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Explore Lexington KY’s Holiday Spirit with Festive Events

Holiday events showcasing lights, theatre, and photography in Lexington KY

Lexington KY, December 27, 2025

This weekend, Lexington families can immerse themselves in festive joy with a musical, a breathtaking holiday light display, and an intriguing photography exhibition. These events reflect the city’s resilience and commitment to preserving community traditions while fostering creativity and engagement. From the heartwarming ‘Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’ to the dazzling Southern Lights Holiday Festival and the insightful Lexington at 250 Photography Exhibition, there are plenty of opportunities for holiday cheer and community spirit in Lexington, KY.

Explore Lexington KY’s Holiday Spirit with Festive Events

This weekend, Lexington families can enjoy a musical, a holiday light display, and a photography exhibition that celebrate community and tradition.

Lexington, Kentucky – As the holiday season unfolds, Lexington is once again showcasing its vibrant community through a series of engaging events that promise to unite families and friends. A musical adaptation of a timeless classic, an awe-inspiring light display, and a thoughtful photography exhibition are just a few of the options available this weekend. Local organizers and community members have demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity, ensuring that traditions thrive and that residents can continue to gather amidst various challenges.

These events are also a testament to the city’s ability to foster cultural creativity with minimal bureaucratic interference, allowing for a rich tapestry of community experiences that are both fun and meaningful. By participating in these festivities, individuals enrich not just their own lives but also the local economy and social fabric of Lexington.

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol at the Lexington Opera House

This weekend, the Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol comes alive at the Lexington Opera House. This delightful musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” set in the 1930s Smoky Mountains, features original music by the beloved artist Dolly Parton. The heartwarming story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a mining company owner, as he encounters the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future, discovering the essence of love and holiday spirit along the way. Performances are slated for Saturday, with showtimes at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are accessible at the Central Bank Center Box Office.

Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park

Now in its 32nd year, the Southern Lights Holiday Festival captivates families with its impressive drive-through light display at the Kentucky Horse Park. Stretching the length of the venue and featuring over a million twinkling lights, this festival runs nightly through December 31. In addition to the dazzling lights, guests can explore Animal Land, a unique miniature train display highlighting bluegrass music, and shop at the Kentucky Horse Park gift shop. Refreshments are available, and the festive dining experience at Tootie’s Peppermint Cafe adds to the charming atmosphere. Admission is only $35 per carload, making it a fantastic value for family outings from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night.

Lexington at 250 Photography Exhibition at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

For those with an appreciation for art and history, the Lexington at 250 Photography Exhibition showcases the work of 31 local photographers at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. Curated by Tom Eblen, this exhibition beautifully presents the culture, architecture, and landscapes of Lexington as the city commemorates its 250th anniversary. The exhibit is free to the public, making it an accessible opportunity for the community to engage with the artistic narratives that define their hometown.

These events not only provide festive entertainment but also enhance community cohesion, illustrating the power of local initiatives to create impactful experiences that resonate with individuals and families alike. Lexington’s rich culture and vibrant community spirit come alive through these events, proving that local engagement can indeed lead to extraordinary celebrations during the holiday season.

Event Details

Event Date Time Location Admission
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol December 27-28, 2025 Saturday: 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House Tickets available at the Central Bank Center Box Office
Southern Lights Holiday Festival Through December 31, 2025 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. nightly Kentucky Horse Park $35 per carload
Lexington at 250 Photography Exhibition Ongoing During gallery hours Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Free admission

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol?

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” set in the 1930s Smoky Mountains and featuring original music by Dolly Parton.

When are the performances of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol?

Performances are scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Lexington Opera House.

What is the Southern Lights Holiday Festival?

The Southern Lights Holiday Festival is a drive-through light display featuring over a million lights, running through December 31 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

What is the Lexington at 250 Photography Exhibition?

The Lexington at 250 Photography Exhibition is a display of works by 31 local photographers, showcasing Lexington’s culture, beauty, and history as the city celebrates its 250th anniversary.


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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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