SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Looking for a getaway destination for this year’s holiday season? Look no further than Kentucky. From family adventures full of fun and thrills, to cozy and quiet getaways, Kentucky is brimming with unforgettable ways to spend a holiday vacation.
Is your family seeking jolly thrills? Kentucky Kingdom, located in Louisville, is pulling out all the holiday stops for “Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom.” From Nov. 29 through Jan. 4, this world-class amusement park will feature more than 1 million lights, gorgeous holiday decor and opportunities to see Santa Claus. At Holly Jolly Junction, kids can meet Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all of his friends. In addition, the park will debut a 175-foot-long snow tubing hill covered in real snow! All this, plus select rides like Cyclos and Lightning Run, will be open to the public throughout the season.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers a more contemplative approach to the season. Located, in Harrodsburg, 25 miles southwest of Lexington, Pleasant Hill was one of the largest Shaker communities in the country during the 19th century. Shakers are celebrated for their craftsmanship, unique architecture and spirituality, but they were also among the first Protestant groups to celebrate Christmas.
Today the 3,000-acre property has been preserved as a testament to the Shaker tradition, which is evident year-round, but particularly during the holiday season. On Friday evenings in December at Shaker Christmas by Candlelight, tag along with an interpreter for a candlelit stroll through the heart of Pleasant Hill and get an up-close view and in-depth explanation of how the historic buildings were decorated for the holidays.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park located in Bardstown is also well known for its historical take on Christmas. From Nov. 15 through Jan. 6, you can get a view of traditional and unique Christmas customs from the Victorian era. Learn the origins of the Christmas tree, how mistletoe became famous for exchanging kisses, the tradition of the yule log, the history of the Christmas pickle, and legends of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.
Grand Rivers Festival of Lights is an annual attraction that brings in guests from near and far, and features over 1 million lights and displays in Patti’s Settlement and downtown Grand Rivers. Enjoy musical Christmas productions at the Badgett Playhouse, one-of-a-kind gifts at unique shops, memorable family meals at Patti’s Restaurant, and cozy lodging beside Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
If you love both the holidays and animals, don’t miss the Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green. Throughout December, the farm offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer. In addition, you can have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take a tour of the farm to interact with pigs, mini horses and much more.
For more information on what makes Kentucky the ideal home for the holidays, check out www.kentuckytourism.com.
From tradition and history to music and adventure, there are so many amazing events and places all over the Bluegrass State for visitors to experience that radiate holiday fun.
