One might say that Kentucky is a weird and wacky place all year long, but there are a few quirky traditions that we especially love during the holidays. I prefer to say that our state has character and that we treasure traditions that are memorable and unique. These 7 particular weird and wacky holiday traditions may not be practiced by everyone in the Bluegrass State, but chances are that if you are from Kentucky, you’ll totally understand them.
- We are so obsessed with horses that we even make them out of Christmas lights.
Facebook/Southern Lights Southern Lights is one of the most popular drive-thru light displays and events in the state, and for good reason! It celebrates one of Kentucky’s favorite pastimes and in an absolutely beautiful way.
- We watch Santa swim with sharks.
Facebook/Newport Aquarium If you live in northern Kentucky, then chances are one of your traditions is to visit the Newport Aquarium to see Scuba Santa. The jolly Elf puts on his red suit (over a scuba suit) and jumps willingly into the shark tank to visit with the kids. It’s definitely a unique way to tell Santa your wish list!
- We willingly wait for hours and then drive underground to see Christmas lights.
Facebook/Louisville Mega Cavern When described like that, it sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But many Kentuckians wait for a long time to drive through the one-of-a-kind underground light display at Lights Under Louisville at the Mega Cavern. It is likely one of the most unique displays in the world.
- There’s an interesting tradition when it comes to sending a letter to Santa.
Facebook/Santa Letter Direct - Letters From Santa While many children write their letters to Santa and then mail them, it’s been a tradition in the Appalachian community of Kentucky to toss the letter in the fireplace! It’s then transported up the chimney and directly to the North Pole and Santa.
- We prefer our fruit cake with a big old splash of Bourbon.
Flickr/Jazz Guy Everything is better with Bourbon, right? In Kentucky, we make our fruitcake a little more edible with the addition of Bourbon, and sometimes if we’re feeling extra festive - Moonshine.
- The bigger the better when it comes to small town celebrations.
Facebook/Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival-Ashland, Kentucky Almost every small town throughout Kentucky has its own Christmas celebration and traditions. But you better believe they are each full of character. The Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival in Ashland is one of the best celebrations in the state.
- Even our most haunted destination gets into the Christmas spirit.
Facebook/The Waverly Hills Sanatorium Waverly Hills Sanatorium is known for its haunted overnights, but many Kentuckians also make it a holiday tradition to visit their incredible laser light show each year. The show illuminates the historic former hospital and is timed to festive music. Unfortunately, the Sanatorium recently experienced a robbery and the equipment used to do the show was stolen. They are trying to get it back up and running for the last weekend before Christmas, but it’s uncertain whether that will be the case. But there is always next year to continue this weird Christmas tradition!
These weird and wacky traditions, and those not listed, are what make the holidays in Kentucky so special. What crazy tradition do you have in our state this time of year? Share with us in the comments!
Facebook/Southern Lights
Southern Lights is one of the most popular drive-thru light displays and events in the state, and for good reason! It celebrates one of Kentucky’s favorite pastimes and in an absolutely beautiful way.
Facebook/Newport Aquarium
If you live in northern Kentucky, then chances are one of your traditions is to visit the Newport Aquarium to see Scuba Santa. The jolly Elf puts on his red suit (over a scuba suit) and jumps willingly into the shark tank to visit with the kids. It’s definitely a unique way to tell Santa your wish list!
Facebook/Louisville Mega Cavern
When described like that, it sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But many Kentuckians wait for a long time to drive through the one-of-a-kind underground light display at Lights Under Louisville at the Mega Cavern. It is likely one of the most unique displays in the world.
Facebook/Santa Letter Direct - Letters From Santa
While many children write their letters to Santa and then mail them, it’s been a tradition in the Appalachian community of Kentucky to toss the letter in the fireplace! It’s then transported up the chimney and directly to the North Pole and Santa.
Flickr/Jazz Guy
Everything is better with Bourbon, right? In Kentucky, we make our fruitcake a little more edible with the addition of Bourbon, and sometimes if we’re feeling extra festive - Moonshine.
Facebook/Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival-Ashland, Kentucky
Almost every small town throughout Kentucky has its own Christmas celebration and traditions. But you better believe they are each full of character. The Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival in Ashland is one of the best celebrations in the state.
Facebook/The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is known for its haunted overnights, but many Kentuckians also make it a holiday tradition to visit their incredible laser light show each year. The show illuminates the historic former hospital and is timed to festive music. Unfortunately, the Sanatorium recently experienced a robbery and the equipment used to do the show was stolen. They are trying to get it back up and running for the last weekend before Christmas, but it’s uncertain whether that will be the case. But there is always next year to continue this weird Christmas tradition!
And for more weird things only people from Kentucky do, check out our previous article here.
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