Winter Holidays in Kentucky

Do something different for the holidays this year: explore the events going on all over the Commonwealth.

Kentucky's unique holiday events:

From an underwater appearance by Santa Claus at the Newport Aquarium to massive lighted figures handcrafted in China at Louisville’s Galt House Hotel, attractions unique to Kentucky will enliven the holiday season.

Take a candlelight tour of My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, known throughout the world as the symbol of Stephen Foster’s most famous song. Or visit a live Nativity scene at the Creation Museum in Petersburg, where the Christmas Town attraction will also feature a live drama about the Magi.

At Newport Aquarium, Scuba Santa’s Winter Waterland is celebrating its 10^th anniversary and will be open to the public Nov. 29 to Jan. 1. Scuba Santa’s underwater dive show has been called one of the most unusual holiday experiences in the country. Find more information at www.newportaquarium.com.

Christmas at the Galt House Hotel, which includes the unique inner-lighted KaLightoscope figures from China, has been named a Top 100 Event by the American Bus Association for the third year.  The hotel’s transformation into a holiday wonderland of diversions is sure to delight the kids. The attraction is open through Jan. 1, and you can find more information at www.ChristmasAtTheGaltHouse.com.

On Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving and the first two Fridays and Saturdays in December, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown will be aglow in candlelight and decorated throughout with holly, pine and fruit garlands. Enjoy period music and refreshments as elegantly dressed guides escort you back in time during the annual Christmas Candlelight Tours. Call 502-348-3502 for more information.

Christmas Town at the Creation Museum will be open Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December. Besides viewing the live Nativity and Magi drama, you can also learn about the legendary “star in the east” at the planetarium and take in the garden of lights. Visit www.creationmuseum.org/christmas for more information.

Venture out of your ordinary routine to experience these and other unique Kentucky attractions and you’re sure to get a rewarding dose of holiday spirit. Check out other unique holiday events at www.kentuckytourism.com.

And that doesn't even include the state parks:

The Kentucky State Parks will be ready for the winter holidays this year with special meals, decorations, candlelight tours, entertainment and other special events planned.

State parks are a great place for Christmas and holiday gatherings in November and December. All 17 resort parks have restaurants, meeting areas and gift shops that offer unique gift ideas. That includes Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift cards, which are valid at Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Many state resort parks will also hold New Year’s Eve parties and dinners Dec. 31. For more information about these and other events, call your favorite park or visit www.parks.ky.gov

 Find the detailed list here.