We’ve traveled Kentucky quite a bit during the holiday season – tasking ourselves with the joy of reporting to you where all of the “holly and jolly” can be found. We have always found a wonderful frenzy of glitter and smiles, well wishes, and quiet moments as well. As a spoiler alert, we have this to say: we are now certain that the holiday spirit is alive and jingling in every nook and cranny of our amazing Commonwealth. Here are twenty things we think you’ll enjoy.

1.) The Glasgow Christmas Parade

Did you know that the Glasgow Christmas Parade is the largest in the state of Kentucky? This nighttime parade packs all of the Christmas magic! Prep for about 2 hours of joy on December 7th, starting at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “Rock n’ Roll Christmas!” The parade route and more information can be found on Glasgow/Barren County Tourism’s event page.

2.) The Reindeer Farm

Gather up your elves and book your time at the Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green. Pet reindeer, ride a train, visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. They sell out quickly, so don’t delay!

3.) Holiday Pop-Ups in NULU

Each year Louisville offers a variety of holiday pop-up bars throughout the city, with many in NULU. Keep watching here as we gather more info on their dates and times.

The Holly Lodge at Maddox & Rose Marketplace’s debut night will be Wednesday, November 27th from 6 to 9 p.m., the day before Thanksgiving. After that, their hours will be open November 29th to December 21st on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. This festive spot is also a candle bar – do have fun choosing your perfect scents for that holiday candle and enjoying a cocktail or mocktail at the same time!

Miracle on Market opens nightly starting November 19th. They are closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can find them at 732 East Market Street in Louisville – just look for the big Santa!

Watch for more info to come.

4.) Mammoth Cave National Park Cave Sing

The first Sunday in December is historically the day of Cave Sing, the only event of its kind in the world. Participants gather at the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center, walk through the historic entrance and into Raffinesque Hall to sing together songs of good cheer. The Park will be releasing more detailed information about the Cave Sing later in November, you can watch their socials here.

5.) Light Displays

Nothing lights up the season like free holiday light displays! Let us paint a picture for you: the whole family/all your favorite people pile in the car with hot chocolate in hand and you “ooh” and “ahh” as you drive through the thoughtfully curated displays of holiday cheer. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, some options are Elizabethtown‘s Christmas in the Park and Franklin‘s Nights of Lights. Elizabethtown’s Freeman Lake will light up nightly from November 27th to January 1st from 6 to 11 p.m. Franklin’s Jim Robert’s Park will shine every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. starting November 27th, and then nightly from December 20th to 25th. Read more from us at these links: Elizabethtown and Franklin

6.) Patti’s 1880’s Settlement

Nearing two MILLION Christmas lights, inside and outside – Patti’s 1880’s Settlement immerses their visitors into holiday joy! We recently sat down with their Co-CEO Ann Martin who shared with us many of the back stories of the settlement and the holiday magic behind the scenes that creates this avalanche of holiday cheer! You can listen/watch that podcast here. Our biggest pro tip is to make sure you secure a table reservation!

7.) Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Immerse yourself in holiday music, roaring fires, and twinkling lights as Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill hosts its Illuminated Evenings on the first three Saturdays of December. Each Saturday evening will feature different performers, candlelight tours, the jingle bell shuttle, an elf shop, tree lighting, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Shaker Village has lovely accommodations if you choose to make this an overnight event. You can enjoy a locally-grown meal with Shaker-inspired dishes and an alcoholic drink at Trustees Table, their on-site restaurant. Winter is our favorite time to hike so we must mention that there are over 30 miles of multi-use trails in their 3000-acre preserve of streams, forests, and wide open spaces. The Illuminated Evenings will be December 7th, 14th, and 21st from 4 to 8 p.m. It is $8 for ages 3 and up.

8.) Gypsy Moon Marketplace Holiday Market

GypsyMoon Marketplace pops up twice a year at Highland Stables in Bowling Green. This year’s Holiday Market will be November 7th through 9th. The whole venue is filled with vendors of all kinds! If you want to get a jump on your holiday shopping, this is the place to go. The market is full of beautiful handmade goods, vintage finds, and small business owners. You will find clothes, furniture, pottery, local honey and treats, and even plenty of goods for your furry friends. One of our favorite parts of the market is that there is food, drinks, and coffee on-site. With nearly 90 vendors and some serious Christmas shopping to do, this is necessary! You can purchase tickets and find their full list of vendors here!

9.) Have Yourself a Merry Little Murder Mystery

Book your seats now for a “Have Yourself a Merry Little Murder” mystery dinner at Historic Boone Tavern. You can find all of the details on this December 5th event here. Historic Boone Tavern is such a beautiful location to enjoy the holidays, don’t forget to reserve a room with your plans and build in some holiday shopping time in Berea too.

10.) Wakefield-Scearce Galleries

You can spend hours at the Wakefield-Scearce Galleries looking through the rooms of English antiques, silver, art, furniture, their world-famous julep cups, and more. Plus, during the holiday season, you can encounter over thirty decorated Christmas trees throughout the galleries. It truly is such a special place to visit, it’s a high recommend from us. Shelby County also has a theatre production of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol Musical, the “Once Upon A Christmas” craft show, a Celebration of Lights, and the Outlet Shops of the Bluegrass. Wakefield’s Christmas display opens for the season on November 6th. Admission to the gallery is free. They have a Royal Christmas Tea on December 7th, as well, that you can find tickets for here.

11.) Rebecca Ruth’s Candy Factory

Since 1919, four generations of Ruth’s family have been churning out the most delicious chocolates. Founded in Kentucky, Rebecca Ruth Chocolates is world famous and most beloved by those seeking their best seller, the bourbon ball. They make excellent Christmas gifts and taking a tour of their candy factory is a fun holiday excursion for all.

12.) Rocky Hill Christmas Tea

On the second Tuesday and Saturday of each month, Rocky Hill Inn hosts open teas in their Rose Tea Room. You can reserve your spots by calling 270-392-8234. They will also host private holiday teas based on availability. This is a lovely, restful experience in the midst of holiday kerfluffle. Read more about our experiences in Edmonson County here.

13.) Small Town Holiday Events

Is there anything that feels more like you’re in a holiday movie than walking down a town’s Main Street when it is decorated for the holidays? While we encourage you to check out all the Main Streets this season, here are a few that will be having special events: Campbellsville‘s will have its Christmas Open House November 8th and 9th, Shelbyville‘s Celebration of Lights will be November 9th, Munfordville‘s Christmas on Main will be November 16th, and Liberty‘s Christmas Story will be December 6th. Think ice skating, free hot chocolate, and tree lighting ceremonies.

14.) Meals at the State Parks

Our beautiful Kentucky State Resort Parks offer special holiday meals and buffets in both November and December. They are always delicious and provide for a variety of tastes – which makes it a great place to road trip with lots of generations! Their Thanksgiving menus, times and dates can already be found here. These meals are by reservation only so don’t forget to give them a call at the park of your choice. Find more of our state park experiences here.

15.) Winter Solstice Hike

On December 21st at noon (CST), Mahr Park in Madisonville offers a Winter Solstice Hike through their 40 acres of woodland. It is a perfect way to usher in the winter season in a beautiful setting.

16.) Glasgow’s Small Business Saturday

Kick off your Small Business Saturday in Glasgow on November 30th! To celebrate the biggest SHOP SMALL day of the year, Glasgow/Barren County Tourism will be giving 100 swag bags out (first come, first serve) with shop local merchandise at their Visitors Center in downtown Glasgow! Some random bags will have gift cards to local shops! Maybe you’ll be the lucky ones! Read more about our Glasgow experiences here.

17.) McCreary Mountain Craft Center’s Christmas Cabin

When you’re near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, the McCreary Mountain Craft Center is always a joy to visit…but did you know they have a second cabin open year-round that is actually dedicated to Christmas?? Make sure you give them a look as you prepare for the holidays. You can find them at 6930 Highway 90 in Parkers Lake, Kentucky.

18.) Horse Cave’s Christmas Parade

Many small-town Christmas parades happen in communities all across the Commonwealth. Horse Cave’s Christmas parade can be enjoyed annually on the first Saturday morning of December, it starts at 10 a.m. Another parade the same day in Hart County is Munfordville’s at 1 p.m. Then – if you’re really adventurous – you can get a third parade in that day by stacking Glasgow’s nighttime Christmas parade on at 7 p.m. You can read more about our Hart County adventures here.

19.) Vintage Shopping

You will want to make sure you envelope yourself in vintage Christmas in the antique hub that is Smiths Grove. Whether you’re going for decor, gifts, or the vibes, it is a great, festive time. Over the years we have purchased plenty of gifts from The Foxhole. Last year, Marigold Vintage had some awesome vintage Christmas animatronics. Shopping secondhand can add another layer of meaning and personality. We would recommend dipping your toe in this holiday season!

20.) Krafted in Kentucky

Looking for one place to find the work of many Kentucky artisans at once? Then you’ll love Krafted in Kentucky. It will be November 9th at the Cave Area Conference Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free to the public. Read more about our Cave City adventures here.

Watch the podcast from Patti’s 1880’s Settlement:

Thank you, Glasgow-Barren County KY Tourism, for sponsoring the Kentucky Holiday Guide!