One of the best parts of the holiday season is all the twinkling, sparkling, Christmas lights that are arranged in intricate ways you didn’t even know were possible. The magical artistry that goes into some light displays really makes you feel like a kid again. With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to start getting into that holiday spirit, and we have a road trip to the best Christmas lights in Kentucky that is sure to do just that.

Below is the map of the road trip, but feel free to adjust it however you would like. If you don’t see your favorite light display on the trip, don’t fret. Check out our articles on the best light displays in the state, as well as the most magical Christmas towns. If you find a stop on one of those lists that you definitely want to visit, please feel free to add it on to this Christmas lights road trip in Kentucky. Now, get ready to check out some of the best light displays in Kentucky!

Google Maps
1. Lights Under Louisville at the Louisville Mega Cavern - 1841 Taylor Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40213.
Lights Under Louisville, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Facebook/Louisville Mega Cavern
Perhaps one of the most unique displays of Christmas lights anywhere, Lights Under Louisville is located throughout 17 miles of underground passageways in the Louisville Mega Cavern. This driving tour is available nightly through January and is absolutely worth the trip!
2. MainStrasse Village Tree Lighting, Covington.
Mainstrasse Village Association, 406 W 6th St STE 201, Covington, KY 41011, USA
Facebook/MainStrasse Village
There is plenty to do in this Covington neighborhood, especially during the holidays! Watch the village illuminate and then visit one of the many restaurants or bars in the area. It's one of the most festive things to do at Christmas in Kentucky. Be sure to get the exact dates for the upcoming season in the Little Bavaria of Kentucky by following along on the MainStrasse Village Facebook page.
3. Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park - 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY, 40511.
Horse Park Road, Horse Park Rd, Kentucky 41008, USA
Facebook/KY Horse Park
We adore this dazzling drive-thru light show that takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park. Along with the Christmas lights, they also have non-driving holiday attractions such as pictures with Santa, a petting zoo, and pony and camel rides. Learn more about one of the best light displays in Kentucky and plan your adventure!
4. Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill - 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY, 40330.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill will be a little bit different than the extravagant, in-your-face light shows you have seen previously on the trip. While there will be pretty lights, decorations, and Christmas activities, your time at Shaker Village will be more relaxing and peaceful.

Related Stories

Explore Mammoth Cave National Park With Us On This Epic Weekend Escape To Kentucky

Explore Mammoth Cave National Park With Us On This Epic Weekend Escape To Kentucky

 The Weekend Road Trip Through Eastern Kentucky Everyone Should Take

The Weekend Road Trip Through Eastern Kentucky Everyone Should Take

 9 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Kentucky Before You Die

9 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Kentucky Before You Die
5. Ruley's Santa Claus Land - 165 Stringtown Road, Loretto, KY, 40037.
Ruley's Santa Claus land, 165 Stringtown Rd, Loretto, KY 40037, USA
Facebook/Ruley’s Santa Clause Land
More than one million lights take over this property in Marion County. The Ruley family started it themselves, and the event has grown significantly over the years. It is free to get in, but they do accept donations. Find out more about this charming holiday tradition in Kentucky and make it one of yours, too!
6. Light Up Bardstown - Court Square in Bardstown, KY, 40004.
Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Facebook/ORBIS Light Up Bardstown
Bardstown is one of the most charming towns in the whole state of Kentucky, so its quaint downtown being all lit up and decorated with wreaths only adds to the charm. Light Up Bardstown is just one night, but if you find yourself in Bardstown on a later date, don't worry, the Christmas tree and lights will still be there for you to admire.
7. Christmas in the Park at Freeman Lake Park - 212 Freeman Lake Park Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.
Facebook/Elizabethtown Tourism
This free event at Freeman Lake Park will continue until January 1. Come see the lights bounce off of Freeman Lake, which is absolutely gorgeous. Christmas in the Park is open from 6:00pm until 11:00 pm every evening. Plan your visit through the event's website here.
8. Christmas By The River at River Front Park - St. #124, 146 Water Street, Brandenburg, KY, 40108.
River Front Park, 146 Water St #124, Brandenburg, KY 40108, USA
Facebook/Meade County Kentucky Emergency Management Agency
Thousands of Christmas lights dance along River Front Park in Brandenburg. The lighting begins every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and is kicked off by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Keep up with this event and others in the area via the Meade County Facebook page.
9. Christmas Lights in the Stonegate Neighborhood - Owensboro, KY, 42303.
Owensboro, KY, USA
Facebook/Owensboro Christmas Lights
This neighborhood in Owensboro really goes all out for the holidays, and you're not going to want to miss it. People even come from out of town to see the elaborate displays of lights. Grab a hot chocolate, and wander around to gawk at these houses that are completely decked out for the holiday season. The neighborhood does accept donations, which they then give to a charity. Follow along with these festive families on their Facebook page.
10. Grand Rivers Festival of Lights at Patti's 1880's Settlement - 1793 J H O'Bryan Avenue, Grand Rivers, KY, 42045.
Patti's 1880's Settlement, 1793 J H O'Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Stop in at Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers until the first weekend in January to see more than 700,000 lights. Patti's already has a pretty unforgettable atmosphere, so it's even more magical when everything is covered in Christmas lights. Keep up with the progress at Patti's and one of the best light displays in Kentucky.

The stops on this Christmas lights road trip in Kentucky, (as well as the places mentioned in our other articles linked above,) are some of the most jaw-dropping light displays in the state, and you won’t regret visiting them. What other places do you love to visit for the best light displays in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Christmas Lights in Kentucky

Andrea Limke | October 22, 2019

What city has the best Christmas lights in Kentucky?

There are so many places in Kentucky to visit for incredible Christmas light displays. All of the towns and cities mentioned above are particularly festive during the holidays, and another place you'll want to visit is Ashland. Everything about this small Kentucky town becomes enchanting during the month of December and you can't help but be charmed by its festivities. Learn more about the best winter town in Kentucky and plan your trip to this charming Hallmark movie town!

What is the one best light display in Kentucky?

This is such a tough question, as there are so many over-the-top and unique things to do at Christmas in Kentucky that involve thousands of twinkling lights. Any of the displays mentioned above are some of the best, but another spot that deserves a visit is the display at the Creation Museum in Petersburg. Learn more about this enchanting winter walk in Kentucky.

What else can I do around the holidays in Kentucky?

The holidays are such a festive time in Kentucky. If you're looking for things to do at Christmas in Kentucky, of course check out one of the many light displays throughout the state. You can also visit with Santa, take a train ride, go ice skating, chase down frozen waterfalls, among many other exciting holiday adventures.

Related Articles