Where to see Christmas lights in Lexington, free ones first
Two things change the plan this year. There's no ice rink at Triangle Park in 2026, and a free lighting installation takes its spot. And the Christmas parade and the tree lighting are now the same evening, Sunday, December 6, with the parade at 5 and the tree and menorah lit after 6, the first time the parade has run after dark. Below that, I've put the free lights first, then the ticketed ones, with the dates and prices read off each organizer's own page.
Updated October 31, 2026
Dates and prices come from each organizer's own site on October 31, 2026 and change with the weather, so check the link before you drive. Drive times are from downtown Lexington without traffic.
Free in Lexington
Lexington Fire Station 20
Lexington, about 10 minutes from downtown Lexington
Lights on the firehouse synchronized to music, a Lexington tradition for more than 20 years.
- Address
- 3001 Arrowhead Drive, Lexington, off Harrodsburg Road across from Beaumont Centre
- 2026 dates
- Usually starts around Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s
- Nights and hours
- The show starts at 5:30 pm nightly
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Drive up, or park and watch
- Radio
- 91.1 FM
- Donation
- Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Lexington Firefighters Toy Program if you can.
- Don’t park in the grass, and turn your headlights off.
- If the trucks roll out, move clear of the driveway. They’re on a call.
Gatton Park Winter Village
Downtown Lexington
In 2025, its first year, the park ran a free winter village with a giant walk-inside LED tree, fire pits and Santa on weekends. Gatton Park hasn’t posted anything about a 2026 village yet.
- Address
- Gatton Park on the Town Branch, 795 Manchester Street, Lexington, KY 40508
- 2026 dates
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Nights and hours
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Cost
- Free last year. 2026 not posted yet.
- Getting through
- Walk-through
Phone 859-281-8420. gattonpark.org
Triangle Park holiday lighting installation
Downtown Lexington, in Downtown Lexington
A free interactive holiday lighting installation, designed with accessibility in mind, in the spot where the ice rink used to go. The Downtown Lexington Partnership says the rink will not run in 2026.
- Address
- Triangle Park, 400 West Main Street, Lexington
- 2026 dates
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Nights and hours
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Walk-through
Ashland Illumination at the Henry Clay Estate
Lexington, about 5 minutes from downtown Lexington, in Ashland Park
Every year the mansion and trees are lit on an early December Saturday, and candlelight tours of the decorated house follow that evening and a couple more.
- Address
- Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington, KY 40502
- 2026 dates
- Saturday, December 5
- Nights and hours
- Time not posted yet
- Cost
- The illumination is free. Candlelight tour prices for 2026 are not posted yet.
- Getting through
- Walk around the grounds
Houses that invite visitors
Only homes that promote their own display are listed here. These are people's houses, so keep it quiet and don't block driveways.
Mt. McKinley Lights
Lexington, about 10 minutes from downtown Lexington
A computer-animated show synchronized to music, with a 33-foot Grinch you can’t miss. Pull up on the street between Buckhorn Drive and Pimlico Parkway and expect traffic.
- Address
- 2956 Mt. McKinley Way, Lexington, KY 40515
- 2026 dates
- Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve in past years
- Nights and hours
- 5 pm to 11 pm nightly in past years
- Cost
- Free. Canned food donations are encouraged.
- Getting through
- Drive or pull up on the street
Turner House
Lexington, about 10 minutes from downtown Lexington
The Turner family has decorated this house for decades.
- Address
- 1008 Chinoe Road, Lexington, KY 40502
- 2026 dates
- Nightly during the holidays
- Nights and hours
- Not published
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Drive by
Jones Family Christmas Light and Music Show
Lexington, about 15 minutes from downtown Lexington
A light show with music and narration on the radio.
- Address
- 1748 Abbington Hill, Lexington, KY 40514
- 2026 dates
- December 1 to 31
- Nights and hours
- 6 pm to 9 pm nightly, closed in heavy rain
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Drive up
- Radio
- 89.5 FM, music and narration
Toronto Road Holidays
Lexington, about 10 minutes from downtown Lexington
A big inflatable yard display.
- Address
- 200 Toronto Road, Lexington, KY 40515
- 2026 dates
- Around Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve
- Nights and hours
- Nightly, hours not published
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Drive by
Immanuel Baptist Church
Lexington, about 5 minutes from downtown Lexington
A drive-through display with music as you go.
- Address
- 3100 Tates Creek Road, Lexington
- 2026 dates
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Nights and hours
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Drive-through
Wild Lights
Nicholasville, about 25 minutes from downtown Lexington
Zach Nielson’s show, with more than 100,000 lights, a 20-foot guitar, a Nativity, a snow machine and a photo station. It raises money for a nonprofit each year.
- Address
- 112 Bernie Trail, Nicholasville, KY 40356
- 2026 dates
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Nights and hours
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Cost
- Free
- Getting through
- Drive by or park and walk up
The big ticketed ones
Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park
Lexington, about 15 minutes from downtown Lexington
More than a million lights on a drive-through route, then the Holiday Village after you park, with photos with Santa, the Animal Land petting zoo, pony and camel rides, a mini train ride and model trains.
- Address
- Campground entrance, 3785 Campground Road, Lexington, KY 40511, just east of the Horse Park’s main entrance on Iron Works Pike. Navigate to this address.
- 2026 dates
- Friday, November 27 to Thursday, December 31, 2026. Closed Christmas Day. One part of the Foundation’s page says November 28 for opening night, so check before you go that first weekend.
- Nights and hours
- 5:30 pm to 10 pm nightly
- Cost
- $35 per carload, the same online or at the gate. Cash, credit and debit at the gate.
- Getting through
- Drive-through, then park for the Holiday Village
- The Foundation says Thursday through Sunday nights are very popular, and long lines and wait times should be expected.
- The Southern Lights Stroll is Saturday, November 21, before opening night.
- Run by the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.
Phone 833-595-4448. khpfoundation.org/southern-lights
Legendary Festival of Lights at CommonSpirit Ballpark
Lexington, about 5 minutes from downtown Lexington
Year two of the Legends’ holiday show, with 1.5 million lights, themed displays and a holiday market. No time limit on your night, and a hand stamp lets you leave and come back.
- Address
- CommonSpirit Ballpark (the Legends ballpark), 207 Legends Lane, Lexington, KY 40505, just off I-75 exit 113
- 2026 dates
- Select nights, November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Open November 20 to 22, 25 and 27 to 29, December 2 to 6, 9 to 13, 16 to 23, 26 and 31, and January 1 and 2.
- Nights and hours
- Sunday to Thursday 5 pm to 9 pm, last entry 8:30. Friday and Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm, last entry 9:30.
- Cost
- Tickets are sold by the night at lexingtonlegends.com, and a season pass is sold too. Prices show only at checkout. Some nights are expected to sell out, and tickets at the gate are while supplies last.
- Getting through
- Walk-through, a loop around the ballpark and field
- Concessions are open with holiday treats. The ballpark is cashless, and cash can be turned into Mighty Money at the ticket office.
- Santa is there on certain nights, listed on the Legends Events page.
- It runs in light rain or snow. If heavier weather closes it, tickets can be exchanged for a later date.
- Some light displays flash. No strobe effects are used.
- Their schedule lists Paws & Claus nights on November 29 and December 2, but their FAQ says only service animals are allowed. Ask before you bring a dog.
Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village
Harrodsburg, about 40 minutes from downtown Lexington
The village lit for the evening, with free photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus stories, an Elf Shop craft space, fire pits with marshmallows, free hot chocolate and spiced cider, music in the 1820 Meeting House, caroling, a hay wagon shuttle, a tree lighting at 6:30 and 10 percent off in the shops.
- Address
- 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
- 2026 dates
- Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 2026
- Nights and hours
- 4 pm to 8 pm
- Cost
- $10 early bird if you buy before December 1, $12 day-of. Ages 3 and up pay, 2 and under free. Members free.
- Getting through
- Walk around the village
- Donation
- A Giving Tree collects new gloves, hats, scarves and canned food.
- A separate ticketed program, Shaker Christmas by Candlelight, runs November 27, 28 and 29 and December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 26 and 27 at 5:30 and 7 pm. It is $15, ages 12 and up, a half-mile gravel walk with stairs.
Phone 859-734-5411. shakervillageky.org
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
Millersburg, about 35 minutes from downtown Lexington
A three-acre light display with a 30-foot ribbon tree and a Nativity, the Gingerbread Exhibit in the Allen House and McIntyre Hall, and the Artisans Market.
- Address
- 1122 Main Street, Millersburg, KY 40348
- 2026 dates
- Select nights, Friday, November 27 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026
- Nights and hours
- 5 pm to 9 pm, one flexible entry window each night
- Cost
- $17 per guest online, ages 7 and under $1. Groups of 15 or more get a discount at checkout. Campfires are $45 a reservation for up to six.
- Getting through
- Walk-through
- A $5 Friday Day Pass covers 10 am to 2 pm on December 4, 11 and 18, for the Allen House, the Gingerbread Exhibit and the Artisans Market.
- Ticketed classes most Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 include that night’s admission. Carriage rides and dinners are sold separately.
Downtown parade and tree lighting, December 6
Sunday, December 6, 2026. The parade starts at 5 pm with illuminated floats, and the tree and menorah lighting in Triangle Park follows at about 6 pm. The route hasn't been posted yet, and since this is the first evening parade, don't assume it follows the old Main Street route.
The Triangle Park lighting installation replaces the rink this year. Its dates and hours aren't posted yet. If you want to skate, the Lexington Ice Center at 560 Eureka Springs Drive holds public skate sessions, and its site lists the times and prices.
For parking, start with the Lexington parking guide and the Rupp Arena garages, which are the closest to Triangle Park. downtownlex.com
Worth the drive
Spirited Nights at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Frankfort, about 40 minutes from downtown Lexington
The distillery grounds lit up for a few December nights. The distillery lists it as coming soon.
- Address
- 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601
- 2026 dates
- Select nights in December. Exact 2026 dates not posted yet.
- Nights and hours
- 2026 details not posted yet, check their page
- Cost
- Free, per the distillery. Reservation details not posted yet.
- Getting through
- Walk-through
Lights Under Louisville
Louisville, about 90 minutes from downtown Lexington
An underground drive-through light show in the Mega Cavern. The Christmas Express is a 30-minute guided ride in an open-top vehicle, 10 am to 4 pm, if you’d rather not drive it.
- Address
- Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Avenue, Louisville, KY 40213
- 2026 dates
- November 13, 2026 to January 2, 2027
- Nights and hours
- 9 am to 10 pm daily. Opening day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day 5:30 pm to 10 pm (opening day from 6 pm).
- Cost
- Standard vehicle from $42.99. The Christmas Express ride is $22.99 per person.
- Getting through
- Drive your own car through a cave
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom
Louisville, about 90 minutes from downtown Lexington
The theme park with Christmas lights and trees, a snow tubing hill and select rides running at night.
- Address
- 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209
- 2026 dates
- Select days, November 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027
- Nights and hours
- Mostly 3 pm to 9 pm, some Sundays to 8 pm. Check the calendar for the day.
- Cost
- Part of a daily ticket or season pass. Daily price not posted on the calendar.
- Getting through
- Walk around the park
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
Cincinnati, about 105 minutes from downtown Lexington
The zoo lit up for the holidays, open through the day and into the evening.
- Address
- 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
- 2026 dates
- November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Nights and hours
- Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm, and December 20 to 31 10 am to 10 pm
- Cost
- Included with zoo admission
- Getting through
- Walk-through
Christmas at the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter
Petersburg and Williamstown, about 55 minutes from downtown Lexington
Two Christmas evenings from the same organization. The Ark is lit in rainbow colors with a laser show on its side, and the museum has festive lights and a live Nativity.
- Address
- Ark Encounter, 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, KY 41097, about 55 minutes. Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080, about 100 minutes.
- 2026 dates
- Select evenings. The 2026 nights are posted only as calendar images on their pages.
- Nights and hours
- 5 pm to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Evening admission is free, with parking $15 standard or $20 oversized at each site. Exhibits are not included.
- Getting through
- Walk around
Cut your own tree
These are small family farms that mostly post on Facebook, so call before you drive.
- Barker's Christmas Tree Farm, 1500 Deer Haven Lane, Lexington, near I-75 and Todds Road, (859) 223-4354. Choose and cut on a limited basis plus pre-cut Fraser firs, wreaths and stands. Reservations were required in past years.
- Nieman's Christmas Tree Farm, 5100 Sulpher Lane, Lexington, near I-75 and Todds Road. Choose and cut, Fraser firs, weekends in late November and December.
- Kovalic's Christmas Tree Farm, 487 Ecton Road, Winchester, (859) 808-0414.
- Sherwood Acres Christmas Trees, 1263 Paradise Camp Road, Harrodsburg, (502) 649-8706. U-pick or we-cut, wreaths and a gift shop.
- Cathole Bend Farm, 1243 Cathole Bend Road, Lancaster, (859) 985-7044. Choose and cut pine and fir, pre-cut too.
- Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop, Lexington, pre-cut trees.
When it's over, the tree goes out with yard waste on your regular collection day through mid-January. See leaf and yard waste pickup for what has to come off first.
Also around
- Southland Drive Tree Lighting, at Lexington Fire Station 12, 399 Southland Drive. In past years it was the first Friday of December, festivities at 5:30 and the lighting at 6:30, with the Lafayette High choir, treats and toy donations for the firefighters' program. The 2026 date is not posted yet. It's on our Lansdowne page.
- Kentucky Castle Holiday Market, Versailles, November 21 and 22, 2026. Vendors, a hot chocolate bar and the castle's holiday decor.
- More decorated homes in Richmond, Georgetown, Versailles and Frankfort are listed on TackyLightTour.com, with dates the owners submit themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Lights open on Christmas Day?
No. Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park is closed Christmas Day. Every other night from November 27 through December 31, 2026 it runs 5:30 pm to 10 pm.
How much is Southern Lights per car?
Southern Lights is $35 per carload in 2026, the same price online or at the gate. The gate takes cash, credit and debit. Use the campground entrance at 3785 Campground Road.
Is there ice skating at Triangle Park this year?
No. The Downtown Lexington Partnership says the Triangle Park rink will not run in 2026, and a free interactive holiday lighting installation takes its place. For indoor skating, the Lexington Ice Center on Eureka Springs Drive holds public skate sessions.
When is the Lexington Christmas parade in 2026?
Sunday, December 6, 2026. The parade starts at 5 pm and the tree and menorah lighting in Triangle Park follows at about 6 pm, the first time the two have been one evening. The route has not been posted yet.
Which Christmas lights near Lexington are free?
Fire Station 20 on Arrowhead Drive, the Triangle Park installation, the downtown parade and lighting, the Ashland Illumination, and the homes on Mt. McKinley Way, Chinoe Road, Abbington Hill and Toronto Road are all free. Gatton Park’s Winter Village was free last year but has not posted 2026 details. Out of town, Buffalo Trace lists Spirited Nights as free, and the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum evenings are free with $15 parking.
What radio station do I tune to at Fire Station 20?
91.1 FM. The show starts at 5:30 pm nightly. Turn your headlights off, stay off the grass, and if the trucks roll out, move clear of the driveway.
Looking for more to do this season? See the Lexington events calendar.