Every year cities and towns across the Bluegrass State pull out all the stops to celebrate the holidays. Decorations, parades, reindeer; these Kentucky towns will make you feel like you stepped out of reality and into an idyllic, sappy, small-town Christmas movie.  

Maysville is a vibrant town perched on the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky goes full-bore into the season. Events like the Downtown Twilight Christmas Parade which features dozens of festive floats and live music, plus a chance to see and meet Santa Clause himself. In addition to the parade, don’t miss out on the historic Frontier Christmas Festival in the Old Washington neighborhood. The Christmas Market features artisan crafts, farm fresh foods and live music; all nestled amongst some of the regions oldest buildings.  

Further southwest in the commonwealth is another Christmas treasure known as Bowling Green. In the heart of the downtown is Fountain Square Park, which becomes a winter wonderland during the first week of December, will be lit up with numerous light displays that will make an evening stroll a spectacular walk to remember. Be sure to stop by the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) and take in the 25-foot Christmas tree as well as the lights strung up around the adjacent Circus Square Park.  

On the outer edges of Bowling Green proper, there is a farm dedicated to raising a slew of Santa’s helpers in the form of reindeer. Known simply as The Reindeer Farm, this holiday destination invites the public to meet reindeer in person. During December the farm features a petting zoo that includes reindeer and other assorted farm animals, an indoor playground and a whole calendar of Christmas activities 

London is a bustling yet smaller city in the foothills of Appalachia, however every holiday season Londoners make their city hard to miss as they drape Christmas lights on as many rooftops, streetlamps, and tree available.  To go along with the decorations, London fills up its schedule with a huge programmable Christmas tree, Christmas book walk and a bunch of concerts and other festivities.  

On the far west side of Kentucky, also on the Ohio River, in Henderson, a Christmas village springs up in the city’s Central Park. Complete with dazzling decorations, as well as festive entertainment every Saturday in December. Don’t forget to take a walk on Colonial Court, just off Henderson’s Main Street. “Christmas Court,” features a charming cul-de-sac of six white cottages that come alive with coordinated decorations that create a magical, festive atmosphere that delights locals and visitors alike every year.  

This list barely scratches the surface of Kentucky's holiday cheer. Come see for yourself.