When we were moving from Springfield, MA to Georgetown, KY there were a few things I was super sad to leave. One of those things was Forest Park, an 800 acre park in the middle of the city that was absolutely beautiful year round. It is where I ran my first 5K. It is where I got married. It is where every year we would drive through their "Bright Nights", driving through their magical lights exhibit and stopping for Holiday festivities. We had a season pass last year and took our then 1 year old as often as possible.
I was devastated that I was going to miss it this year... until I experienced Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park!!! There is a reason why this event is celebrating its 25th year this year, with than 120,000 people and 30,000 vehicles visiting each year. This is 100% a new staple family tradition from this year forward. Southern Lights is a ball of magic and memories wrapped in Christmas as a present for the Lexington area and beyond. First you take a drive through the park that boasts over 3 miles of enchanting light displays with tons of themes including: The 12 Days of Christmas, Keeneland race track, Star Wars, dinosaurs, animals and way too many others to mention! Following the drive guests are invited to the Holiday Festival attractions, both indoors and outdoors.
Enter to win HERE for a pass good for one car load of people (up to 7 people) to visit Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park on a Monday-Thursday night!
UPDATE: Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to our winner Angie Sturgill!!!
*Disclaimer- It is very difficult to take pictures of lights, at night, in a moving vehicle! The lights are amazing. The pictures- not so much.
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| OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES (Included in Admission) | |||
| *Carousel Rides | |||
| *Exotic Petting Zoo | |||
| *Mini Express Train | |||
| *Photo Booth Cut Outs | |||
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| INDOOR ACTIVITIES (Included in Admission) | |||
| *Holiday Vendors | |||
| *Bluegrass Railroad Club Model Trains | |||
| *Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop | |||
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ADDITIONAL FUN (Additional Cost) | |||
| *Photos with Santa ($5 Cash, $6 Card) | |||
| *Camel Rides ($5 per ride) | |||
| *Pony Ride ($3 per ride) | |||
| *Feed the Zoo ($3/carrots, $1/cone) | |||
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| FOOD VENDORS (Additional Cost) | |||
| *Deep Fried Vendor | |||
| *The Original Kettle Korn | |||
| *Sweet Tooth Fairy | |||
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As far as attractions go, the Exotic Petting Zoo was a family favorite. My mother has been hyping up the petting zoo for weeks, boasting about how amazing it is. She practically ran to the tent. As far as I'm concerned a petting zoo is a petting zoo and I've experienced them, end of story. I was wrong (hey, it happens every once in awhile!) This was an exotic petting zoo, and it was awesome. I thought my husband was going to shove a kangaroo in his jacket and run. Did you read that? A kangaroo! Bring extra money to get the carrots and grain filled cones to feed the extremely personable camels, kangaroos, alpacas, goats, even a baby cow.
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We ate before we went, but let me tell you what happens when the sweet smells of goodness from the food stands there hit you! Somehow we ended up with deep fried cheesecake and deep fried Oreo's. Holy. Moly. It was happiness in my mouth. Seriously, is there anything that isn't delicious when deep fried?
| WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW |
Want more information? Visit the Southern Lights event page HERE! |
| Entrance to the lights is through the CAMPGROUND entrance! The address is 3785 Campground Road, Lexington, KY 40511 |
| Open daily from 5:30-10:00 pm through December 31st. (Santa will not be there from December 24th-31st) |
| DRESS WARMLY! I can not stress this enough. Sure the car ride is warm, but if you want to do any of the outdoor activities, layer up. Thankfully you can go in and check out Santa, the model train exhibit and the vendors if you need to warm up. |
| Head out Monday thru Thursday for lighter traffic and discounted admission! |
| The earlier in the season the smaller the crowds. So get up and go... NOW. |
| ADMISSION PRICES (Per Vehicle) | ||||
| Mon - Thurs | Up to 7 ppl | $17.00 | ||
| Friday - Sunday | Up to 7 ppl | $27.00 | ||
| Extended Van or RV | Up to 15 ppl | $37.00 | ||
| Mini Bus | Up to 25 ppl | $65.00 | ||
| School Bus | $80.00 | |||
| Motor Coach | $160.00 | |||
Like this article? Make sure you check out our event calendar.
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