Lexington, December 1, 2025

Downtown Lexington welcomed the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lighting Festival, featuring a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah menorah illumination. The event drew families and friends for ice skating, live music, and performances by local choirs, all contributing to a vibrant community spirit. Mayor Linda Gorton and Santa Claus participated in the festivities, making it a memorable celebration for all.

Lexington Celebrates the Holiday Season with Annual Lighting Festival

Festivities Illuminate Downtown with Community Spirit

Lexington, Kentucky – On Sunday, November 30, 2025, downtown Lexington celebrated the start of the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lighting Festival. The event featured the illumination of both a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah menorah, bringing together community members to embrace the festive spirit.

Event Highlights

• Location: Triangle Park, 400 W. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507
• Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Activities: Ice skating at The Rink at Triangle Park, live music, festive treats, and community choir performances
• Special Guests: Santa Claus and Mayor Linda Gorton participated in the lighting ceremony
• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Led by the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass

Community Engagement

The festival offered activities for all ages, including face painting, ice skating, and performances by community choirs. Santa Claus delighted attendees throughout the evening, and the lighting of the menorah was led by the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass. The inclusive nature of the celebration resonated with community leaders and attendees alike, fostering a sense of unity and holiday cheer.

Background

The Holiday Lighting Festival is an annual event in Lexington, marking the official start of the holiday season. It features the illumination of both a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah menorah, bringing together community members to celebrate the festive season. The event includes various activities such as ice skating, live music, and performances by community choirs, creating a festive atmosphere for all attendees.

Additional Events

For those interested in continuing the holiday festivities, the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass will host a community menorah lighting of the first candle on December 14 at Triangle Park. This event offers another opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the season.

Conclusion

The Holiday Lighting Festival in Lexington showcases the strength of community engagement and personal initiative, bringing together residents from diverse backgrounds. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and goodwill, such events not only herald the holiday season but also enhance the sense of belonging that defines the city. Residents are encouraged to participate in these celebrations as a way to support local traditions and foster connections within the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Holiday Lighting Festival?

The Holiday Lighting Festival is an annual event in Lexington, marking the official start of the holiday season. It features the illumination of both a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah menorah, bringing together community members to celebrate the festive season. The event includes various activities such as ice skating, live music, and performances by community choirs, creating a festive atmosphere for all attendees.

When and where did the 2025 Holiday Lighting Festival take place?

The 2025 Holiday Lighting Festival took place on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Triangle Park, 400 W. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Who participated in the lighting ceremony?

Santa Claus and Mayor Linda Gorton participated in the lighting ceremony of the Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah.

What activities were available at the festival?

The festival offered activities for all ages, including ice skating at The Rink at Triangle Park, live music, festive treats, and community choir performances.

Is there another Hanukkah-related event in Lexington?

Yes, the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass will host a community menorah lighting of the first candle on December 14 at Triangle Park.

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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.