There’s truly nothing like Christmas in Kentucky. The dazzle of holiday lights and all of the festive activities this time of year are some of the best things about the season. Many Kentucky towns transform throughout the month of November and are fully decked out in holiday cheer before Christmas arrives. One lakefront destination happens to be one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the South, and it would make for a magical getaway this holiday season. Grand Rivers Festival of Lights offers plenty of sparkling lights and festive events, so consider a visit this year and find out what makes Patti’s Christmas Lights so magical.

This year’s Festival of Lights will take place from Nov. 4th through Jan. 31st, 2023, 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. nightly. And the best news of all? It’s free!

There are so many bucket list-worthy cities in Kentucky, and Grand Rivers is definitely one of them.
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Situated right along Kentucky Lake, this town is known for its summer fun on the water, but it also becomes Kentucky's city of lights during the holiday season. One of the most popular spots in the town, Patti's 1880's Settlement is the hub of all of this festive fun.
Patti's is a beloved destination in Grand Rivers that draws visitors from all over.
Patti's 1880's Settlement, 1793 J H O'Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
Facebook/Patti's 1880's Settlement
It is known for its extensive Christmas light display, which has continued despite continued construction on the property due to a previous fire. If you're wondering whether or not to wait to visit until construction is complete, the current photo of the lights, shown above, proves that now is as good a time as any.
All throughout the holiday season, Patti's hosts special holiday events where the lights are the stars of the show.
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If you miss any of the events, don't worry; the lights continue to illuminate the buildings and walkways of the property through the holidays, so you have plenty of time to visit.

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Spend time wandering along the sidewalks and going in and out of the charming local shops. Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of the Bluegrass during the holidays!
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Definitely make a point to try the delicious food that Patti's is known for. From flower pot bread and Bill's Boatsinker Pie, to fried catfish and pork chops, this is Southern cuisine at its finest!
Aside from Patti's, Grand Rivers is also famous for its lighthouse and lakefront location.
Lighthouse Landing, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
Lighthouse Landing Resort & Marina, 320 W Commerce Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
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Lighthouse Landing is still a great spot to visit, even in the cold and snow. In fact, the snow makes the lights and festivities even more magical.
If you'd like to visit Grand Rivers and stay overnight, consider staying right at Lighthouse Landing.
Lighthouse Landing Resort & Marina, 320 W Commerce Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
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You'll have great access to the lighthouse and walkways around the lake and there are rentals available year-round. Learn more about Lighthouse Landing.
As the holidays approach, you may even notice that the boats at the marina join in the festive fun.
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There aren't many places in the Bluegrass State where you can walk along a marina that is illuminated with Christmas lights. But in Kentucky's City of Lights you can do just that, as well as witness one of the best light displays in the state at Patti's 1880's Settlement.

Patti’s Christmas Lights is a wonderful experience to have during the holiday season. Definitely consider a visit to Grand Rivers during the holidays, as it is illuminated with so many lights and festive fun. Have you been to Grand Rivers at Christmas? Tell us about it in the comments!

Learn more about this year’s Festival of Lights in Kentucky. And don’t forget to wear your coziest winter jacket!

For another fantastic place to eat in Grand Rivers, check out a newer restaurant in this waterfront town.

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Patti's Christmas Lights

Sarah | October 31, 2021

In addition to Patti's Festival of Lights, what are some other amazing holiday light displays in Kentucky?

Some of the best Christmas lights in KY include:

  • Lights Under Louisville, Mega Cavern
  • The Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival, Downtown Ashland
  • Southern Lights Holiday Festival, Lexington

 

If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting than blaring Christmas music, drinking egg nog, and watching A Christmas Story for the thousandth time (not that there is anything wrong with that!), this holiday season, then bundle up and head out to enjoy a good, old-fashioned Christmas light display. Every year, these magical destinations illuminate the Bluegrass State with festive cheer, and they are some of the best things to do during Christmas in Kentucky. From drive-thru and walk-thru displays to neighborhood lights and entire town festivals, you'll find lots of holiday cheer all over Kentucky sure to dazzle and delight! What's your favorite place to admire Christmas lights in Kentucky?

What is there to do in Grand Rivers, Kentucky?

When it comes to resort towns in Kentucky, Grand Rivers definitely comes to mind. This gorgeous lakefront town is popular in the summer for its views and waterfront rentals and is peak Bluegrass living. And we're not the only ones who think so! The magazine House Beautiful named Grand Rivers the most beautiful town in Kentucky. It’s impossible to deny the beauty of this lakefront town that offers waterfront views, a charming lighthouse, excellent restaurants, beautiful overnight accommodations, and so much more. We wax poetic on the beautiful small town in Kentucky in this article.

Is Patti's Settlement a fun place to visit?

Oh yes -- Patti's is a destination in and of itself! Located in lovely Grand Rivers, Kentucky, Patti's is a year-round favorite where you can stay, play, and dine in a variety of ways. Patti's property offers picturesque pathways, perfect for perusing, a diverse selection of places to stay, unique things to do, and of course delicious food. If you'd like to enjoy a weekend in Grand Rivers and want to stay the night, Patti's has an inn, a bed & breakfast, and a campground. All this exploring will surely work up an appetite, and Patti's 1880s Restaurant is a must-visit spot during a visit... the flower pot bread is absolutely amazing! As are the pies. And pretty much everything else on the menu. So yes, definitely add Patti's to your seasonal calendar of fun in Kentucky!

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Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA