You don’t have to put your travel plans on hold just because winter is going to stick around for a while longer. During the colder months there are plenty of attractions available, and the cost of hotels, restaurants and activities are also likely to be at lower prices.
Kentucky has a lot to offer to people looking for real winter experiences, but who are not interested in traveling to places where temperatures are below freezing. The seven activities described below are sure to create memories that families and friends will talk about for years to come.
Bardstown
Bardstown has earned the title of prettiest small town in the country for good reason. Visitors can meet Santa’s elves at the Bardstown Community Theater or catch a glimpse of him on a Santa Express ride at the Kentucky Railroad Museum.
As the city goes all out for holiday decorations, visitors may want to drive around and take in the sights from the comfort of their own car.
Garden of Lights
There’s nothing better than free when it comes to finding winter holiday attractions. The Creation Museum in Petersberg, located at 2200 Bullitsburg Church Road, decorates its outdoor garden with thousands of bright, cheerful lights.
A frozen Caperton swamp
Caperton Swamp, usually full of life and natural activity, transforms into a serene, frozen landscape during the colder months. The marsh’s waterways and marshes, usually teeming with birds and other wildlife, become silent under a blanket of ice and snow. This seasonal frost casts a silent, almost ethereal beauty over the area, creating a stark contrast to the usual green vibrancy.
Light up Bardstown
The beautiful town of Bardstown is bustling with so much activity at this time of year that it requires two mentions. One event Kentuckians always look forward to is the annual Light Up Bardstown Event.
For most of December, the streets of Bardstown change from busy modern streets to a quaint, charming village. Visitors can pick up a map to ensure they don’t miss any holiday sights or events that Bardstown has to offer.
Maysville
Maysville has long had a reputation for being one of the most decorative towns in all of Kentucky during the holidays. Wreaths decorated with red bows line every pole and tree on every street, and the garland extends from one side of the street to the other.
This quaint Kentucky town also hosts a Christmas Market and the Downtown Twilight Christmas Parade every year. In addition to enjoying the many festive floats, visitors can grab a bite to eat on site while also enjoying crafts and live music.
My old Kentucky Home Museum
The Federal Hill Mansion, located at 501 Stephen Foster Avenue, takes visitors back to the mid-1800s through decorations and staff dressed in period costumes. Carolers are also ready to get people into the holiday spirit.
State residents will enjoy the six Christmas trees in this 200-year-old mansion, each decorated with themes unique to Kentucky.
Lexington Downtown Triangle Park Ice Rink
The Triangle Park in downtown Lexington is a beloved winter attraction that brings a touch of seasonal joy to the heart of the city. As temperatures drop, this outdoor rink invites locals and visitors alike to lace up their skates and enjoy the fun of skating.
Tree Lighting in Louisville
An annual tree lighting ceremony is held in Jefferson Square Park on Sunday, December 3, but this isn’t just any tree. The Norway spruce chosen for this event is a minimum of 45 feet tall.
The festival celebrates all the winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Live entertainment will take place during the event from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Santa Claus will be on hand to flip the switch that turns on millions of lights.
Crestwood Nativity Festival
Every year, The Church of the Latter-day Saints in Crestwood hosts an exhibition of more than 500 nativity scenes at 6401 Westwood Way. The event is the talk of the town thanks to the live models and animals that bring the displays to life.
