The market kicks off this Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m and returns every Friday through Dec. 19. Downtown Midway will glow with twinkling lights, fresh pine, and charming wooden stalls.
Browse artisan gifts, gourmet treats, and a tree market — admission is free.
Pro tip: Arrive early — over 8,000 people are interested, and parking is limited.
Asked
Asked
When do you typically start holiday gift shopping?
A. Post-holiday sales last year (I plan way ahead)
B. I’m a Black Friday warrior
C. Early November — before the rush hits
D. Mid-December panic mode
E. Last minute — thank goodness for gift cards
Christmas Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $10+ | Shop for handmade stocking stuffers and gifts to go under the tree at this holly jolly market. Enjoy food trucks, 20% off in the shops, site tours, and more.*
Big Blue Tailgate | 12 p.m. | The Rackhouse Tavern | Price of purchase
Papi’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 1988 Stockton Way yesterday. Lexingtonians can join the celebration during happy hour 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow Nov. 7, and enjoy blue game day margaritas on Friday and Saturday.
Holiday
Look away, Scrooges — Spirit Christmas is coming to Lexington within the next week. The holiday pop-up from the makers of Spirit Halloween will open at 1980 Pavilion Way in Hamburg, offering festive decor, gifts, and Santa photo ops. It’s part of a nationwide expansion with 30 locations this year. (Courier Journal)
Cause
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office launched its 13th annual Diana Ross Winter Coat Drive yesterday, honoring victims of domestic violence. Winter coats can be dropped off at the Office of the Fayette County Sheriff or multiple participating Lexington businesses until Friday, Dec. 5.
Active
Tens of thousands of people celebrated their New York City Marathon finishes this past weekend. Feeling the urge to give running a try? You’re not alone. Hit the pavement at one of Lexington’s local parks.
Quoted
“This place has been such a huge part of my heart and story that it’s hard to find the right words,” said Jim Caldwell, longtime WKYT morning meteorologist, announcing he will leave the station to become PR and marketing director for the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation. His last day is Friday, Dec. 5. (WKYT)
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about?*
Cause
Transform your demo into a donation. Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s Deconstruction Program lets you clear out kitchen materials at no cost, with items finding a second life at the ReStore. Psst… It’s an easy way to support affordable housing while keeping waste out of the landfill.*
Drink
Bourbon lovers, this one’s for you: Lexington Bourbon Week is back now through Sunday, Nov. 16, featuring exclusive cocktails from 20+ local restaurants and Kentucky distilleries. Download the app, check in at participating venues, and win prizes — presented by Give 270’s Whiskey Wednesday raffles.*
The Word
The viral “6-7" trend has made it into the record books — it’s now Dictionary.com‘s Word of the Year for 2025. We don’t understand it, either. What we do understand is our Games section, where not six, not seven, but eight daily options await. (AP News)
Finance
Score a lucrative signup bonus and up to 5% cash back with this credit card that experts can’t stop raving about. With perks you don’t see every day and a $0 annual fee, it will be a serious upgrade to your wallet. Learn more + apply.*
Correction
We got a little too excited for the return of Holiday Open Houses. The in-store festivities will be taking place tomorrow, Nov. 7, at your local Kroger.*
City Guide
Lexington’s top museums for every explorer
Check the 21c Lexington calendar to explore events at the museum. | Photo by @asiseetheworld
Museums are the cultural hubs of Lexington. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about LEX or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 13 museums to visit in our city.
Science
The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. | $0-$8
This living, breathing museum features rotating exhibits in the Marksbury Discovery Room, art galleries commemorating Lexington’s vibrant history, opportunities to meet animals, and the city’s only public planetarium.
Kids
Lexington Children’s Museum, 440 W. Short St. | $8-$10
Formerly known as the Explorium, this interactive space features exhibits that will appeal to all kids, including those interested in architecture, STEM, health, and art.
Equestrian
International Museum of the Horse, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. | $0-$22
Learn about our rich equestrian history, from Black jockeys like Isaac Murphy that contributed to what racing looks like today, to the Arabian Horse gallery that chronicles the life of the prestigious breed. Don’t miss: Exploring the entirety of the Kentucky Horse Park grounds.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing events and ideas to commemorate. Our first suggestion: Head to the Lexington Public Library to explore a curated selection of books by Indigenous authors and stories that honor Native voices.