By: Nick Joseph
Freezing temps can only mean one thing: lots of fun winter activities in Lexington! Check out this list for family-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday season!
Southern Lights
This light exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park is the largest in the state! Featuring tens of thousands of lights, Southern Lights spans 4 miles through the Horse Park. Attendees drive along the route and on certain days can park and take in indoor exhibits and entertainment. This family-friendly event features a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and hot chocolate. Details can be found here.
Lexington’s Christmas Parade Presented by Metro by T-Mobile
Downtown is alive with the holiday spirit! Join us for Lexington’s Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7 at 11 AM presented by Metro by T-Mobile down Main Street. Enjoy marching bands, performers and parade floats as everyone waits for Santa’s trip through downtown Lexington! Estimated attendance is 3,500.
Unified Trust Company Ice Rink at Triangle Park
What’s better than ice skating during the holiday season? Ice skating in the heart of #DowntownLex during the holiday season, of course! Presented by the Unified Trust Company, this outdoor ice skating rink is located right in the middle of Triangle Park. Enjoy skating, snacks, and hot chocolate! Hours of operation and pricing can be found here.
Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop
Located in the Lansdowne Shoppes just in front of The Fresh Market, Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop is one of the premier Christmas destinations in Lexington. Owners Joseph and Shannon Hillenmeyer say their biggest inspiration for the shop was, “looking to the past and referencing a time when Christmas was less about consumerism and more about family – a special time during the winter when we would all come together and celebrate.” In my opinion, they hit the nail on the head. Come on out to the shop to purchase Christmas trees, wreaths, and other décor, and even take pictures with Santa. Don’t forget to enjoy the hot cider station and pet the animals in the live nativity scene!
Christmas Brunch with Santa at the Kentucky Castle
Come on out to the Kentucky Castle on Versailles Road on Sundays in December for a family brunch featuring pictures with Santa. The menu ranges from biscuits and gravy to spinach, ham, cheese, and tomato frittatas. Children will have the opportunity to talk to Santa and will all leave with a holiday treat! Ticketing info can be found here.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Join us in Triangle Park as we usher in the magic of the holiday season with lights and music transforming downtown into a winter wonderland as we light Lexington’s Official Christmas Tree! Fun for all ages! Guests can enjoy skating, listen to music and enjoy free children’s activities as the crowd waits for Santa and the Mayor to light the tree. Estimated attendance is 5,000 people! Come on out on Friday, November 29th from 3-7 PM.
