Kathy Hilt
Its Christmastime and theseKentucky townsare not shy about showing their holiday spirit.
Expect town squares dressed to the holiday nines and local restaurants with merry, seasonal menus.
Paducah
Kathy Witt
InPaducah, small, local businesses drum up big holiday magic.
Credit:Kathy Hilt
The Paducah arts community also pulls out the stops.
Don’t miss Santa at the annual Christmas in the Park at Noble Park.
He arrives the day after Thanksgiving by horse-drawn carriage to officially light up the park at the free event.
Credit:Kathy Witt
London also celebrates the season with its annual 84-foot tree in Town Center Park.
In the last week of December, the winners of theLights Around Londonare announced.
Businesses and residents compete all month long to see who has the best Christmas lights.
Credit:Kathy Witt
Visitors can enjoy lavish light displays on the driving tour and vote for the best.
This tour has raised thousands of dollars for Londons Shop with a Cop program.
Both downtown restaurants decorate lavishly for Christmas.
Credit:Kathy Witt
Settle in for a long winters nap atBluebird Studio; its trimmed trees and wreaths create a subtle elegance.
On Dec. 7, Santa arrives during the annual Bardstown Kiwanis Clubs Christmas Parade.
Learn about traditional Victorian-era Christmas customs like thehistory of the Christmas pickleand that of Krampus who punished bad children.
Credit:Kathy Witt
Travel through different time periods celebrating Christmas, from colonial times to the Roaring Twenties.
In Shaker Village, home of the largest restored Shaker community in America, it’s a holiday extravaganza.
you could also stop by the Elf Shop and create a holiday craft.
Credit:Kathy Witt
Join a Candlelight Tour of the Village and learn about the holiday traditions of the Shakers.
Explore beautifully decorated homes on the afternoon of Dec. 3 during theWomans Club Holiday Tour of Homes.
Stay overnight on Main Street atThe Hammack Moore House B&Bto be in the middle of the magic.
Credit:Kathy Witt
CatchScuba Santas Water Wonderlandat the Newport Aquarium.
