Top 10 Christmas Markets in Kentucky to Visit in 2025

Every winter, Kentucky’s towns and cities come alive with holiday celebrations. Christmas markets pop up in places like Georgetown, Harrodsburg, and Lexington, filling the air with the scent of seasonal foods and the buzz of community events.

You’ll spot big names like the Junior League of Lexington’s holiday market, Lights Under Louisville, Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom, and all those festive happenings at Kentucky Horse Park.

Major city events, including Christmas at the Galt House and Southern Lights Holiday Festival, light up the season with displays and family activities. The Kentucky Castle also hosts some truly unique seasonal experiences.

Whether you’re after shopping, local traditions, or just want to stroll under bright holiday lights, Kentucky’s Christmas markets offer a little something for everyone.

Find the Best Accommodations

You’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to hotels, guesthouses, or apartments—and you won’t run into booking fees. Many guests rave about their stays, so you can count on comfort and convenience near local holiday events.

Just pick what fits your trip best and relax knowing you’re close to the action.

1) Discover Louisville’s Holiday Market

Louisville’s Holiday Market really lets you dive into the city’s festive side. When you walk in, you’ll see hundreds of stalls with handmade crafts, local jewelry, and unique holiday decorations.

Local artisans run every booth, so you get access to gifts that aren’t anywhere else.

The market is indoors, which is a relief if the weather’s cold. Live music fills the space as you shop, with performers playing holiday classics and local favorites in the afternoons and evenings.

You can listen while you wander, chat with makers, and try some seasonal snacks.

Food stands are scattered all around, serving up hot cocoa and cookies. It’s perfect if you need a break or want to treat yourself while browsing for gifts.

If you’ve got kids, there’s plenty for them to do as well. The space is open and welcoming, so everyone can join in the fun.

The Kentucky Exposition Center hosts the market, and it’s easy to get to with lots of parking nearby. That definitely makes things less stressful.

If you want to stay overnight, you’ll find several hotels close by. Sites like Booking.com make it simple to find a spot.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 10-12, 2025	Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville	9:30 AM – 10 PM (check for holiday hours)	Free admission, $5 parking fee	Booking.com hotels near Expo Center	Louisville Holiday Market Info

Double-check the official event page for any last-minute changes. If you want more ideas for holiday shopping and local markets, check out this guide to Louisville’s Christmas markets.

2) Christmas at Shaker Village

Christmas at Shaker Village brings together history and holiday spirit. This event happens at the South Union Shaker Village, where regional vendors show off antiques, crafts, and gifts you just can’t find anywhere else.

Handmade items fill every booth, so it’s easy to spot something special for your holiday shopping.

The historic surroundings really set the mood. Seasonal decorations cover the buildings, and inside the Trustee House, you’ll see festive displays along the staircases—honestly, it’s a great place for a holiday photo.

The market gives back to the community too. Just bring a canned food item or a small donation for admission, so everyone gets a chance to join in.

If you plan to stay overnight, you’ll find hotels near Auburn, KY on booking.com. That way, you’re close to the event.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Check website for updates	896 Shaker Museum Road, Auburn, KY 42206	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Canned food item or monetary donation for admission	Hotels in Auburn, KY at Booking.com	Shaker Village Christmas Market

The Christmas market at Shaker Village lets you step back in time. You can explore, shop, and support the community all at once.

3) Discover the Lexington Holiday Markets

Every year, the Lexington Christmas Market takes over the Central Bank Center downtown. Local artists and makers set up booths, giving you a chance to browse unique holiday gifts like jewelry, accessories, and original art.

One of the standout events is the Holly Day Market run by the Junior League of Lexington. This three-day market brings together a great mix of vendors, and your ticket helps support Lexington nonprofits.

The Kentucky Castle hosts its own festive market nearby. It’s pretty memorable to shop for gifts with the castle as your backdrop, and you’ll get to enjoy the lights and decorations too.

Throughout December, Lexington also hosts pop-up events like the Holiday Block Party at Greyline Station. You can check out food stalls, try ice skating, or just grab a hot cocoa and soak in the atmosphere.

Michler’s Florist gets in on the fun with their own holiday market at the start of December, featuring local creators and beautiful floral displays.

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening and where:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov. 11-13 (Holly Day Market)	430 W. Vine St., Lexington, KY	10 a.m. – 3 p.m.	$10	Hyatt Regency Lexington	https://www.hollydaymarket.com/
Nov. 18 (Market at The Kentucky Castle)	230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Varies	The Kentucky Castle	https://www.thekentuckycastle.com/
Dec. 1 (Holiday Block Party)	101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington, KY	Evening	Free	21c Museum Hotel Lexington	https://lexeats.com/what-to-do-this-holiday-season-in-lexington/
Dec. 2-3 (Michler’s Florist Market)	417 E. Maxwell St., Lexington, KY	All Day	Free	Origin Hotel Lexington	https://lextoday.6amcity.com/city/holiday-markets-lexington

Each market in Lexington gives you a new way to enjoy local culture and holiday traditions. If you’re in town during December, try to catch a few different events. The variety is half the fun.

4) Transylvania Holiday Market Experience

The Transylvania Holiday Market in Lexington delivers a cozy, festive vibe inspired by old-school European holiday traditions. The market sets up inside a greenhouse, so it’s bright, warm, and filled with plants.

As you wander the paths, you’ll spot decorated stalls with seasonal foods, drinks, and crafts.

Local vendors offer handmade goods and treats, so it’s easy to find a gift or just try something a little different. Free parking nearby makes it hassle-free to visit.

You can shop, relax, and take in the decorations at your own pace—no big crowds to worry about.

Here are the basics:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Accommodation Nearby	Website
Dec. 3-4, 2025	446 East High Street, Lexington, KY	10 a.m.-6 p.m.	Free entry	Check local hotels on Booking.com	Get more info on Christmas Market USA

5) Holiday Lights at Noble Park in Paducah

Bob Noble Park in Paducah lights up from late November through December with the much-loved Christmas in the Park display. More than half a million lights cover trees, paths, and holiday scenes all over the park.

Paducah Power System organizes the event and asks folks to bring canned food or donations for local pantries. Admission stays free, so anyone can join.

Whether you decide to walk or drive, every corner of the park glows with color. You’ll see families and friends snapping photos under the lights.

The vibe is relaxed and focused on community—perfect for all ages.

If you’re coming from out of town, hotels near Bob Noble Park are easy to find on sites like Booking.com. For more info, check the Christmas in the Park page.

Event Dates	Location	Hours	Cost	Nearby Lodging	Event Website
Nov. 23–Dec. 31	Bob Noble Park, Park Ave, Paducah	Evenings	Free (Donations welcomed)	Hotels on Booking.com	Christmas in the Park – Paducah

6) Newport Winter Market

When you visit the Newport Winter Market, you’ll find a lively riverfront spot packed with festive sights and sounds. Strings of lights and classic decorations create a cozy backdrop as you wander between the vendor booths.

You can browse handmade gifts—jewelry, crafts, and seasonal ornaments—so checking off your holiday shopping list feels pretty easy here. Artisan food stalls serve up local flavors and sweet treats.

Many folks grab a cup of hot cocoa or a warm pastry while exploring. Live performances happen throughout the evening—carolers, entertainers, you name it.

These shows bring a sense of tradition that just seems to draw in people of all ages. Families with kids notice special activities and craft stations where children can make decorations or meet Santa Claus.

The setup feels welcoming, and it’s easy to make some great holiday memories here. The market sits right along the Ohio River, so you get some impressive winter views.

A lot of visitors use the scenery for holiday photos with friends or relatives. Here are the key details if you’re thinking about going:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
December 1 – 22	100 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY	4 p.m. – 9 p.m.	Free entry	Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati	More about the Newport Winter Market

The Newport Winter Market brings together local tradition, entertainment, and shopping in one convenient riverside event.

7) Bardstown’s Victorian Holiday Season

Every December, Bardstown transforms its historic downtown into a Victorian-themed holiday scene. You’ll spot buildings lined with white lights and windows dressed up in festive wreaths and garlands.

As you walk down Main Street, carolers sing and horse-drawn carriages clatter by, making the whole place feel like a postcard. The main event, “Light Up Bardstown,” kicks off the season.

Locals gather as Bardstown’s Christmas tree comes to life and lights cover the downtown square. This gathering sets the mood for weeks of music, performances, and small-town festivities.

Throughout December, you’ll find Victorian-themed tours, live shows, and classic holiday activities. If you want to stay overnight, you might try the Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast for a taste of local tradition in a historic setting.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1–Dec 31	1 Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004	5 PM–9 PM	Free	Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast	More details

If you’re after the sights, sounds, and tastes of a Victorian holiday, Bardstown offers a practical and charming destination.

8) Holiday Lights and Festivities on Owensboro’s Courthouse Square

When Christmas rolls around, Courthouse Square in Owensboro lights up with decorations. After dark, you can stroll through the park and see bright light displays, a giant Christmas tree, and festive touches everywhere.

It’s a good spot for families to relax and soak in the winter sights. Vendors set up along the square, selling handmade crafts and seasonal snacks.

You might come across gifts like ornaments, candles, or tasty baked goods. There are even games and simple rides for kids, which add a little extra fun to the evening.

Live music fills the air, with bands and choirs singing holiday favorites outdoors. The event draws both Owensboro locals and out-of-towners, giving it a real small-town community vibe.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 25	Courthouse Square, Owensboro, KY 42301	5 PM – 9 PM	Free	Check hotels on Booking.com	Event details and schedule

9) Frankfort Holiday Lights Experience

Frankfort’s Holiday Lights Experience fills Kentucky’s capital with festive spirit. Downtown streets glow with holiday decorations.

During the first weekend—Candlelight Weekend—you can hop on a carriage ride, listen to carolers, or check out special shop openings. Shops and stalls sell handmade crafts and regional snacks.

Families come here for gifts and local food, and vendors line the well-lit streets, giving the whole area a lively, fun energy. You’ll spot plenty of warm drinks, especially hot cocoa, for sale.

The event feels right for both adults and kids, with activities for everyone. Historic storefronts make a great backdrop for photos.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
November 10-12, 2025	Downtown Frankfort, KY	Varies	Free Entry (some activities may require extra fees)	Capital Plaza Hotel	Frankfort Christmas Guide

10) Christmas on Main Street, Paris

What to Expect

If you walk down Main Street in Paris, Kentucky during Christmas, you’ll see the whole area lit up and full of small-town charm. Shops decorate their windows and sell antiques, crafts, and all sorts of unique gifts.

You can grab hot chocolate or warm apple cider from local cafés, and the smell of fresh holiday treats drifts through the air. The vibe is friendly—perfect for families or anyone craving a classic holiday setting.

Music and decorations set a lively mood. Santa Claus makes appearances for kids, and live Christmas music plays throughout the event.

The historic buildings glow with seasonal lights, which really adds something special. Food vendors set up around town, serving holiday snacks and homemade goodies.

Everyone gets in for free, and Main Street becomes the heart of the holiday in Paris, Kentucky. The market runs in the evening, so you get a festive experience after dark.

Essential Information

Dates	Location Address	Event Hours	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late November – December	Main Street, Paris, KY	5 PM – 9 PM	Free	Best Paris Hotels	View Event Details