Christmas Markets Kentucky 2025 Guide to the Best Festive Events and Locations
Find the best accommodations and airfares
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Table of Contents
- 1 11) Fort Thomas Christmas Walk
- 2 12) Shelbyville Christmas Market
- 3 13) Christmas at the Galt House
- 4 14) Ashland Holiday Parade
- 5 15) Paducah Holiday Bazaar
- 6 16) Owensboro Holiday Market and Festival
- 7 17) Elizabethtown Holiday Market
- 8 18) Bluegrass Christmas Market
- 9 19) Kentucky Christmas Festival
- 10 20) Somerset Holiday Celebration
11) Fort Thomas Christmas Walk
Every December, Fort Thomas in Kentucky lights up with holiday cheer for the Christmas Walk. Streets glow with decorations, and families wander out to soak up those classic winter vibes.
One of the highlights? The Tour de Tinsel bike ride kicks off at 4:00 PM, letting you pedal past festive lights along the main drag.
You’ll also want to catch the tree lighting at Inverness Tree. Locals gather at 7:00 PM to watch the tree burst into color for the season.
Kids get their big moment with Santa—snapping photos and handing over their wish lists. Volunteers hand out free hot cocoa to keep everyone cozy as they stroll.
The Christmas Walk doesn’t charge admission, so it’s a budget-friendly outing. Local businesses jump in, making the whole place feel extra welcoming for both residents and out-of-towners.
You’ll find plenty to do, but it’s never rushed or overwhelming—just a relaxed start to the season.
Event Details
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2025 | 1 Highland Ave. Fort Thomas, KY | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free | Nearby hotels | Fort Thomas Holiday Walk |
12) Shelbyville Christmas Market
Shelbyville hosts its Christmas Market every year in Kentucky, and in 2025 it’s set for November 23.
You’ll find it at 219 7th Street—easy enough to get to.
The market brings together artists and crafters who sell gifts and handmade items. Local bakers tempt you with a variety of sweets.
If you get hungry, food trucks serve up simple meals and snacks. The vibe is friendly, and there’s something for all ages.
Parking’s close by, and nobody charges an entry fee. While you browse or snack, you can enjoy the community spirit.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out hotels in Shelbyville on Booking.com. More event details are on the Shelbyville Christmas Market website.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 23, 2025 | 219 7th Street, Shelbyville, KY 40065 | TBD | Free | Hotels in Shelbyville on Booking.com | Shelbyville Christmas Market |
13) Christmas at the Galt House
If you’re after a classic Louisville holiday event, Christmas at the Galt House is a must-see. The hotel transforms itself—lights everywhere, holiday displays—starting November 17 and running until December 24.
Everything happens right in downtown Louisville, so it’s easy to get there if you’re staying close.
As you wander through the Galt House, you’ll spot holiday-themed decorations and quirky attractions on every floor. Kids and adults both seem to love the vibrant displays.
The KaLightoscope light show draws a crowd, lighting up the hotel with bright scenes that families and friends gather to see. It’s a smart pick if you want indoor winter fun.
Throughout December, Swizzle—the hotel restaurant—serves special holiday lunches. It’s a nice break to sit down and enjoy some festive food between all the sightseeing.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17 – Dec 24, 2025 | 140 N 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202 | Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $30 per adult, $12 per child (6-12) | Hotels near Galt House on Booking.com | Galt House holiday events |
If you want to double-check dates or see what’s new, swing by the official Galt House holiday events page before you go.
14) Ashland Holiday Parade
The Ashland Holiday Parade brings out crowds every year in Central Park and the Downtown District. Lighted floats cruise by, local marching bands play, and Santa always makes an appearance.
This year’s theme is “Christmas at My House,” and honestly, the whole thing feels warm and familiar.
Families usually show up early to snag a good spot along the route. Central Park covers 52 acres, and you’ll see more than 60 displays and 800,000 lights.
It’s a pretty impressive sight while you wait for the parade to roll through.
The parade is part of the Winter Wonderland of Lights festival. The celebration stretches from mid-November to New Year’s Day.
Expect big crowds, so planning ahead and dressing for the weather is a good idea.
If you need a place to stay, you’ll find plenty of options on booking.com in Ashland. For updates and details, check the Winter Wonderland of Lights website.
| Dates | Location | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 13, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026 | Central Park & Downtown District, Ashland, KY | Dusk-10 p.m. (Sun-Thurs), Dusk-11 p.m. (Fri-Sat) | Free | Hotels in Ashland on booking.com | https://www.winterwonderlandoflights.org/ |
15) Paducah Holiday Bazaar
Head to downtown Paducah for the Paducah Holiday Bazaar, and you’ll find a lively market packed with local artisans. Handmade holiday crafts and gifts fill the booths, from one-of-a-kind ornaments to soft winter scarves.
Each piece shows off the creativity in this Kentucky town.
Food plays a big role here too. Vendors serve fresh baked goods and hot drinks.
As you wander, you can snack on cakes, cookies, and seasonal drinks. Local musicians often perform live, adding to the festive mood.
When you support the Bazaar, you’re helping local businesses and artists. It’s a great spot to pick up unique gifts and enjoy Paducah’s welcoming downtown.
The historic buildings, all decked out, make a perfect backdrop for holiday shopping.
Here’s a quick rundown:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | Downtown Paducah | TBD | TBD | Hotels nearby | Paducah Holiday Bazaar |
Enjoy the simple charm of the market and support the Paducah community while you’re in town.
16) Owensboro Holiday Market and Festival
The Owensboro Holiday Market and Festival fills downtown with booths offering local crafts, festive décor, and seasonal treats. You’ll find yourself surrounded by decorated streets and a bustling crowd.
Live performances pop up through the day—music, kids’ shows, and holiday activities for families. Santa’s there for photos, so you can grab a quick memory.
Vendors and food trucks offer a mix of gifts and snacks. The event is open to everyone, and you won’t pay a thing to get in.
Bring friends or family and soak up the festive setting.
Key Information:
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Nearby Lodging | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-7, 2025 | 10 AM – 8 PM | Downtown Owensboro, Kentucky | Free | Owensboro hotels on Booking.com | Owensboro Christmas Festival |
Find more details and updates on the festival’s official page.
17) Elizabethtown Holiday Market
If you like arts and crafts fairs, don’t miss the Elizabethtown Holiday Market. It’s set for November 9, 2025, at the Pritchard Community Center.
You’ll find booths filled with goods made by local artists. Many folks come here for handmade jewelry, holiday décor, and unique gifts.
Admission is free, so it won’t break the bank. The setup is easy to navigate, and everyone’s welcome.
You’ll find lots of holiday spirit and plenty of choices. The Elizabethtown Junior Woman’s Club organizes the event, and the money raised goes to community projects.
Need a place to stay? Hotels nearby on booking.com make it simple.
For more info and updates, check the Elizabethtown Holiday Market website.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 9, 2025 | All Day | Pritchard Community Center, Elizabethtown, KY | Free | Hotels near Pritchard Community Center on Booking.com | Elizabethtown Holiday Market |
18) Bluegrass Christmas Market
Every year in Lexington, the Bluegrass Christmas Market pops up and draws in a bunch of local vendors and artists. You can wander through booths packed with hand-crafted ornaments, holiday décor, and all sorts of festive foods.
The place stays lively—there’s always music, and it really helps set the holiday vibe. Admission doesn’t cost a thing, so families, couples, and anyone looking for that classic Christmas shopping day can just show up and enjoy.
You’ll spot plenty of items made by hand, showing off the skills of Kentucky’s own makers. Honestly, it’s a great spot if you’re after gifts you just won’t find in the big stores.
And while you shop, you can grab snacks and hot drinks—there’s no shortage of options.
| Dates | Location | Times | Admission | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-3, 2025 | Lexington, KY | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free | Hyatt Regency Lexington (booking.com) | Bluegrass Christmas Market |
The Bluegrass Christmas Market keeps a steady schedule, so planning your trip is pretty straightforward. Shopping local and soaking up holiday traditions in Kentucky doesn’t get much easier.
19) Kentucky Christmas Festival
When you head to the Kentucky Christmas Festival, you’ll see bright holiday lights, browse handmade crafts, and get a taste of seasonal treats. There’s plenty for both kids and adults—Santa drops by, live music fills the air, and holiday performances keep things festive.
You can check out local vendors for gifts and find unique holiday items you just won’t see at other markets. Families usually get a kick out of the rides and special attractions scattered around the festival grounds.
It’s a relaxed place to hang out with friends or family and enjoy some winter traditions.
Here’s a quick table with all the dates, locations, times, prices, and where to stay nearby. You’ll also find links for updates and event details.
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29 – Jan 4 | 10 AM – 10 PM | Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY | $20 General | Booking.com Louisville Hotels | Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom |
| Dec 6 – 8 | 12 PM – 8 PM | Maysville, KY | Free Admission | Booking.com Maysville Hotels | Maysville Christmas Market |
| Nov 23 – Jan 1 | 5 PM – 9 PM | City Park, Madisonville, KY | Free Admission | Booking.com Madisonville Hotels | Madisonville Christmas Town |
Kentucky rolls out several options for your holiday adventures. Each of these Christmas festivals lets you make new memories while soaking in the season. Want more? Check out this list of top Christmas markets in Kentucky.
20) Somerset Holiday Celebration
If you’re looking for some small-town charm, head to Somerset, Kentucky for the annual Christmas Spectacular. The whole place fills with festive spirit and you get to browse handmade goods from talented local artists and specialty vendors.
It’s a favorite spot to pick up original gifts before the holiday rush gets wild.
Food stalls and drink stands line the venue, serving up seasonal snacks and hot drinks. There’s always live Christmas music in the background, which just makes things feel extra lively.
Everyone gathers in one spot, so you don’t have to run all over town. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip in 2025.
| Dates | Time | Address | Entry Fee | Where to Stay Nearby | Event Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 15-16, 2025 | Fri 5pm–8pm Sat 10am–3pm | 517 E. Racetrack Rd., Somerset, KY 42501 | Free | Hotels near Somerset, KY on Booking.com | Kentucky Mercantile Christmas Market |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.