Is there anything more magical during the holidays than turning a snow globe upside down and making the small flakes twirl within, often times around an idyllic scene? These popular decor items are more than just something to place on your end table. Snow globes represent the beauty of the holidays and the winter season. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be inside one of these winter favorites, then just head to one of these 9 enchanting Kentucky towns that make you feel as if you’ve fallen into a snow globe.
- Frankfort
Facebook/Visit Frankfort Our state capital really shines during the holidays. With lovely, decorated trees scattered across the city, including this one in front of the Old State Capitol, Frankfort is a beautiful place to visit this time of year.
- Bardstown
Visit Bardstown Bardstown is the ultimate Kentucky small town for festive fun during the holidays. During the annual parade and other events and activities, the town comes to life and to look at the stunning Christmas tree feels like stepping right into a charming snow globe.
- Newport
Facebook/Newport on the Levee Located right on the Ohio River, across from Cincinnati, Newport offers plenty to do this holiday season, including a plethora of illuminated decor. Newport on the Levee has one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the area, and if you’re there at the right time, you can even experience a little snow and a visit with Santa.
- Paducah
Facebook/Paducah Main Street Paducah is known for its creative energy and of course that carries over into the holiday season. Main Street is a magical place, especially with its “Dickens of a Christmas” events. Also, make sure and visit Noble Park for an enchanting light display.
- Harrodsburg
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill As the oldest city in Kentucky, Harrodsburg holds plenty of history and beautiful scenery. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, especially after a fresh snowfall, is positively magical and is also illuminated with lights during the holiday season.
- Grand Rivers
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement Grand Rivers is a popular summertime spot for its location right on the water, but during the winter it virtually becomes its own magical snow globe. The property of Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is illuminated with millions of lights (it’s free to visit!) and acts as the anchor to the town’s festivities.
- Elizabethtown
Christmas in the Park Through January 1st, Elizabethtown is extra festive with their annual Christmas in the Park at Freeman Lake Park. This drive-thru light display is open nightly from 6pm to 11pm and is free to visit!
- Ashland
Facebook/Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival, Ashland, Kentucky Ashland, Kentucky really gets into the holiday spirit by decorating the entire town with sparkling lights. Their Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival takes you back in time to Christmas in a small town, which very much resembles the interior of a snow globe.
- Lexington
Greg Grayson While driving through the countryside near Lexington, you may not see as many twinkling lights, but after a little snowfall, the area is simply magical. The horses grazing in the green and white fields, and the snow-covered barns are straight out of a treasured snow globe.
For more beautiful photos of Kentucky, like the one above in Lexington, make sure you check out the work of Greg Grayson Photography here!
Facebook/Visit Frankfort
Our state capital really shines during the holidays. With lovely, decorated trees scattered across the city, including this one in front of the Old State Capitol, Frankfort is a beautiful place to visit this time of year.
Visit Bardstown
Bardstown is the ultimate Kentucky small town for festive fun during the holidays. During the annual parade and other events and activities, the town comes to life and to look at the stunning Christmas tree feels like stepping right into a charming snow globe.
Facebook/Newport on the Levee
Located right on the Ohio River, across from Cincinnati, Newport offers plenty to do this holiday season, including a plethora of illuminated decor. Newport on the Levee has one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the area, and if you’re there at the right time, you can even experience a little snow and a visit with Santa.
Facebook/Paducah Main Street
Paducah is known for its creative energy and of course that carries over into the holiday season. Main Street is a magical place, especially with its “Dickens of a Christmas” events. Also, make sure and visit Noble Park for an enchanting light display.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
As the oldest city in Kentucky, Harrodsburg holds plenty of history and beautiful scenery. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, especially after a fresh snowfall, is positively magical and is also illuminated with lights during the holiday season.
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Grand Rivers is a popular summertime spot for its location right on the water, but during the winter it virtually becomes its own magical snow globe. The property of Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is illuminated with millions of lights (it’s free to visit!) and acts as the anchor to the town’s festivities.
Christmas in the Park
Through January 1st, Elizabethtown is extra festive with their annual Christmas in the Park at Freeman Lake Park. This drive-thru light display is open nightly from 6pm to 11pm and is free to visit!
Facebook/Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival, Ashland, Kentucky
Ashland, Kentucky really gets into the holiday spirit by decorating the entire town with sparkling lights. Their Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival takes you back in time to Christmas in a small town, which very much resembles the interior of a snow globe.
Greg Grayson
While driving through the countryside near Lexington, you may not see as many twinkling lights, but after a little snowfall, the area is simply magical. The horses grazing in the green and white fields, and the snow-covered barns are straight out of a treasured snow globe.
Kentucky’s towns are even more enchanting this season, with plenty of lights, events, and holiday magic. What is your favorite Kentucky town at Christmastime? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
And for more reasons that Kentucky is the best this time of year, check out our previous article here.
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