Get your holiday sparkle on with these epic light displays across the Commonwealth.
Light it up, Kentucky! Christmastime is on. The spirit of our state shines bright during the holidays as communities fill with a festive holiday spirit and some beautiful seasonal attractions.
For your viewing pleasure, here's a selection of holiday light displays that help illuminate Kentucky with Christmas spirit and spread some holiday cheer!
Lights Under Louisville
Lights Under Louisville is the largest and most unique light display in Kentucky. It's located at the Louisville Mega Cavern, which was once a working mine that's been repurposed into a gigantic underground attraction. Their epic Christmas light display is an annual favorite, and allows folks to drive their own vehicles through nearly 17 miles of underground passageways illuminated by 850 characters and more than 2 million twinkling lights. Christmas carols ring in the air as light lovers gaze at this stone quarry turned Christmas adventure. Lights Under Louisville welcomes cars, van, trucks and buses. Prices start at $30; however coupons are available on the official website. It's open from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday through December 31 at 1841 Taylor Avenue in Louisville.
Southern Lights
This much-loved light show is celebrating its 23rd year at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. This festival of blinking lights has both a drive-through portion and several walking attractions that are fun for the whole family. The intricate light displays and joyful characters, like Santa, will help anyone get in the holiday spirit. Southern Lights will be shining from 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through December 31. 4089 Iron Works Pike.
Patti's 1880's Settlement
Patti's is known to serve some of the best pie you'll find in Kentucky. It also puts on one of the state's best light displays, with millions of lights illuminating nearly every inch of its grounds. We can't really disagree. Check out the aerial view in the video — it's a straight-up winter wonderland. 1793 J.H. O'bryan Avenue, Grand Rivers
Light Up the Levee
Light up the Levee, in Newport, provides an amazing view of colorful lights with the gleaming Ohio River as a backdrop. View the "Grand Illumination" of more than 1 million lights as you stroll the boardwalk. A dancing light display synchronized to favorite holiday songs takes place every 20 minutes from 5:10 to 11:30 p.m. each evening through January 1. 1 Levee Way, Newport
Christmas by the River
This beautiful celebration is located along a half-mile riverside stretch at Riverfront Park in Brandenburg. Visitors will find an array of characters and twinkling displays stretched a half-mile along the riverfront. Local businesses, churches and civic groups all pitch in to make the display possible. Peace is written in bright, white lights across an arched bridge to signify one of the important reasons for the season. There are around 50,000 twinkling lights and 100 displays to enjoy in all.
Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg is all about celebrating life's simple gifts, and what could be more simply magical at than listening to carols ring in the air as you sip spiced cider by a roaring bonfire and take in the festive lights and decorations at this historic settlement? In addition to its regular holiday festivities, Shaker Village will host Illuminated Evenings featuring lights, candlelight tours and other special activities from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through December 17 at 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg. The cost $5 a person ages 6 and older; free admission for children ages 5 and younger.
MainStrasse Village
Covington's MainStrasse Village has been a special place to gather for decades. Now, the community gathers for a tree-lighting ceremony and the colorful lights remain for all to enjoy until the end of the season. 406 W 6th Street, Covington
Photo by Jason Mardis/Columbia Magazine
Ruley's Santa Clause Land
Ruley's is a local favorite in Loretto, Kentucky. The festival of lights, located at 135 Stringtown Road, offers a beautiful display of twinkling lights and characters. The Christmas attractions at Ruley's feature a little extra love in 2016 — this year's display is dedicated to the memory a patron of who loved the lights.
Christmas in the Park
This Elizabethtown celebration of lights takes place at Freeman Lake Park. Not only does everyone get to enjoy the beautiful lights and festivities, there's also ice skating on an artificial ice rink. Adults skate for $5 and kids 17 and younger skate for $3. The lights and vivid displays are a free part of the celebration for everyone to enjoy. 212 Freeman Lake Park Road, Elizabethtown
Head on over to the shop for fresh Kentucky gear, and come on down and visit us at the Fun Mall!