Union. Special student program, by reservation
only, for students in grades 1-7, at the Shaker Museum at South Union, charge.
Call (270) 542-4167 or (800) 811-8379 for more information.
Thursday-Saturday, December 7-9
Madrigal Feaste-Hopkinsville. The All Saints Hall of Grace Episcopal Church
will host an evening of fun, festivities, delicious food, elaborate costumes,
and beautiful music, 6:30 p.m., advance reservations required, tickets, (270)
887-4295.
Twinkling Lights
Now through December 16
Christmas in the Valley-Renfro Valley. This month-long celebration of the
holidays includes performances with carolers, elves, treats for kids, shopping,
and a large light display, 6-11 p.m., free entrance to the Valley. Special show
each evening at 7 p.m., and two additional shows at 9 p.m. on Saturday, December
2 and 9, charge for tickets to show, (800) 765-7464.
Now through December 26
Christmas in the Park-Elizabethtown. A one- mile drive with over 100 meticulously
arranged lighting displays along the banks of the park roads at Freeman Lake.
There is no charge to drive through, but donations are accepted. Hours are from
6:00-11:00 p.m. Santa Claus frequently visits the park during the display to
distribute candy canes, (270) 765-6121.
Now through December 30
Christmas Island-Burnside. Take this three-mile drive through more than
one million bulbs and 300 displays, Sundays through Thursdays, 6-10 p.m., Fridays
and Saturdays, 6-11 p.m., charge per carload, (800) 642-6287.
Now through December 31
Houchens Markets Winter Lights-Bowling Green. Explore the beauty of Basil
Griffin Park in the warmth of your car, charge per carload, Sunday-Thursday,
5:30-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m., (270) 782-3660.
Now through December 31
Southern Nights, Southern Lights-Lexington. Dazzling light displays at Kentucky
Horse Park, 5:30-10 p.m., (closed Thanksgiving), charge per carload includes
approximately 5-mile drive-through, plus indoor activities including miniature
railway, petting zoo, refreshments, museum, movie, Christmas tree, and Santa
Claus. Arts and crafts for sale, (859) 255-5727.
Now through January 1
Christmas in the Park-Mt. Sterling. Easy Walker Park is aglow with lights,
6-11 p.m., free, (859) 498-3800.
Now through January 1
Winter Wonderland of Lights-Ashland. Take the tour through Ashland and Central
Park to see over 700,000 lights and 35 displays, carriage rides, skating rink,
Santa, dusk until 10 p.m. weekdays, until 11 p.m. weekends, charge, (800) 377-6249.
Now through January 1
Christmas at Creekfront-Hodgenville. Enjoy the many displays sponsored by
area businesses and organizations during the holiday season. Displays are arranged
along the creekfront and there is no charge, (270) 358-3411.
Monday, December 4
Rudy Rowland Pre-Lighting-Henderson. Join us at 604 Center Street in Henderson
for the lighting of the 50-foot tree with 30,000 lights, free, (800) 648-3128.
