From the blog

Lexington, KY Holiday Events

Planning a holiday vacation? Why not come to Lexington, KY? Lucky for you there are many things to do this holiday season, from Christmas parades to the ghosts of Christmas past! Read here for our favorite Lexington, KY holiday events.

Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park

Every holiday season the Kentucky Horse Park hosts its holiday event, Southern Lights Holiday Festival. As one of the most distinctive lights festivals and Kentucky’s largest light festival, spectators will enjoy over three miles of lights while horses clear steeplechase fences and graze in bluegrass pastures. After the driving tour, guests are invited to enjoy the attractions in the park’s interior like a visit with Santa. Due to the event’s popularity, it is suggested visitors try to come during the week.

When: November 16th – December 31st, 2018

Time: Nightly driving route from 5:30 – 10:00 PM

Visit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation’s website for further details.

Step back in time

See how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th and 19th centuries by visiting some of Lexington’s historic homes and taking part in their holiday festivities. The Henry Clay Estate will open its doors on December 1st from noon to 7:30 for their Christmas on the Estate event. Visitors will be able to witness the illumination of the estate at 5:00 PM with candlelight tours available after the illumination.

The Waveland State Historic Site will be hosting scenes from the Dicken’s classic, “A Christmas Carol” during their Antebellum Christmas event. Visitors can also see Santa in the barn an hour before each scheduled performance. Performances are available December 1-2, 7 – 9, and 14 – 16.

Lexington Christmas Parade

Who doesn’t love a good Christmas parade to celebrate the holiday season? As the state’s largest holiday parade, the Lexington Christmas Parade is a great chance to ring the Christmas season and say hi to Santa! The parade begins at Main and Midland and continues along Main Street. The parade starts at 7:00 PM on December 4th, 2018.

Tree lighting ceremony

Take part in a time-honored tradition since 1913 and kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the city tree. Following the lighting ceremony, spectators can visit food vendors and stroll past arts and crafts tables, plus enjoy live music to round out this holiday event. Santa Claus will light up the tree at 6:30 PM on November 24th at Triangle Park.

Seasonal spirits

Sip on seasonal spirits at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery during their classic Lighting of the Trace on November 24th. See the distillery’s illumination of lights plus a featured performance from the Kentucky State University Choir and of course a visit from Santa. Candlelight tour starts at 5:30 PM with carols and holiday stories starting at 6:00 PM.

Comfortable rooms in Lexington, KY

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Standard King Room


This holiday season when planning your getaway be sure to browse our accommodations at Bluegrass Extended Stay. We offer affordable and comfortable rooms for your weekend getaway or extended stay. So take the stress out of finding somewhere to stay this holiday season and book your room with Bluegrass Extended Stay!