Happy holidays y’all! I’m sharing all the holiday markets, festivals and can’t miss activities in Lexington through the season. Make sure to also check out my Local Gift Guide here and my favorite Lexington shops and boutiques here.
Holiday Markets
Bluegrass Creative Market
November 18 and 19 at The Summit at Fritz Farm. The Bluegrass Creative Market will hold their final market of the year on Saturday, November 18th from 10AM-5PM and Sunday, November 19th from 12-5PM. The market will be located inside the Barn, outside on the back patio, and in the adjoining parking lot. Come and enjoy a great day of holiday shopping from 50 artists and makers from all over Kentucky. Vendors will be selling pottery, home décor, leather, jewelry, woodwork, soft lines, Kentucky-themed, food/drinks, and much more. Free admission.
Thankful Market
November 18 from 2-6pm at Rockhouse Brewing. Vendors, food, fun, beer.
Winterfest Marketplace
November 25, December 2, 9 and 16 at The Met. A collaboration between Julietta Market and Arthouse Kentucky Inc.! Discover the perfect gifts for your loved ones as you explore the myriad of pop-up stalls, each offering unique treasures and crafts. From exquisite handmade jewelry to delectable artisanal food products, the WinterFest Marketplace is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds that will leave you spoiled for choice. Bring your little ones to Santa’s Grotto, where they can meet the beloved Black Santa himself and create timeless memories. Indulge in the delightful melodies of live music and entertainment that will fill the air, creating a captivating atmosphere of merriment and cheer.
Woodland Triangle Shop Hop
December 2-3. Get ready for an exciting weekend filled with incredible deals, exclusive discounts, and refreshing drinks! Participating locations are hosting a holiday shop hop where you have the chance to win big. All you need to do is make a purchase of any amount at any of the participating locations, and you will be automatically entered into the giveaway. The more you shop, the more chances you have to win! Many stores are offering discounts as well.
Lexington Mercantile Co Mixmas Holiday Market
December 8 and 9 at Manchester Music Hall. A market comprising of local vendors, handmade makers + boutiques. Sip while you shop or grab some food from a local food truck.
Michler’s Christmas Market
December 2 and 3 at Michler’s Florist & Greenhouse (outdoors). This market features diverse vendors including locally made ceramics, jewelry, cards, jams, soaps, ornaments and more. Michler’s florists will be crafting wreaths and decorating boxwood trees all day. Enjoy hot mulled wine, pastries and live music. Free to the public.
Lexington Makers Market
December 16 from 8am-1:30pm at Cheapside Park (at the Farmer’s Market.) This market features more craft-type vendors and all local makers.
Winter Market
December 8 from 6-9pm (tickets required) and December 9 from 10am-4pm (open to the public) at the Greyline Station. he Crafted Social Winter Market in Lexington, Kentucky brings together the best traditional and contemporary artists, craftspeople, and functional designers for a two-day, indoor market inside the main atrium of the historic Greyline Station in Lexington, Kentucky.
Holiday Classes & Workshops
Wilsons Harvest Centerpiece Workshop
November 18 at Wilsons Nursery in Frankfort. Bring the beauty of nature indoors and create your own unique autumn harvest centerpiece fresh cut flowers with on-trend everlastings + farm foraged natural elements. $85 tickets.
Candles & Cocktails
November 16, 19, 30, December 10, 14, 17, 21, 28 at Poppy & Pomelo. Join us for a hands-on experience where you’ll learn how to make candles from start to finish. This class is perfect for beginners and anyone interested in a deep-dive lesson on candle pouring. A selection of cocktails, bubbly, beer, and wine will be available for purchase during class. This class will have NEW additional holiday fragrances! $38 tickets.
Springhouse Gardens Take Home Wreath Workshop
Springhouse Gardens is keeping their wreath workshop tradition alive with a take-home kit complete with everything you’ll need (including a video tutorial) to craft a beautiful wreath with friends and family in the comfort of your home! I made one last week and it was so fun and surprisingly easy. Kits start at $85 per person. You can also book a private workshop starting at $1800.
Wilsons Wreath Workshop
11/30 and 12/3 at Wilsons Nurseries. You’ll create a hand-built holiday wreath as big as you can imagine using fresh-cut evergreens, a distinctive collection of berries & pine cones, and finish with a hand-tied bow for your own unique holiday wreath. Bring a friend, enjoy a mimosa, let your creative juices flow, and enjoy some quality time & creativity together. $65 tickets.
Cookie Decorating Workshop at Shaker Village
December 9 at 3pm. In this two-hour class, you’ll learn the basics of decorating pre-baked sugar cookies and receive Jillian’s royal icing and cookie recipe, while enjoying hot cocoa and cider in one of Shaker Village’s beautifully restored historic buildings. Everything you need is provided in the class, and each participant will receive personal instruction from Jillian. You’ll leave class with a great understanding of the basics of decorating sugar cookies, plus a few cool techniques you’ll be sure to use for every special occasion!
Wilsons Holiday Centerpiece Workshop
12/22 at Wilsons Nurseries. Join us for this hands-on design workshop to create your own magical holiday centerpiecewith fresh greenery, florals & fillers, with as much pro instruction as you like, to adorn your table or present as the ultimate hostess gift. This last class of the year will fill up, so reserve space for you and a friend today. $90 tickets.
Wreath Workshop at Greyline Station
11/30 and 12/5. You will create your own wreath with luscious greens, natural embellishments and choice of ribbon or bow. Each attendee will take home their handcrafted wreath just in time to decorate for the holidays. The perfect way to kickoff the holiday season and get in the spirit. All materials will be provided. $79 ticket purchase includes one complimentary Signature Drink from Old North Bar at Greyline.
Eco-Ornaments Workshop at Shaker Village
12/2, 10am-1pm, In this workshop you’ll learn to make beautiful, simple and even scented decorations using non-harmful materials you can find around your house and in your neighborhood. $25-$35 tickets must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Reed Stars Workshop at Shaker Village
12/9 and 12/16, 10am-12pm, Try your hand at weaving an intricate star pattern using reed, which can be replicated at home in a variety of sizes and materials. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary. $50-$60 tickets must be purchased in advance.
Sugar Cookie Decorating Class
12/23, 1-3pm at Local Lex Market. In this 1.5 hour long class, we’ll cover the basics to sugar cookies, you’ll get our royal icing and cookie recipe, and we’ll talk about how to strategize the best ways to decorate sugar cookies! Everything you’ll need is provided at class along with live in-person instructors. $55 tickets.
Family Friendly Events & Activities
Gathered Living Holiday Story Hour
November 15 and December 6 at The Little House next to The Amsden in Versailles. Story time with snacks and crafts for kids. $24.95 ticket.
Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop
Opens November 20, open 11am-7pm daily. One of my favorites! Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop is moving to Ashland this year and I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves. They usually have a live nativity and Santa visits quite often.
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Summit
November 21 from 6-8:30pm. Join as Santa arrives to help with the Christmas Tree lighting! He will be making his grand entrance in a helicopter! While you’re here, visit the animals at the petting zoo, enjoy a pony ride, get your face painted, or have a caricature drawing done! You can bring a can of food or give a $5 donation in exchange for a flashing foam candy cane stick light. Donation will go to a local food bank in Fayette County.
Santa at the Summit
November 24 through December 24. Santa is back at The Summit, with David Hagood Photography, to spread holiday joy all season long, y’all! Visits and photos may be booked ahead of time below and walk-ins are more than welcome!
Travis Clark Photography Santa Photos
November 24 through December 24. You can get photos with Santa at Lexington Green! Appointments available, but you can also walk-in.
Shaker Village Blessing of the Hounds
November 25 at 9am at Shaker Village. Join Shaker Village and the Long Run Woodford Hounds fox hunters for this grand, traditional event featuring a blessing of the hounds, riders, and horses, followed by the first meet of the formal hunting season. Arrive at 9:00 a.m. and warm up with winter breakfast foods and beverages alongside roaring outdoor fire pits. Riders and hounds will make their ceremonial approach with music and the blessing at 10:00 a.m. This event is included with your general admission to Shaker Village, granting you access to historic tours, exhibits and other experiences across the property.
Downtown Lexington Holiday Lighting
November 26 3-7pm. Head to Triangle Park on November 26, and join us for our annual Holiday Lighting Festival! Lexington’s Christmas Tree will be lit with beautiful bright lights, and Lexington’s Hanukkah Menorah will shine ahead of the festival. Plus, community choirs will sing festive songs which are sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit! Lexington’s Jewish community is excited to participate in this year’s Holiday Lighting Festival! A community choir performing Hanukkah songs will take to the stage as Lexington’s menorah, shining ahead of the Festival of Lights, adds to the holiday glow in downtown Lexington. Join the Jewish community to learn how they will celebrate this year’s festival while also taking part in a national effort to Shine A Light on antisemitism.
La Petite Delicat Gingerbread Decorating
December 2 at 11am, Each ticket includes one gingerbread house, one snowman macaron, one gingerbread cookie, icing and sprinkles…plus coffee and hot cocoa! Kids six and up (kids and adults may share a house to decorate — one child/one adult). $40.
Santa Train
November 25, December 2, 3, 9 & 10 at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles. Enjoy a 90 minute train ride and visit with Santa! There’s also a North Pole train available.
Ice Skating at Triangle Park
Open through January 15. Triangle Park is transformed into a winter wonderland from mid-November through the beginning of January. Perfect for a family outing or date night. After skating, guests can enjoy hot beverages and snacks at Triangle Park Café.
Southern Lights
November 24-December 31 at the Horse Park. Enjoy a driving tour of holiday lights. This year visits with Santa will be via your car and all indoor attractions are closed, but there is an outdoor ‘animal land’ and food truck. $35 per carload.
The Nutcracker
Multiple dates at EKU and Boyle County starting December 1. Catch the Christmas classic! My grandmother took me every year growing up and I loved it.
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
December 1-23 Thursday through Sunday. Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is a spectacular holiday tradition in Millersburg, Kentucky; just 30 minutes north of Lexington in the heart of Bourbon County. This year’s programming includes our breathtaking Light Display, Gingerbread House Exhibit, Artisan’s Market, Holiday Tent and Cafe, Christmas Campfire Reservations, Live Music, and more! Stroll through the breath-taking lights, enjoy live music, gather with friends, shop for the perfect handmade gift and don’t miss the most stunning gingerbread house displays in Kentucky. $15 entry.
Christmas Lights at Buffalo Trace
November 30-December 25 from 5:30-8:30pm. Embrace the holiday season by driving through a special route of magnificent and colorful light displays. This event is complimentary to attend and open to the public!
Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade
December 2 at 11am down Main St. between Midland and Mill St. The parade will feature a variety of organizations, bands, floats, and of course, Santa himself!
Friday Flurries at the Summit
December 1, 8, 15, 22 from 6-8pm. On the Green of the Summit, enjoy faux snow, the picture-perfect holiday set-up and meet and greet with Santa and Elsa! This event is FREE to attend and a photographer will be provided.
Christmas at LexCity Church
December 15-16 at 7pm. Christmas at LexCity is an annual Lexington family holiday tradition. Join classic Christmas characters as they discover the true meaning of Christmas through dance, story, and song. Free tickets, but you must reserve in advance.
Adult Events & Activities
Friends Trivia
November 16 from 7-9pm at Rockhouse Brewing.
White Christmas at The Opera House
November 16-18, The perfect way to ring in the holiday season is to “Count Your Blessings,” and have a “Happy Holiday” with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. If you love the film, you’ll love this spirited stage adaptation with terrific choreography, a heartwarming story and the holiday tunes you love. Bring the family and ring in the season with this classic musical. The Lexington Theatre Company combines Broadway veterans, rising stars and local professionals for a production that feels just like Broadway, crafted right here in Lexington. Tickets starting at $62.
Greyline Station Winter Beer Fest
December 2 from 12-5pm, Sip on holiday brews, skate, and celebrate. In partnership with the KY Guild of Brewers, this event is open to all (no tickets needed).
Holiday Lunch at The Trustees’ Table at Shaker Village
Dec. 1-23, Weekdays 11:30am-3:00pm, Weekends 11:30am-1:30pm, $10-$35. Holiday Lunch at The Trustees’ Table is perfect for large or small groups looking to celebrate the season. The menu will feature a three-course meal of soup or salad, a choice of five different entrées, homemade desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Corn muffins and coleslaw will also be served. Reservations recommended.
Afternoon Tea at Shaker Village
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon with friends and family sipping seasonal teas and eating freshly-baked scones, assorted homemade sweets and savory bites. The 1839 Trustees’ Office provides the perfect holiday setting! $30 tickets.
Christmas Tea at Apiary
December 5-7, As winter quietly blankets Lexington and the holidays approach, Apiary is once again transforming into an ethereal Christmas tearoom. You are invited to indulge in a fragrant blend of carefully curated teas, while savoring exquisite pastries and dainty bites that feel like meticulously crafted works of art. This delightful affair will transport you and your guests to a realm of refined sophistication where time slows down and holiday enchantment dances in every sip. $100 tickets.
Just a Few Miles South Culinary Tour
Join an immersive journey into the world of Chef Ouita Michel, an award-winning, James Beard-nominated chef and restaurateur, renowned as a lifelong standard bearer for Kentucky food and farmers. On the Just a Few Miles South Culinary Tour, you will eenjoy a foodie tour, awaken your bourbon palate, tour Saxony farm, enjoy a Bluegrass feast at Holly Hill Inn with live bluegrass music and enjoy dessert at the Woodford hotel. $250 tickets.
Lexington SantaCon
Basically a big bar crawl where everyone dresses like Santa! $8.99 tickets.
Local Open Houses
Lots of local stores are hosting “open houses” or special shopping events with discounts etc. Will update these as more are posted.
Shaker Village Open House
December 2, 10am-7pm. 20% off all merchandise.
Bow Making Class at Peggy’s
December 7, 5-7pm. Learn how to make the perfect Peggy’s bow! No tickets, free event just show up anytime between 5-7pm.
Paxton Home Warehouse Sale
December 9-10. Paxton Home has the such cool furniture, home decor and gifts at a great value. They only do these sales once a month! They also have such cute holiday decor. This sale is extra special because they are celebrating their 5th anniversary! There will be a coffee truck, live music, a permanent jewelery set up, and photos with Santa on Saturday!
Martine’s Holiday Open House
December 9. Doors open at 8 am with complimentary hot chocolate bakery samples and full menu available. Santa arrives from 10am to 2pm. Upstairs cookie decorating with the kids is back in the bakery! It’ll be a wonderland of sugar cookie decorating, letter writing to Santa, balloon gingerbread house, cake art on display, paintings on the walls and stockings by the fireplace.
Hope that gives you a few fun ideas for the holidays! If I’ve left any can’t miss events out, please share them in the comments below. Stay tuned for allll the holiday content coming soon!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
Fabulous overview of upcoming holidays events, thanks so much!!
One I love is the Michler’s Christmas Market on Dec 1st & 2nd. It’s an outdoor setting in the style of a German Christmas Market. They serve warm artisan grilled cheese, hot toddy’s, hot spiced wine, assorted Christmas cookies and more. The garden is filled with local artists and makers and the sounds of live music. They make fresh door wreaths and greenery. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the holidays!
https://www.michlers.com/pages/christmas-market
Thanks so much Marie! I remember hearing about that last year, sounds amazing! I will be adding to the list ☺️
So many fun events! Thank you for compiling them all, I’ll be coming back to this often!
Great post for people in Lex! I’ll share these with my Lexington peeps
Looks like I need to get over to Lex!
I’m so excited for Holly Day Market. Always one of my favorite events!!