Welcome to the ultimate holiday guide for Ashland! Discover the best festive activities and events. Whether you're intimately familiar with Ashland or just discovering it, this guide enhances your seasonal experience.
One highlight of the season is the Winter Wonderland of Lights, where enchanting light displays transform parks and streets into a picturesque snowy scene. This event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a magical evening. Also captivating is Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, showcasing stunning light sculptures and interactive exhibits that celebrate the spirit of the holidays. And the Opening Night Ceremony is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local performances and the official lighting of the festive displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ashland
- Winter Wonderland of Lights
- Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington)
- Luminate Lexington (Lexington)
- Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides
- Visits with Santa
- Opening Night Ceremony
- Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker (Lexington)
- Holiday Events at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg)
- Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill (Millersburg)
- The Kentucky Castle (Versailles)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ashland Holiday Light Displays
Winter Wonderland of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular drive-thru light display with over 800,000 lights.
Description:
The Winter Wonderland of Lights in Ashland, Kentucky, features a five-week festival with 60 magical holiday displays containing over 800,000 lights. The event includes an Opening Night Ceremony, visits with Santa, Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides, and an Annual Christmas Parade.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Winter Wonderland of Lights
Opening Night Ceremony
What to Expect:
Opening night ceremony with local choirs and first look at holiday light displays.
Description:
The Opening Night Ceremony of the Winter Wonderland of Lights festival in Ashland, Kentucky, features a spectacular display of holiday lights at Central Park Bandstand, accompanied by local choirs and the first look at this year's displays.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Opening Night Ceremony
Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides
What to Expect:
Holiday train rides with festive decorations.
Description:
The Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides offer a delightful holiday experience with train rides through Central Park and 22nd Street, featuring festive decorations and holiday cheer.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides
Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park
What to Expect:
Three-mile driving tour of lights with a festive holiday village.
Description:
Drive through the Kentucky Horse Park to see over a million twinkling lights from the safety of your car. The Southern Lights Holiday Festival features a return of the Holiday Village with photos with Santa, Animal Land, model trains, and more, delighting guests of all ages.
Where: Lexington | More Info: Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park
Luminate Lexington
What to Expect:
Community choirs performing Hanukkah songs and festive light displays.
Description:
Luminate Lexington is a holiday celebration featuring the lighting of Lexington's Christmas Tree and Hanukkah Menorah, live music, and ice skating at Triangle Park.
Where: Lexington | More Info: Luminate Lexington
Ashland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
What to Expect:
Edible artistry and live music in a historic setting.
Description:
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is a spectacular holiday event featuring breathtaking light displays, a curated gingerbread house exhibit, artisan market, holiday tent cafe, and live music. The event includes romantic carriage rides, igloo reservations, and a historic homes tour. Visitors can also participate in wreath-making classes and enjoy gourmet food options.
Where: Millersburg | More Info: Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
Holiday Events at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday meal with a variety of local flavors.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a traditional three-course meal at The Trustees' Table, featuring soup or salad, five entrée options, homemade desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Where: Harrodsburg | More Info: Holiday Events at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker, a classical ballet set to Tchaikovsky's beautiful music, featuring Drosselmeyer, Clara, snowflakes, mice, soldiers, angels, fairies, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
Where: Lexington | More Info: Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
Ashland Other Holiday Activities
Visits with Santa
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Santa visits available.
Description:
Visit Santa at Ashland Town Center, where families can capture holiday moments with Santa at T.J.Maxx Court. Photo packages vary in price, and walk-ins are welcome.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Visits with Santa
Business Decorating Contest
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday decoration competition.
Description:
The Business Decorating Contest is a community-driven event where local businesses compete to showcase their holiday decorations. Judging will occur from December 6 to 20, 2024, with the application deadline set for December 4, 2024.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Business Decorating Contest
Candlelight Tours of Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
What to Expect:
Guided candlelight tour of a historic estate.
Description:
Explore the historic grounds of Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, under the soft glow of candlelight. This unique tour offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Henry Clay, with guided tours highlighting the estate's architecture, gardens, and historical significance.
Where: Lexington | More Info: Candlelight Tours of Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
The Kentucky Castle
What to Expect:
Luxurious accommodations and farm-to-table dining in a historic castle setting.
Description:
The Kentucky Castle offers luxurious accommodations, a farm-to-table restaurant, and versatile event spaces. It provides a serene setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, with activities like horseback riding and tasting dinners. The castle's unique blend of Southern hospitality and beautiful grounds makes it an ideal venue for creating memorable moments.
Where: Versailles | More Info: The Kentucky Castle
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ironville (3 miles)
- Meads (6 miles)
- Huntington (11 miles)
- Portsmouth (26 miles)