As we move through the holiday season, there are so many options for festive activities throughout the Bluegrass. If you are anywhere near central Kentucky and Lexington, one of your annual traditions may be a visit to Southern Lights at The Kentucky Horse Park. Known as one of the best drive-thru light displays in Kentucky and even in the region, this long-running attraction has so much to offer. Ride a magical Christmas lights train and much more at the Visitor Center and enjoy what may just be the best holiday event in Kentucky.

Over two decades ago, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation started an annual tradition with Southern Lights.
Facebook/Southern Lights
This drive-thru display has grown over the years and has been recognized as one of the best in the state and region. Attracting over 120,000 guests each year, it's considered by many to be the best holiday event in Kentucky.
The drive-thru portion of the event is a highlight with beautiful lights and displays.
Facebook/Southern Lights
You'll start your visit to Southern Lights by entering at the campground and driving through the route. The path will lead you to the Visitor's Center and parking so you can get out of your car and enjoy the rest of the festivities.
Pricing varies based on the type of vehicle and day you visit, and can be found on the event website, linked below.
Facebook/Southern Lights
This cost includes the drive-thru display, but also access to visit the Holiday Festival at the Visitor's Center. Almost all of the activities here are included with your admission.

Related Stories

This Horse-Themed Drive-By Christmas Lights Display In Kentucky Will Make Your Holiday Season Magical

This Horse-Themed Drive-By Christmas Lights Display In Kentucky Will Make Your Holiday Season Magical

 Try A Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Through Kentucky For A Magical Holiday Adventure

Try A Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Through Kentucky For A Magical Holiday Adventure

 Here Are The Top 8 Christmas Towns In Kentucky. They're Magical.

Here Are The Top 8 Christmas Towns In Kentucky. They're Magical.
Don't miss out on this portion of the event, as there is something for everyone.
Facebook/Southern Lights
Visit the petting zoo, model trains, and even a life size snow globe. It's also just a lovely area to walk around and join in the holiday cheer.
For a small fee, there are other fun-filled activities available during the festival.
Facebook/Southern Lights
Take a pony or even a camel ride! Visits with Santa are free, but you can purchase a photo if you want a keepsake.
And what's a holiday event in Kentucky without a visit with Santa?
Facebook/Southern Lights
Southern Lights offers such a variety of festive activities this time of year that it's is easy to see why it is a favorite. If you can't make room in your calendar to visit this year, be sure to add it to your bucket list for Christmas in Kentucky next year.

Southern Lights takes a favorite destination in the Bluegrass and transforms it into a magical attraction for all ages. With a drive-thru display, train rides, visits with Santa, and more, it is definitely in the running as the best holiday event in Kentucky. Is a trip to Southern Lights an annual tradition for your family? Tell us about it in the comments!

For more information, visit the Southern Lights website and follow along on Facebook. On the website you’ll find specific hours, pricing, and a description of the entire event.

And for more reasons to visit The Kentucky Horse Park throughout the year, take a closer look in our previous article.

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

More to Explore

Holiday Lights in Kentucky

Sarah M. | October 13, 2022

What are some other unique places to see holiday lights in Kentucky?

Kentucky is known around the world for horses and caves (and bourbon, but that's beside the point), so it's only appropriate that both of these Bluegrass icons would be represented during the holidays. Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park is an amazing seasonal event that celebrates the state's equestrian culture, and if you're into caves, there's an underground holiday light display at Louisville Mega Cavern that's truly one-of-a-kind!  If you’re looking for something a bit more unique that will still get you excited for Christmas, you definitely need to check out Lights Under Louisville in the Louisville Mega Cavern. As one of the best holiday light displays in Kentucky and definitely the most unique, Lights Under Louisville is an exciting way to celebrate the holiday season. Around Christmas time, the cavern lights up. Lights Under Louisville is one of the most popular holiday attractions in the city. You drive your own car through the 17 miles of glowing underground tunnels, and the tour takes about 30 minutes. Upon entering, you will be dazzled by over three million points of light and over 850 light displays. Amazing, right?

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky

Featured Addresses
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA