Lexington KY, November 12, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky, is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of community events designed to bring residents together and promote local initiatives. The festivities, including the Holly Day Market and the Winter Village at Gatton Park, showcase the area’s vibrant culture while offering opportunities for citizens to connect and support one another. Additional programs, such as the AVOL Kids Christmas and Angel Tree Program by CASA, highlight Lexington’s commitment to helping those in need during this festive season.
Lexington KY Celebrates the Holiday Season with Local Events
Community Gatherings Ignite Holiday Spirit in Lexington
As the holiday season nears, Lexington, Kentucky, is poised to welcome a slew of engaging events designed to unite residents, celebrate the festive spirit, and bolster local initiatives. These events not only showcase the vibrant culture of the region but also exemplify the importance of local organization and civic pride. By encouraging community involvement and individual initiative, Lexington continues on a path toward innovation and growth, with organizers striving to minimize bureaucratic red tape and enhance overall participation.
This year’s festivities include markets, community support programs, and family-friendly celebrations, reflecting the strong character and resilience of Lexingtonians. These activities promise to be not just fun gatherings but also impactful opportunities for citizens to support one another and build lasting connections.
Holly Day Market
The Junior League of Lexington is preparing for the much-anticipated 2025 Holly Day Market, taking place at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, located at 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511. Scheduled for Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 7, the market is a platform for local artisans and businesses, featuring diverse vendors selling items such as jewelry, clothing, toys, books, holiday decorations, ornaments, art, and gourmet food. The event will operate on the following schedule: Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $15, with children 10 and under gaining free entry. Parking is included in the ticket price, making it accessible for families. A special Holly Day Eve Preview Party is slated for Friday evening, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to shop early for $25, a ticket valid for the entire weekend. Proceeds support the Junior League of Lexington and its respective nonprofit agencies.
Winter Village at Gatton Park
Transforming downtown Lexington into a magical Winter Village, Gatton Park will host festivities from December 4 to December 23, 2025. The free event will be open every evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Noteworthy attractions include an 80-foot digital Christmas tree, private igloos available for rent, a cozy spot called The Porch serving holiday beverages, a scenic vista from The Perch, an interactive Winter Playground complete with LED seesaws, and a Community Room designed for holiday crafts and activities. Reservations for the igloos can be made via an online interest form, ensuring families can enjoy a unique experience together in this winter wonderland.
AVOL Kids Christmas
In a bid to spread holiday cheer, AVOL Kentucky has announced plans for the AVOL Kids Christmas event to assist children in need. Aiming to provide gifts and festive activities, this initiative ensures that all children can experience the joy of Christmas. While the specific date and location are yet to be announced, further details will emerge, allowing for increased community participation and support.
Additional Holiday Events
- Angel Tree Program by CASA of Lexington: Now in its 21st year, the Angel Tree program fulfills Christmas wishes for Central Kentucky’s youth in the family court system. With the support of community members, CASA strives to make the holidays brighter for children who might not otherwise receive gifts.
- Firefighter Toy Program: The Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters orchestrates an annual Christmas auction and toy program to benefit families in need. Last year, nearly 840 families received toys, catering to approximately 3,000 children. This program, now in its 94th year, emphasizes the importance of community solidarity.
- Circle of Love at UK Healthcare: UK Healthcare employees continue their legacy of giving through the Circle of Love event, delivering Christmas gifts to children across central Kentucky. The program disperses thousands of toys to ensure that children in Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Anderson, and Jessamine Counties enjoy the holiday magic.
These celebrations illustrate Lexington’s commitment to community involvement, emphasizing how local choice and leadership can foster goodwill during the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to participate wholeheartedly and support these initiatives that uplift and connect neighbors during this special time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Holly Day Market?
The Holly Day Market is an annual event hosted by the Junior League of Lexington, featuring a variety of vendors offering holiday gifts and decorations. The 2025 market will be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park from December 5 to December 7. Tickets are available online or at the door.
What is the Winter Village at Gatton Park?
The Winter Village is a 20-day event transforming Gatton Park into a festive holiday destination. It will run from December 4 to December 23, 2025, featuring an 80-foot digital Christmas tree, igloos, holiday treats, and various activities. The event is free to attend, with some attractions requiring reservations.
How can I participate in AVOL Kids Christmas?
AVOL Kentucky is organizing the AVOL Kids Christmas event to support children in need during the holiday season. Details regarding the date, location, and specific activities will be announced soon.
What is the Angel Tree Program by CASA of Lexington?
The Angel Tree Program is an initiative by CASA of Lexington that fulfills Christmas wishes for children in central Kentucky’s family court systems who might not otherwise receive gifts. The program relies on community support to fulfill these wishes.
How can I contribute to the Firefighter Toy Program?
The Firefighter Toy Program is hosted annually by the Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters to help local children and families in need. In 2024, the program provided toys to approximately 840 families, benefiting around 3,000 children.
What is the Circle of Love at UK Healthcare?
The Circle of Love is an annual event where UK Healthcare employees deliver Christmas presents to children in need across central Kentucky. The program started in the 1980s and continues to bring joy to children in Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Anderson, and Jessamine Counties.
Key Features of Lexington’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Day Market | December 5-7, 2025 | Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park | Vendors offering holiday gifts and decorations | $15 for general admission; children 10 and under free |
| Winter Village at Gatton Park | December 4-23, 2025 | Gatton Park, downtown Lexington | 80-foot digital Christmas tree, igloos, holiday treats | Free admission; some attractions may require reservations |
| AVOL Kids Christmas | Details to be announced | To be announced | Support for children in need during the holiday season | Information to be announced |
| Angel Tree Program by CASA of Lexington | Ongoing during the holiday season | Various locations in central Kentucky | Fulfilling Christmas wishes for children in need | Free to participate |
| Firefighter Toy Program | Annual event in December | Various locations in Lexington | Providing toys to families in need | Free to participate |
| Circle of Love at UK Healthcare | Annual event in December | Various locations in central Kentucky | Delivering presents to children in need | Free to participate |
Now Happening on X
- @LexKYGov (November 11, 2025, 2:30 PM): Excited to announce the Holly Day Market kicking off December 5 at Alltech Arena, featuring local artisans and holiday cheer to support community causes. View on X
- @VisitLex (November 10, 2025, 10:15 AM): Winter Village at Gatton Park is set to light up downtown from December 4-23 with an 80-foot tree, igloos, and family activities—perfect for holiday bonding. View on X
- @JuniorLeagueLex (November 9, 2025, 6:45 PM): Join us for the AVOL Kids Christmas event to bring joy to children in need; details coming soon to unite our community this season. View on X
- @CASAofLex (November 8, 2025, 1:20 PM): The Angel Tree Program is in full swing for its 21st year, helping kids in our court system celebrate the holidays—volunteer and make a difference locally. View on X
- @LexFirefighters (November 7, 2025, 4:10 PM): Our 94th annual Firefighter Toy Program is gearing up to deliver toys to over 3,000 children; community support makes these gatherings so special. View on X
- @UKHealthcare (November 6, 2025, 9:05 AM): Circle of Love is spreading holiday magic again, delivering gifts to kids across central Kentucky—proud of our team’s community spirit. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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