Bardstown has long been known as the Bourbon Capitol of Kentucky (and the World). But could it now be aiming for the title of Kentucky’s Capital of Christmas?
It could, according to Stacey Phelps, President of Visit Bardstown, who says, “there’s a special kind of magic that settles over Bardstown when the holiday season arrives. “With this holiday magic coupled with a perfect mix of southern charm and timeless tradition, we have started referring to Bardstown as the North Pole of Kentucky.”
When they talk about tradition, they mean it. Some of the town’s most popular events are those of long standing, such as the one that kicks it all off.
Light Up Bardstown will be held November 28th with a festival of lights and a brand new Christmas tree as the star of the show. Santa and Mrs. Claus never miss this one, so be sure you don’t either.
Don’t be in any rush to leave town as November 29th sees one of the season’s most attended events – Shop Local Saturday. Bardstown’s one-of-a-kind boutiques, local restaurants, bourbon bars and holiday markets all offer plenty of seasonal surprises that you won’t find at those Big Box stores and chain dining and drinking spots.
You won’t have to wait long after tree lighting and local shopping for the one Christmas staple that no one wants to miss. The Annual Christmas Parade (December 4th) always has a surprise or two in store. Each year, the floats get more elaborate, so stake out your spot early to watch them roll by. Still not tired of parading? Bardstown’s neighbor community, Bloomfield, has its own holiday parade the first Saturday in December (this year December 6th). The parade is part of a larger festival which features fun activities such as a chili supper, bake-off, eating contest (sure to be a hit) and a Vendor Village.
It might be difficult to choose between a Bloomfield holiday celebration and one also scheduled for December 6th when Bernheim Forest holds its Holiday Open House. The doors will be open at the Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and guests will have the opportunity to shop for handcrafted gifts from Kentucky artisans while enjoying refreshments and live holiday music by Silver Strings. As an extra bonus, there will be hourly drawings for prizes.
If you thought you were all paraded out, you would be wrong as you can still catch New Haven’s Christmas Parade on December 7th beginning at 5:15 p.m.
And don’t fret….the Bourbon Capital of the World hasn’t forgotten the bourbon lovers. The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience will hold its popular Holiday on the Hill on December 11th, and two days later on December 13th, Lux Row Distillers will counter with Deck the Row, where holiday music and cocktails are featured along with a light display in the rickhouse.
Of course, all of Bardstown’s favorite Christmas-style celebrations will be back as My Old Kentucky Home State Park will again present An Old Kentucky Christmas Carol tour throughout the month of December, and perennial favorite My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is gearing up for the holidays. Both adults and kids will be delighted at the prospect of a ticket on either the Santa Express or the North Pole Express.
But Bardstown is never content to rest on its laurels, especially when it comes to the holiday season. This year will see some new additions to the festive landscape….well, actually some former favorites that are staging a comeback.
The Christmas Carnival in the Park returns for a second year after its spectacular debut last Christmas. It’s back to My Old Kentucky Home when the grounds of the park embrace the season with a two-day winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday attractions. Proceeds from the event (December 6th& 7th, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.) are funneled back to the community.
Also, back following a brief hiatus is the popular Christmas Tour of Homes (another one for December 6th, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.)
“We are thrilled to welcome the Christmas season to Downtown Bardstown,” says Randi Mouser, executive director of the Downtown Bardstown Main Street Program. “Our downtown will be magical; our shops and attractions are ready, and we can’t wait to share the season with you.” That season being the Happiest Time of the Year in what may very well be Kentucky’s Christmas Capital.
For more information on all of Bardstown’s holiday events, go to visitbardstown.com.