Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Lexington. From light displays to holiday performances and festive shopping opportunities, winter is just around the corner for the Horse Capital of the World.
Gather the family and friends to celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring 25 winter events happening between now and January.
A show-stopping gingerbread house from a previous year at Mustard Seed Hill. | Photo by @mustardseedhillky
💡 Light displays
Holiday Lights at the Distillery | Now through Monday, Dec. 25 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Buffalo Trace Distillery, 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort | Free | Illuminate your holiday spirit by driving through a special route of colorful light displays.
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill | Now through Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Mustard Seed Hill, 1122 Main St., Millersburg | $0-$15 | This is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town visitors. Find a gift at the artisan’s market, drool over the gingerbread house displays, and stroll along the three-acre holiday light display.
Southern Lights | Now-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park, 4075 Iron Works Pkwy. | $35 per car | Named one of Kentucky’s Top 10 Winter/Holiday Festivals and Events by Kentucky Travel and Tourism, this magical Bluegrass tradition is celebrating 30 years at the Kentucky Horse Park.
🎄Festive fun
Lunch at the Glitz | Now-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Glitz Restaurant, 4205 Fords Mill Rd., Versailles | $34.95+ | This glammed-out, glitter-filled holiday dining experience offers a three-course, prix fixe menu with local, seasonal ingredients. Pro tip: Be sure to browse the two floors of unique antiques after your meal.
Illuminated Evenings | Saturday Dec. 9 + Saturday, Dec. 16 | 4-8 p.m. | Shaker Village, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$8 | Explore the magic + merriment of the season with holiday crafts, bonfires with s’mores, special musical performances, and a visit from jolly ol’ St. Nicholas himself.
Socialize with Santa | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 12-2 p.m. | District 7 Social, 1170 Manchester St. | Free, price of purchase | Venture to the Distillery District for a game of duckpin bowling or some drinks + snacks with Santa.
Martine’s Pastries Santa Open House | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Martine’s Pastries, 400 E. Third St. | Free, price of purchase | Stop in and enjoy delicious complimentary hot chocolate + bakery samples, cookie decorating, and stick around for photos with Santa.
Holiday Candy Make & Take | Thursday, Dec. 7 + Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | La Bonne Vie, 1060 Chinoe Rd., Ste. 108 | $85 | This is the perfect option for hands-on date night or an opportunity to treat yourself (or your friends) with a handmade-with-love seasonal gift.
Cookies with the Clauses | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 5 p.m. + 6 p.m. | Louis Flower Power Shop, 3389 Tates Creek Rd. | Free | Bring the kiddos to enjoy cookies and a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday in Aspen | Friday, Dec. 15 | 11 a.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Co., 610 W. Third St. | Free, price of purchase | Get those cozy ski chalet vibes in the heart of the Bluegrass with your favorite festive flicks, holiday cocktails, hot chocolate, and food specials.
Christmas Karaoke | Friday, Dec. 8 | 6-9 p.m. | Chevy Chase Inn, 833 E. Euclid Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Support Operation Secret Santa (they’ll receive 20% of sales for the night) by singing, drinking, and being merry. Plus, pick up a specialty 90th Anniversary Maker’s Mark bottle.
Christmas on the Farm | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12 p.m. | Ashford Acres Farm, 1801 KY-36, Cynthiana | $5 | Experience all things holiday including carriage rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shopping with local vendors, fire pits with s’mores + more.
Holiday Brunch with Santa | Saturdays + Sundays, Dec. 9-Dec. 17 | Times vary | Marriott Griffin Gate, 1800 Newtown Pike | $0-$65 | Grab the family for festive fun featuring a brunch buffet with sweet + savory options and holiday photo opportunities.
Decorate Christmas Cookies ... with Santa | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6:30 p.m. | The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles | $74.76 | Visit the big man himself while you work on your own delicious custom creation with cookie instructor, A Traveling Cupcake.
🎶 Holiday performances
Alltech Celebration of Song | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. | Free | Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre and winners of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition.
BAJA Jazzy Christmas | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Singletary Center, 465 Rose St. | $5-$11 | See lively performances from musicians part of the nonprofit Bluegrass Area Jazz Association (BAJA) + UK School of Music’s Jazz Studies Program.
Hollerday Gitdown with Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays | Friday, Dec. 15 + Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. | $24-$42 | This two-night holiday concert extravaganza features the sweet sounds of regional + national artists.
The Aerial Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St. | $40 | This classic holiday show gets a fresh perspective with Sora Aerial Arts taking it to new heights.
The Nutcracker in One Act | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. + 2 p.m. | Singletary Center, 465 Rose St. | $20-$24 | The Bluegrass Youth Ballet is gracing the stage with a shortened, family-friendly, single act of “The Nutcracker.”
A Cathedral Christmas: Dress Rehearsal | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. | Pay what you want | Since the main performance is already sold out, the Lexington Philharmonic + the Lexington Singers are opening up their rehearsal for community members to enjoy this musical holiday tradition.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Ballet | Wednesday, Dec. 20-Thursday, Dec. 21 | 4 + 7 p.m. | Singletary Center, 465 Rose St. | Free, ticket required | Enjoy the ballet rendition of the C.S. Lewis story of the magic of Narnia.
The Nutcracker | Saturday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 10 + Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. | $33+ | This holiday tradition features the enchanting production and performances of The Lexington Ballet Company.
A Very Darren Crissmas | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 8 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. | $49.50-$75 | The multifaceted recording artist — who’s also appeared on TV and Broadway — is coming to town for a stop on his merry musical holiday tour.
Shop local markets
Mixmas Market | Friday, Dec. 8 + Saturday, Dec. 9 | Times vary | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. | Free, price of purchase | Local makers will bring the gift ideas to you while you sip + snack.
Crafted Social: Winter Market | Friday, Dec. 8 + Saturday, Dec. 9 | Times vary | Greyline Station, 101 Loudon Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Shop from a variety of crafts people including traditional and contemporary artists + functional designers with items like ceramics, fiberwork, and paper goods.
Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 1-6 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Bounce between the local cider brewery and its neighbor International Book Project to shop for locally made goods + gifts.
Farm Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | West Sixth Farm, 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd., Frankfort | Free, price of purchase | The event will feature local vendors selling handmade goods, craft beer, hot cocoa, and a special holiday menu from the West Sixth Cantina food truck.
