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Southern Lights Holiday Festival Brightens Lexington

A drive-through display of twinkling lights at the Southern Lights Holiday Festival

Lexington, November 22, 2025

The Southern Lights Holiday Festival will illuminate Kentucky Horse Park from November 28 to December 31, bringing joy to families with its spectacular drive-through light displays and festive activities. Offering over a million lights along with a Holiday Village, this cherished tradition fosters community spirit and offers delightful experiences for all ages. Advance tickets are available for $35 per carload, and visitors can expect a beautiful winter wonderland from the comfort of their vehicles.

Southern Lights Holiday Festival Brightens Lexington, KY

Lexington, Kentucky – The Southern Lights Holiday Festival is set to illuminate the Kentucky Horse Park from November 28 to December 31, 2025, offering a festive drive-through experience featuring over a million twinkling lights. This annual event, presented by Friends of Coal, has become a cherished tradition for families across the Bluegrass region and beyond.

Event Details

  • Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025 (Closed on Christmas Day)
  • Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM nightly
  • Location: Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
  • Admission: $35 per carload; tickets available online and at the ticket booth

Visitors can enjoy a dazzling array of light displays from the comfort of their vehicles. The Holiday Village, a highlight of the festival, promises to be brighter than ever, featuring photo opportunities with Santa, Animal Land, model trains, and more. The event is designed to delight guests of all ages, making it a perfect holiday outing for families and friends.

Positive Community Engagement

As we approach the holiday season, events like the Southern Lights Holiday Festival highlight the strength of community engagement in Lexington. This festival has been organized successfully for over three decades, showcasing the dedication of local organizers and sponsors. The collaborative spirit between public and private entities fosters a welcoming environment full of festive cheer, encouraging residents to partake in wholesome family activities free from excessive governmental oversight.

Civic innovation shines through this event as local leadership has streamlined processes and reduced barriers to allow families to easily embrace the holiday spirit without the complexities often associated with large-scale events. The festival stands as a testament to what can be achieved when community members take the initiative to bring people together and promote personal connections.

Get Your Tickets Today

Advance tickets can be purchased online for $35 per carload. Tickets are also available at the ticket booth for the same price. To avoid the holiday rush, pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Southern Lights website.

Festival Highlights

Celebrating its 32nd year, the Southern Lights Holiday Festival has become a staple in Kentucky’s holiday season. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience a winter wonderland without leaving the comfort of your car, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. The Kentucky Horse Park, known for its equestrian events and beautiful landscapes, provides a picturesque backdrop for this festive celebration.

Attendees will be enchanted by a variety of light displays, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and engaging experiences in the Holiday Village. These activities not only entertain but also foster a sense of community cohesion, making the event a perfect gathering for families and friends.

Weather Forecast

As the festival approaches, the weather in Lexington is expected to be favorable for outdoor activities. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a brief look at the upcoming forecast:

Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, 54°F (12°C)

Daily Forecast:
* Saturday, November 22: Low: 40°F (4°C), High: 53°F (12°C), Description: Low clouds
* Sunday, November 23: Low: 35°F (2°C), High: 57°F (14°C), Description: Plenty of sun
* Monday, November 24: Low: 53°F (11°C), High: 59°F (15°C), Description: Increasing cloudiness; dry for holiday travel
* Tuesday, November 25: Low: 43°F (6°C), High: 61°F (16°C), Description: Windy with periods of rain; wet weather can make for slow holiday travel
* Wednesday, November 26: Low: 29°F (-2°C), High: 49°F (9°C), Description: Breezy and cooler with times of clouds and sun 
* Thursday, November 27: Low: 31°F (-1°C), High: 41°F (5°C), Description: Partly sunny, breezy and cooler

Next Steps for Attendees

For those planning to attend the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, it is essential to stay informed about any potential changes to the schedule. Regularly checking the official Southern Lights website or contacting the Kentucky Horse Park will ensure you are up to date. The event’s ability to adapt and inform the public is a reminder of the value of community transparency and engagement, allowing families to make the most of this festive outing.

Conclusion

The Southern Lights Holiday Festival is more than an event; it is a celebration of community. With its array of light displays, engaging activities, and family-friendly atmosphere, it reinforces how local collaboration and individual initiative can foster stronger community ties. As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to connect with friends and family in Lexington. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to be dazzled by the beauty of the Southern Lights.

Join the festivities, support local events, and help keep the spirit of community alive in Lexington!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the dates and hours of the Southern Lights Holiday Festival?

The festival runs from November 28 to December 31, 2025, with operating hours from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM nightly. It is closed on Christmas Day.

Where is the festival located?

The event takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park, located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

How much does it cost to attend?

Admission is $35 per carload. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth.

What can visitors expect to see at the festival?

Visitors can enjoy a drive-through display of over a million twinkling lights, as well as the Holiday Village featuring photo opportunities with Santa, Animal Land, model trains, and more.

Is the festival suitable for all ages?

Yes, the Southern Lights Holiday Festival is designed to delight guests of all ages, making it a perfect holiday outing for families and friends.

How can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket booth. Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended to avoid the holiday rush.

What is the weather forecast for the festival dates?

The weather in Lexington is expected to be favorable for outdoor activities during the festival dates. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Feature Description
Drive-Through Light Displays Over a million twinkling lights visible from the comfort of your vehicle.
Holiday Village Includes photo opportunities with Santa, Animal Land, model trains, and more.
Admission $35 per carload; tickets available online and at the ticket booth.
Location Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.
Operating Hours 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM nightly, closed on Christmas Day.

Now Happening on X

  • @courierjournal (November 22, 2025, 10:15 AM): Worth the Drive: See a winter wonderland at the Southern Lights Holiday Festival. View on X
  • @FOX56News (November 21, 2025, 4:50 PM): The Lexington Legends are trading in their baseball bats for candy canes as the ballpark transforms into a winter wonderland for the first time. View on X
  • @hardin_local (November 19, 2025, 10:02 PM): Etown’s Christmas in the Park made the list of top Holiday Light Trails — right alongside Lights Under Louisville and Southern Lights at the Horse Park, bigger every year with tons of new displays and a great local tradition. View on X
  • @lexdispatch (November 17, 2025, 1:00 PM): Here’s What’s Happening in Davidson County: Uptown Lexington is ready to kick off Christmas with its Christmas Open House, tree-lighting and parade; breakfast is returning to the meal service at a popular Lexington restaurant; and more. View on X
  • @my44news (November 20, 2025, 9:15 PM): The festival takes place on December 4 and 5 at St. Stephen Cathedral. View on X
  • @LCMetroParks (November 17, 2025, 12:30 PM): Join us for Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation! This event includes a drive-thru display at the Equestrian Center and a walking trail at the Visitor Center. For admission, bring a nonperishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank. View on X
  • @NEWS9 (November 21, 2025, 5:00 PM): Edmond’s Luminance lights up Mitch Park from Nov. 21 through the end of 2025, 5–10 p.m. Enjoy 30+ magical holiday displays along a quarter-mile loop bring your favorite holiday drinks, dogs, and friends! Free entry & parking. View on X

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STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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