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Known for its bourbon and horses, Kentucky reveals a different charm in winter. The state transforms into a winter wonderland, uniquely blending festive activities and serene natural landscapes. Snow-covered towns buzz with vibrant tree lightings and joyful holiday markets, while the tranquil wilderness invites peaceful exploration. The snowy streets, adorned with holiday decorations, and the quiet, pristine outdoors present a picturesque setting for winter adventures in Kentucky.

Bardstown

After Thanksgiving, Bardstown becomes a winter wonderland filled with jolly decorations and holiday cheer. The town square, courthouse, and other buildings are filled out from head to toe in lights and colors to welcome in both winter and the holiday season! Trees shine brightly at night, offering unforgettable walks throughout Bardstown all season long. Kids and adults both ice skate at the local farmer's market rink every year with supplied skates at the end of November, helping usher in the start of colder weather and activities. An annual parade starts with music in the square and continues from the corner of Broadway and 5th Street, with tons of balloons, snow, and socializing! The Old Kentucky Dinner Train has a fully lit-up depot building and offers a "North Pole Express" annually, where people can ride throughout the Kentucky countryside and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus to read, sing, and eat!

Paducah

Paducah is located at the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers and has plenty of indoor and outdoor wintertime fun available! Take to the streets for a walk in one of the many snow-filled local parks and find historic markers where people can learn about snippets from the town's history. Paducah has more markers per capita than any other city in Kentucky, meaning there's no shortage of knowledge and lore waiting to be discovered. Noble Park has an annual Christmas in the Park, where people celebrate the holidays and even greet Santa. Many visitors and residents go hiking and birdwatching at the town's nearby recreation areas like Land Between the Lakes, where sandhill cranes and bald eagles can be spotted during this time. Dotted on the streets are colorful murals that pop during the snowy seasons, with almost 20 pieces to discover by different artists! Indoor activities include a fleshed-out arts and history scene through museums like the National Quilt Museum, the Paducah Railroad Museum, and more than 100 small businesses around town for any last-minute shopping.

Harlan

Harlan is a quaint mountain town in the Black, Little Black, and Ewing Spur regions. The highest point in Kentucky lies in Black Mountain, at 4,145 feet above sea level. It's usually covered in snow during the colder months and offers excellent hiking and bird-watching opportunities any time of year. The town starts winter with a special event called the Festival of Mountain Masters, held annually at the Village Center Mall, which shows off hand-crafted art from residents to get into the holiday spirit. The local Kingdom Come State Park holds the "Wonderland Mini Golf" several times during November and December, with music and treats alongside the activity. Meanwhile, the Putney Shriner Fairgrounds has a driving trail with plenty of displays to look in awe at, even with complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes for those who attend. On a night in December, carollers take donations for the Cumberland Valley Children's Advocacy Center, spreading cheer for a good cause.

Maysville

Many people compare Maysville to the likes of a Hallmark movie, with small-town appeal, history, and plenty of festivities! The town is covered head to toe in wreaths, ribbons, and everything in between, making for unforgettable displays and sights. During December, a collection of arts and crafts vendors go up and down the Old Washington Historic District streets, with museums and shops open throughout, offering special sales and activities. Coinciding with this is the Twilight Parade and Market happening around the same time. During the march, floats and vehicles stroll downtown while local vendors sell gifts and baked goods to warm any heart (and stomach!) during the colder days around the end of the year. Maysville's nightlife is bustling at any time of year, but the holidays bring people together in more social settings, such as one of the many bars and pubs throughout the town, like Creekside, Kirk's, or Rick's Tavern. Grab a drink and take to this Hallmark paradise!

Madisonville

Madisonville's town starts strong at the end of November with "Deck the Park" at the local park. Starting then and continuing until January 1st, a collection of liquid fireworks brings holiday displays to a new level! From 5 pm to 9 pm, people can either walk throughout or sit in their vehicles admiring the stunning lights and music throughout the park whenever they'd like during the season. Also in town is the Mistletoe Art Stroll in early December, where artisans are hosted in local stores where people can purchase handcrafted art and decor, from candles to jewelry and more! Starting in 2023 is an annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party by the Tradewater Brewing Company, offering people a chance to socialize and win prizes based on who has the best ugly sweater! Madisonville has plenty of lightly coated nature trails and parks to stroll through, offering a quiet getaway in nature. Places like the Pennyrile Nature Trail or Cherry Park are always worth a walkthrough.

Berea

Seated in the town of Berea is Berea College, which is a liberal arts school that provides the area with a large amount of creative work and culture. Many artsy endeavors are offered throughout, with winter being no exception. Events like "LearnShops," where arts and crafts experts guide people into creating handmade gifts filled with love, including paintings, weavings, blacksmithing, and more! Playhouses and theaters like Spotlight or Merry Makers feature festive showings, with 2023 featuring "A Christmas Carol Dinner Show" and "Christmas Carol Killer." While hiking, biking, kayaking, and golfing are popular in the area during warmer months, taking a pleasant stroll through the local wooded areas is the leading outdoor attraction in the winter, with snow taking hold and offering quaint walks. Trails like The Pinnacles are super popular, with Outdoor Magazine naming it Kentucky's best hike in 2019.

Georgetown

This Scott County town comes out strong with events starting in November, like the Annual Christmas Cookie Concert, which the Georgetown College Tiger Band hosts. It has live holiday music even before Thanksgiving, perfect for holiday lovers! Take a scenic drive through the Bluegrass Region nearby and learn about the area's history through maps provided by the Georgetown Tourism Office. Kentucky Horse Park has a collection of lights and displays called the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, offered from the end of November to New Year, with three miles to drive through. Moving into December is the annual Holidays Parade & Tree Lighting, where the town's Victorian architecture is lit up nicely while vehicles and people stroll down the street, decoration in tow. Every year, the 1850s Ward Hall mansion offers candlelight tours, with people exploring this massive villa under the dim glow of candles.

Embracing Winter's Magic in Kentucky's Small Towns

Kentucky comes to life during the holidays with plenty of festivities and activities to make any Grinch happy. It's a time of year when nature's quiet, but the towns are bustling with life and generosity, no matter how big or small. The season keeps on giving with friendly communities, local events, and plenty of gift exchanges. Check out some of these towns this season!