Three Weekends, Four Christmases
Plan a holiday festival weekend getaway a ‘twinkle with thousands of lights
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GEORGETOWN, KY – OCTOBER 22, 2018 – Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park with a weekend getaway that also includes the charm of small-town holiday events and activities – a tree lighting, open houses, candlelight tours and live theatrical performances of seasonal classics. Visit www.GeorgetownKy.com to see the Calendar of Events.
Holiday in lights
Begun in 1993, the family-friendly Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park, regularly chosen as a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society, takes place Nov. 16 through Dec. 31. Three full miles of lights unfold along a lineup of spectacular holiday vignettes.
After a leisurely drive through the lights, enjoy a slew of seasonal activities: local crafts, model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa, pony and camel rides, an exotic petting zoo and more. Open from 5:30-10:00 p.m. daily, the festival allows plenty of time to browse the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop, see the Bluegrass Railroad Club Model Trains and enjoy a snack. Note: Non-Driving Holiday Festival activities closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 24-31. Visit the website for more information and tickets.
Preceding the festival is Southern Lights Stroll on Thursday, Nov. 15, an evening when runners and walkers gather to help the Kentucky Horse Park set the holiday season in motion. See the holiday lights on foot during a competitive 5k and a stroll/walk. Mini train rides and refreshments are also part of the evening.
Double the holiday fun
Plan a weekend holiday getaway and pair a visit to the Southern Lights Holiday Festival with one of these Georgetown traditions:
• “Home for the Holidays,” is presented by the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission on Saturday, Dec. 1. Featuring the annual Christmas tree lighting and parade, holiday activities and open houses against the backdrop of Georgetown’s picturesque Victorian streetscape, it is the perfect time to start or finish holiday shopping.
• The train conductor will punch your ticket as you board the historic Sadieville Train Car for a dramatic reading of The Polar Express on Dec. 7 and 8. Presented by the Scott County Public Library, this hometown holiday fave includes photo ops with Santa and cookies and cocoa. Free tickets available beginning Nov. 26. Note: Train car does not move. Dress warmly and bring a blanket to sit on as seating is very limited. Contact the library at 502-863-3566 for details.
• The Actors Playhouse of Georgetown presents a family-friendly production each holiday season. This year, “Cinderella” – complete with cruel stepmother, mean-girl stepsisters, a fairy godmother, prince and the girl who leaves her own little corner to transform into a princess – takes the stage on Dec. 7-9. Tickets available through the website.
• The grand and gracious Greek-Revival-style mansion, Ward Hall, will be resplendent with the glow of dozens of candles during its annual Christmas Candlelight Tours, this year taking place Dec. 7-9 and 14-19. Explore this 12,000-square-foot villa that was paid for in $50,000 in gold when it was built in the 1850s and hear the stories of Sallie Ward, the “Belle of Louisville,” who loved nothing more than scandalizing polite society.
Plan a holiday weekend in Georgetown. Overnight accommodations may be found at 14 brand name hotels and a dozen unique stays, including bed and breakfast inns, Airbnb’s and golf club apartments. For more information about Georgetown’s holiday events, shopping and dining, visit www.GeorgetownKy.com.
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