Southern Lights Holiday Festival Shines Brightly with 30th Anniversary Upgrades in Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky – The Southern Lights Holiday Festival returns for its 30th year, now featuring a more vibrant display thanks to significant upgrades. The event at the Kentucky Horse Park has refurbished or replaced 95% of its lighting and has transitioned to entirely LED lights, ensuring a bright and sustainable holiday experience for attendees.

Running from November 29 to December 31, with the exception of Christmas Day, the festival offers a spectacular 3-mile drive-thru light display featuring over 1 million lights. The event operates nightly from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, with tickets priced at $35 per carload, available for purchase at the gate or online.

As a fundraiser for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, the festival does not offer discounts; however, there are special admission nights. Military and First Responders can enjoy free entry on December 3 and December 11 by presenting a valid ID. Additionally, the Keeneland Kids Club Night on December 12 will feature Bucky the mascot alongside fun activities and giveaways.

For those looking to enhance their visit, Bartlett emphasizes the value of parking and exploring the Holiday Village after the driving tour. Guests can interact with various animals, including the opportunity to ride a camel. The village also hosts a holiday market, food options, and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop, ensuring a festive atmosphere.

Attendees should consider visiting during the weekdays early in the month or the week between Christmas and New Year’s to avoid the heaviest crowds. Predictably, the festival sees its busiest traffic during the second week of December through Christmas, especially on weekends. For those opting for busier nights, it is advisable to bring entertainment for children, as wait times can extend up to three hours.

Visitors are also encouraged to tune into 88.3 FM for accompanying holiday music while traversing the light display. Restroom facilities are available at the visitor center, restaurant, and gatehouse near the parking area, ensuring comfort for guests throughout their experience.

For optimal enjoyment, Bartlett suggests planning ahead for busy nights. The entrance to the festival is located at the Kentucky Horse Park’s campground entrance at 3785 Campground Road, just three miles south of Georgetown. By following these guidelines, guests can make the most of their visit to this beloved holiday tradition.