6 Kentucky State Parks With Christmas Events Coming Up This Season

You don’t have to wait until after Thanksgiving to see a Kentucky state park decorated for Christmas.

It starts in mid-November, and the season runs well into the new year.

Here are the Kentucky state parks with Christmas events coming up this season, and when each one starts.

1. Waveland State Historic Site

Waveland State Historic Site in Lexington begins its Holiday Teas on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Waveland is a historic site built around a Greek revival house finished in 1848.

Every room, the listing says, is a fairy land with a themed tree, twinkle lights, and flickering candles.

The three-course tea features Elmwood Inn tea, holiday food, and a small keepsake to take home.

A mansion tour on Victorian Christmas traditions finishes the visit.

Tickets cost $45 per person.

You must reserve by calling 859-272-3611.

Regular mansion tours from November through March are by appointment only.

After the last Christmas tea, teas pause until the week of Valentine’s Day.

2. Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill hosts an ornament workshop on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m.

The workshop is in the lobby of the Lewis Caveland Lodge.

Each ornament costs $5 and is a tree cookie made from a tree at the park, with a cup of hot chocolate included.

All crafting materials are provided, and all ages are welcome.

Christmas Cave follows on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, with a festive walk through Cascade Cave decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and holiday displays.

Hours run 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Adults pay $15, children 12 and under pay $10, and Carter County residents pay $12.

You buy tickets at Cascade Cave on the day of the event.

3. My Old Kentucky Home State Park

My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown decorates its mansion for Christmas tours that start Thursday, Nov. 19, and last through Jan. 3.

Six 12-foot Christmas trees fill the house, each with a unique Kentucky theme.

Tours are offered every hour starting at 9 a.m., and the last tour begins at 4 p.m.

Guides in Victorian hoop skirts and tailcoats sing the song “My Old Kentucky Home” as you tour the mansion.

Along the way, you learn the history of the Christmas pickle.

You also hear about Krampus, which the listing calls a bizarre Victorian tradition, and why Victorians sent Christmas cards showing sword-fighting frogs.

The mansion closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

The park’s musical cast also stages An Old Kentucky Christmas Carol on Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is the story, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future lead you from scene to scene.

The Carol tour ends with light refreshments and a Santa meet-and-greet for children.

Carol tickets cost $24 for adults and $15 for children 15 and under.

4. Old Fort Harrod State Park

A Holiday Open House and Winter Encampment fills Old Fort Harrod State Park in Harrodsburg on Saturday, Nov. 21.

You tour the decorated fort and stroll through the winter encampment.

The event is held in conjunction with the lighting of the Christmas tree Forest.

The day brings caroling, complimentary cider, hot cocoa for purchase, and a visit from Santa.

The park describes the fort as a full-scale replica of the one James Harrod built in 1774.

Inside, the cabins and blockhouses are furnished with handmade utensils, furniture, and tools used by the pioneers.

For hours, call 859-734-3314.

5. Kenlake State Resort Park

Kenlake State Resort Park in Hardin, on Kentucky Lake, has Christmas events on two Saturdays, Nov. 21 and Dec. 5.

The Jingle and Mingle Christmas Bazaar comes first, with local artisans selling handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and treats.

Admission is free.

Breakfast With Santa follows in the dining room on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Children 5 and under eat free, ages 6 to 10 pay $5, and everyone 11 and up pays $8, with a soft drink included.

You can color a Christmas picture, decorate cookies, and visit with Santa.

6. Fort Boonesborough State Park

Fort Boonesborough State Park in Richmond opens its fort for 18th Century Christmas at the Fort on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5.

The park describes the site as Kentucky's second settlement.

The fort's regular season runs April 1 through Oct. 31, so these dates fall outside it.

The Friday tour runs from 6 to 9 p.m. by candlelight and bonfires.

The Saturday tour runs from 1 to 4 p.m.

You also visit the fort display cabins, learn about pioneer foods, and make a craft.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with guests, and the 18th Century Tavern has period music, refreshments, snacks, and games.

Adults pay $8, children 6 to 12 pay $5, and children 5 and under pay nothing.