Lexington Kicks Off Holiday Season with Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Lexington, Ky. officially launched the holiday season on Sunday evening with a festive event featuring the lighting of a Christmas tree and a Chanukah menorah in the city’s downtown area. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Linda Gorton and North Pole Mayor Santa Claus.

The celebration included activities such as ice skating, food vendors, and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Mayor Gorton remarked, “People love to celebrate and it’s really great that we have a city that is one where we can celebrate and people can enjoy the evening.”

The event also highlighted the city’s cultural diversity, as the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass led the community in wishing “chag sameach” and a happy Chanukah. Executive Director Mindy Haas expressed gratitude for being part of Lexington’s diverse community, noting, “As soon as Thanksgiving’s over, we jump right into the holiday season, with shopping and everything else.”

The highlight of the evening was the simultaneous lighting of the menorah and Christmas tree, which signaled the city’s embrace of both holiday traditions as they approach a meaningful time of year. As 2024 wraps up, community members are looking ahead to 2025, which will mark Lexington’s 250th birthday.

Mayor Gorton expressed hope that the upcoming year would be filled with festivities and activities appealing to a wide audience. “We hope that our new year will be one that’s full of festivities and activities that will appeal to a lot of people,” she stated.

Both Chanukah and Christmas will fall on December 25 this year, with Chanukah commencing at sundown, further enhancing the spirit of togetherness during this holiday season.