Discover Kentucky’s Jaw-Dropping Christmas Light Spectacles That Will Leave You Breathless This Holiday Season

Every year, Kentucky lights up with tons of places to catch Christmas light shows. I always notice families and friends piling into cars or bundling up for a walk—it’s become a real holiday tradition around here.

These events fill Kentucky communities with bright lights, creative decorations, and a seriously cheerful vibe.

Most light shows in Kentucky kick off in early November and keep going through the first week of January. You’ll find everything from drive-through extravaganzas to guided tours, so there’s really something for everyone.

1) Lights Under Louisville

If you want something truly different, I always tell people to check out Lights Under Louisville. They set up this Christmas light show inside the Louisville Mega Cavern—yep, a giant man-made cave.

You actually drive your own car underground through a tunnel of lights that stretches for about 30 minutes.

They run the event from early November to early January. There are a few ticket choices, like a standard car pass or the open-top Christmas Express tour.

Larger groups can grab a van or bus, but that’s only from Sunday to Thursday.

You’ll see over 7 million lights and about 900 holiday displays—I honestly haven’t seen anything bigger in Kentucky.

Because it’s all underground, bad weather never cancels the fun. If you plan to go, try to pick a less busy day; weekends and the days right before Christmas get packed.

Rating: 4.7 (2814 reviews)
Location: 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213
Contact: (877) 614-6342
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost (Standard Vehicle)	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website Address
Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025	Daily 9am-10pm; Opening Day 6pm-10pm; Thanksgiving & Christmas Day 5:30pm-10pm	1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213	from $42.99	Hotels near Louisville Mega Cavern	lightsunderlouisville.com

2) Jones Family Christmas Light and Music Show

I stopped by the Jones Family Christmas Light and Music Show to see what all the fuss was about. The Jones family puts this together at their own home every year, and honestly, you can tell it’s a labor of love.

They sync the decorations with music, so you get a light show that flashes and changes color along with a playlist of Christmas songs.

People just sit in their cars and tune in to a special radio station to catch the music. No entry fee, which is kind of awesome—anyone can drive by and enjoy.

You have to park along the street, but the show goes on for hours after dark. The crowd is smaller than at big public displays, so you get a closer look and don’t have to wait forever.

If you want something simple and family-focused, this is a sweet stop for Christmas lights in Kentucky.

Rating: 4.9 (16 reviews)
Location: 1748 Abbington Hill, Lexington, KY 40514
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Typically late Nov-Dec	Evenings, dark	1748 Abbington Hill, Lexington, KY	Free	Hotels in Lexington	http://facebook.com/JonesFamilyLights

3) Santa’s Lookout Christmas Lights

Santa’s Lookout Christmas Lights is a favorite for families searching for holiday activities in Kentucky. Each year, they run a hay ride through their glowing holiday displays.

Guests usually stop at the Holiday Pavilion for snacks and a chance to meet Santa and his costumed crew.

The event often adds hands-on attractions—Santa’s Super Slide is new for 2024. Visitors say the staff is friendly and the holiday characters are super patient with kids.

Sometimes there’s even a little train ride, which younger kids absolutely love.

The whole place sits out in the country, so it feels like a classic holiday escape. Santa’s Lookout plans to return in 2025, but they’ll post exact dates and times later.

Rating: 4.4 (41 reviews)
Location: Santa’s Lookout Christmas Lights, Scottsville, KY
Contact: (270) 622-8171
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
To Be Announced (2025)	To Be Announced	48 Locketts Dream, Scottsville, KY 42164	To Be Announced	Scottsville Hotels (Booking.com)	santaslookout.com

4) Mt McKinley Lights

I checked out Mt McKinley Lights in Lexington during the holiday season. The folks at this house really go all out with their Christmas decorations.

They light up the property every night, and you’ll spot all sorts of themed scenes and decorations. People drive by or walk up to take it all in.

The neighborhood is easy to get to, but parking on busy nights can be a little tricky. Since residents put on this private show, it’s smaller than the city-wide events, but honestly, that’s part of the charm.

I’d say check their Facebook for updates on this year’s schedule, just to be sure.

Rating: 4.8 (57 reviews)
Location: 2956 Mt McKinley Way, Lexington, KY 40515
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Mid-Dec—Jan 1*	Dusk—10PM*	2956 Mt McKinley Way, Lexington, KY	Free	Hotels in Lexington, KY	Facebook Page

*Check their Facebook page for specific 2025 dates and hours.

5) White Christmas House

I swung by the White Christmas House in Lexington last December. Locals know this place for its detailed holiday lights and outdoor Christmas displays.

The owners deck out their yard and house with lights every year, and it always draws a good crowd.

This spot is in a residential area, so families find it easy to visit. Most folks view the lights from their cars, but you can walk the sidewalk for a closer look.

They keep the display going each night through most of December.

Since it’s a private home, there’s no ticket or fee. I’ve seen people park nearby and wander around for photos—just remember to keep things quiet and don’t block driveways.

Rating: 4.9 (116 reviews)
Location: 1008 Chinoe Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December, nightly	Dusk–10 p.m.	1008 Chinoe Rd, Lexington, KY 40502	Free	Hotels near Chinoe Rd, Lexington	Google Maps Listing

6) Light Up Louisville

Light Up Louisville always feels like one of the biggest holiday celebrations in downtown Louisville. Every December, the city throws this free, family-friendly event at Jefferson Square Park.

For 2025, they’re planning to kick things off on Saturday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You’ll catch a holiday video-mapping show on Metro Hall, a 200-drone light show, and live entertainment on two different stages.

There’s a parade that gets going at 6:00 p.m. You can shop for gifts or grab a bite at the market area full of local shopping and food vendors.

Santa’s House lets kids (and, well, anyone) snap free photos with Santa. The Jolly Jingle Express offers rides for the little ones.

Admission doesn’t cost a thing, and you’ll find plenty of food at Frosty’s Food Court. The place is decked out with festive markets, glowing displays, inflatable decorations, and a bunch of photo ops.

If you like big, lively crowds and want to kick off the holidays in a big way, this is the place.

Rating: 4.6 (53 reviews)
Location: 569-599 US-60, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: Visit Website

Date	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 6, 2025	3:00 – 9:00 pm	569-599 US-60, Louisville, KY 40202	Free	Booking.com Louisville	Visit Website

7) Deck The Yalls Lightfest

Last winter, I checked out Deck the Y’alls Lightfest and saw millions of bright holiday lights. Thomas More Stadium hosts this event, and they really go all out with the decorations.

You’ll find big, colorful displays covering the whole stadium. Besides the lights, they add holiday-themed events and an ice skating rink.

Food and drinks are everywhere, so you can easily turn it into a full night out with friends or family. The event runs from late November through New Year’s Day.

Every time I’ve gone, the crowd feels steady but never overwhelming. It’s a friendly vibe, and they set it up so all ages will have a good time.

You do have to buy tickets ahead of time—no walk-ups at the gate.

Rating: 4.5 (39 reviews)
Location: 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042
Contact: (859) 594-4487
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 22, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025	Evenings	7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY	Varies	Booking.com	decktheyalls.com

8) Christmas Lights of Bondville

Every year, I make a point to visit the Christmas Lights of Bondville. Families and travelers around Salvisa, Kentucky, know this spot well.

The place bursts with light figures and decorations all along the property. It’s an outdoor display, so most people just drive through to see everything up close.

The show opens in the evenings during the holiday season. I’ve always found it pretty easy to get to, right along Bondville Road.

There’s enough parking for visitors, which is a nice touch. The whole setup works for both kids and adults.

Rating: 4.9 (8 reviews)
Location: Christmas Lights of Bondville
Contact: (859) 974-0368

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
To be announced	Evenings	510 Bondville Rd, Salvisa, KY	Free entry	Hotels near Salvisa, KY	Not available

9) Lights on Park Lakes

I dropped by Lights on Park Lakes in Richmond, Kentucky, and found it’s a small holiday display set up around Park Lakes Drive. Most people drive through to catch the lights.

It feels like a neighborhood event, mostly drawing local families. I didn’t spot any special shows or music—people just come to see the lights and soak up a quiet Christmas vibe.

The spot is easy to reach by car, and crowds never get too big. That makes it perfect for a quick visit.

I couldn’t find exact info on hours, entry fees, or extra attractions. It’s probably best to check their website or call before you go, just to be sure.

If you’re staying overnight, Richmond has plenty of hotels listed on booking.com near the Park Lakes area.

Rating: 4.8 (4 reviews)
Location: 233 Park Lakes Dr, Richmond, KY 40475

Date Range	Times	Address	Cost	Nearby Stays	Website
Not listed	Not listed	233 Park Lakes Dr, Richmond, KY 40475	Not listed	Richmond hotels	Not listed

10) Christmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, feels especially welcoming for families and folks of all ages. Freeman Lake Park hosts the event, and the city sets up bright light displays around the water.

Most people just drive through and enjoy the lights from their car. Parking is easy, and the park stays well-lit and organized.

It usually opens in late November and runs through December, but check ahead for the exact dates and times. There’s no admission fee, though sometimes they suggest a donation.

The city keeps the park in great shape year-round, so you’ll find wide roads, clear signs, and easy access. The displays range from classic holiday scenes to bigger themed setups across the grounds.

Rating: 4.4 (23 reviews)
Location: Freeman Lake Park Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Contact: (270) 765-6121
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website Address
Late Nov–Dec	Dusk–10:00 PM	Freeman Lake Park Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701	Free/Donation	Hotels near Freeman Lake Park	christmas in the park

11) Clay Street Xmas Light Show

I stopped by the Clay Street Xmas Light Show in December, and wow, the creativity and detail really stood out. Local families and volunteers set up the lights, turning this Louisville neighborhood into a colorful spot every year.

Most people drive slowly through to check out the decorations from their car. If you prefer a simple, homegrown experience over a big commercial show, this is the place.

Several houses on Clay Street go all in, so you can see everything in one visit. Organizers ask guests to be patient and respectful, since traffic can get a bit heavy on busy nights.

The show usually runs through most of December, especially on weekends and some weeknights. There’s no entry fee, so anyone can enjoy the lights for free.

It’s a good idea to check their Facebook page before heading over, since dates and viewing times might change with the weather.

Rating: 5 (36 reviews)
Location: 1249 S Clay St, Louisville, KY 40203
Website: Visit Website

Date Range	Opening Hours	Location Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website Address
December 2025 (specific dates TBA)	Evenings; check Facebook for updates	1249 S Clay St, Louisville, KY 40203	Free	Nearby Hotels	https://www.facebook.com/claystreetxmas

12) Light Up The Fair

Every year, I watch Light Up The Fair pull in families from all over Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. This drive-thru Christmas light show really goes big with its bright displays at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

In 2024, organizers added a tunnel of lights, and honestly, it’s the biggest one I’ve seen around here. Most people drive slowly through the show, taking in thousands of lights and all the detailed scenes from their cars.

If you need a break, you can hang out by the fire pits or grab some hot cocoa from the concession stands. The event usually runs from mid-November through the Christmas season, so it works for both early birds and last-minute planners.

Rating: 4.8 (281 reviews)
Location: 5819 Idlewild Rd, Burlington, KY 41005
Contact: (859) 568-4046
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Mid-November–late Dec	Evenings (varies)	5819 Idlewild Rd, Burlington, KY 41005	Cost per vehicle	Hotels in Burlington, KY – Booking.com	lightupthefair.com

13) Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo

I try to catch Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo every winter for a unique experience. The event fills the zoo pathways with huge, colorful lantern displays, mostly inspired by animals and nature.

The displays stretch out across the zoo, so I end up walking a lot while soaking in the lights. Since it’s all outdoors, I always bundle up and make sure to wear comfy shoes.

Food and drinks pop up at stands along the way, which is nice when you need to warm up. Parking is onsite, but tickets sell out fast, so I always buy in advance.

The lights kick on at dusk and last into the evening. Before heading out, I check the event website for the latest times and any updates.

Rating: 4.8 (96 reviews)
Location: 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
Contact: (502) 459-2181
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov-Dec 2025*	Evenings*	1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213	Varies (check website)	Hotels near Louisville Zoo	louisvillezoo.org/wildlights

*Dates and times are estimated; check the website for current details.

14) Southern Lights

Every year, I make my way to Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington to check out the Southern Lights display. The show stretches for several miles with drive-through light scenes, and a lot of them are horse-themed, which just feels right for the area.

Southern Lights kicks off in mid-November and usually wraps up right after Christmas. On some nights, they throw in indoor fun like crafts or photos with Santa.

You buy tickets by the car, and honestly, it’s smart to grab them early—especially if you’re planning to go on the weekend. Parking doesn’t give me any trouble, which is a relief.

If you want to stay overnight, Lexington has plenty of hotel options, from budget spots to something a bit fancier. The area’s pretty well-connected, so you won’t be stuck far from the action.

Rating: 3.4 (251 reviews)
Location: Kentucky Horse Park Campground, Entrance 3785, Campground Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
Contact: (833) 595-4448
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost (per car)	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
mid-Nov–Dec 31	5:30–10:00 pm	Kentucky Horse Park Campground, Lexington, KY 40511	$35–$35	Embassy Suites Lexington ($100+ avg)	Visit Website