SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) The holiday season is fast approaching. Families of all varieties are asking two questions: “Where do we meet?” and “What do we do when we get there?”
For hundreds of reasons, the answer to the first question is Kentucky, not the least of which is that it is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the country. That makes it the perfect spot for distant families and friends to come together.
The answer to the second question... oh, where to begin?
The Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg is a jewel of eastern Kentucky. This 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art theater is home to Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry. This resident performing troupe, named after the troupe’s founder, produces concerts that showcase Appalachian musical heritage year-round.
Every December, there are multiple holiday-themed productions featuring a cast of skilled vocalists, a full band, and youth performers. The show offers heartwarming family entertainment, comedic skits, and enough spirited seasonal cheer to make you want to buy tickets for the following show.
For those looking to satisfy both holiday enthusiasts and history buffs, don’t miss Fort Boonesborough State Park’s 18th-Century Christmas. Located just outside of Richmond, this living history museum goes to great lengths to showcase how the holiday season looked in 1775.
Visitors stroll through log cabins warmed by wood-burning fireplaces, enjoying period music, storytelling and hot spiced cider. Unlike modern holiday extravaganzas, the event highlights the understated, practical traditions of frontier life, blending festive cheer with historical education to offer a cozy, immersive glimpse into early Kentucky history.
It is hard to get more festive than reindeer. Luckily for Kentucky, there is an entire reindeer farm on the outskirts of Bowling Green. Every year, The Reindeer Farm transforms into a holiday destination offering immersive seasonal experiences for visitors of all ages, blending agricultural tourism with Christmas magic.
The farm features close-up encounters with live reindeer, festive farm tours, visits with Santa and holiday characters, and interactive activities surrounded by a variety of friendly barnyard animals. From family-friendly daytime passes to special evening gatherings like Wine Wonderland for adults, The Reindeer Farm serves as a signature festive draw, enhancing Kentucky's vibrant statewide holiday tourism offerings.
Heading to far west Kentucky? You don’t want to miss Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers. Throughout the year, this log cabin-themed shopping and dining destination is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. However, between November and January, Patti’s 1880s Settlement transforms into a fairy tale winter wonderland illuminated by over 1.5 million twinkling lights.
Visitors can stroll through glowing light tunnels, explore boutique gift shops, and take in the festive charm of this historic village. Warm up with hot cocoa, meet Santa, and be sure to book a table at Patti’s Restaurant to indulge in their legendary 2-inch-thick pork chops and mile-high meringue pies. Free to walk through, it’s an unforgettable, picture-perfect holiday getaway.
For more information about these fun destinations and dozens of others, visit kentuckytourism.com.
When faced with holiday questions, the Bluegrass State has the answers.
