Somerset, Kentucky, November 16, 2025
Somerset, Kentucky is in full festive spirit with a range of holiday events for the community. From artisan markets to dazzling light displays, locals and visitors can engage in enjoyable activities that celebrate local craftsmanship and community spirit. Highlights include the 31st Annual Holiday Market and the enchanting Christmas Island at General Burnside Island State Park, showcasing the power of community engagement during the holiday season.
Celebrating the Holidays: Somerset, Kentucky’s Festive Events
Join the joyful season with community-driven holiday activities.
Somerset, Kentucky – The holiday season is in full swing in Somerset, offering residents and visitors a variety of festive events to enjoy. These events are not just an opportunity for fun; they serve as a testament to local organizers’ resilience and creativity in fostering community spirit. By emphasizing local craftsmanship, outdoor festivities, and family engagement, Somerset showcases how reduced bureaucracy and community choice can enhance the holiday experience.
As the region embraces the beauty of winter, individuals and families can enjoy a diverse range of activities. From showcasing artisans to dazzling light displays, each event fosters personal initiative and local pride while drawing the community closer together.
31st Annual Holiday Market
On November 15 and 16, 2025, The Center for Rural Development hosted the 31st Annual Holiday Market. This free event featured over 70 local artists and craftsmen showcasing their unique creations, such as pottery, quilts, ceramics, and musical instruments. With hours on Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, attendees had the chance to support local talent and find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Christmas Island at General Burnside Island State Park
Beginning November 18 through December 31, 2025, General Burnside Island State Park transforms into Christmas Island. Visitors can drive through an enchanting display of holiday lights and scenes, with some installations extending up to 100 feet long. Following the light show, the Vendor Village allows guests to purchase Christmas gifts from local vendors, sip hot cocoa, and take memorable photos with Santa Claus.
Upcoming Events
- A Chalet Thanksgiving: On November 20, 2025, from 4 pm to 9 pm, experience a chef’s interpretation of the first Thanksgiving at 100 Chapel Drive, Somerset, KY.
- Southern Lights Holiday Festival: From November 28 to December 31, 2025, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the 32nd Annual Southern Lights Holiday Festival. It features over a million twinkling lights from the comfort of visitors’ cars, alongside a Holiday Village with family-friendly attractions like photos with Santa, Animal Land, and model trains. The festival will run nightly from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, excluding Christmas Day.
For a complete schedule of these events and additional holiday activities in Somerset, residents can explore the Lake Cumberland Tourism website.
Key Features of Somerset’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31st Annual Holiday Market | November 15-16, 2025 | The Center for Rural Development, Somerset, KY | Over 70 local artists and craftsmen showcase unique creations; free admission; Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm. |
| Christmas Island | November 18 – December 31, 2025 | General Burnside Island State Park, Burnside, KY | Dazzling holiday light display; Vendor Village with local gifts, hot cocoa, and photos with Santa. |
| A Chalet Thanksgiving | November 20, 2025, 4 pm – 9 pm | 100 Chapel Drive, Somerset, KY | Chef’s interpretation of the first Thanksgiving; reservations recommended. |
| Southern Lights Holiday Festival | November 28 – December 31, 2025 | Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY | Over a million twinkling lights; Holiday Village with photos with Santa, Animal Land, model trains; nightly 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, except Christmas Day. |
FAQ
What is the 31st Annual Holiday Market?
The 31st Annual Holiday Market is an event held at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky, featuring over 70 local artists and craftsmen showcasing their unique creations, including baskets, pottery, quilts, ceramics, soaps, nature and wildlife photography, furniture, jewelry, and musical instruments. The event is free to attend and takes place on November 15 and 16, 2025, with hours on Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
When does Christmas Island at General Burnside Island State Park begin?
Christmas Island at General Burnside Island State Park begins on November 18, 2025, and runs through December 31, 2025. Visitors can drive through a dazzling display of holiday lights and scenes, with some displays up to 100 feet long. After the drive, the Vendor Village offers opportunities to shop for Christmas gifts from local vendors, enjoy hot cocoa, and take photos with Santa Claus.
What is the Southern Lights Holiday Festival?
The Southern Lights Holiday Festival is an annual event held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The 32nd annual festival will take place from November 28 to December 31, 2025. Visitors can enjoy over a million twinkling lights from the comfort of their cars, along with the Holiday Village featuring photos with Santa, Animal Land, model trains, and more. The event runs nightly from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, except on Christmas Day.
Now Happening on X
- @LABBBREC (November 15, 2025, 2:12 PM): The LABBB Best Buddies Craft Fair is taking place today at Lexington High School Field House from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring free admission, ample parking, and a coat drive for the Lions Club with raffle tickets for donors. View on X
- @DicksonSource (November 15, 2025, 5:20 PM): Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers will headline the Bluegrass at the Bird event on November 22, hosted by Tennessee Woodpile, highlighting local bluegrass music traditions in the region. View on X
- @250lexky (November 14, 2025, 6:52 PM): STEAM Academy students from across the city will present research projects on December 9 about building strong, future-ready communities, focusing on health, leadership, and environmental practices. View on X
- @RobertsCentre (November 13, 2025, 4:15 PM): The Industrial Strength Bluegrass Fall Festival is underway with three days of live music, seminars, vendors, and workshops, kicking off with Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. View on X
- @RoperMountain (November 13, 2025, 3:05 PM): Join the fall festival activities from 1:30 to 5:00 pm today, including dye demonstrations, broom making, weaving, music, woodworker visits, barn animals, vegetable garden tours, and food truck treats. View on X
- @kdhnews (November 13, 2025, 11:31 PM): Local activities this weekend include a fall market, live music performances, and car meets, bringing the community together for seasonal fun. View on X
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