Department of Parks
Holiday Events Planned At Kentucky State Parks
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Candlelight tours, lights and decorations, open houses and children’s activities are all part of the holiday events planned at Kentucky State Parks for the holiday season.
State parks are a great place for holiday gatherings in November and December. All 17 resort parks have restaurants and state parks gift shops that offer unique gift ideas.
Here is a listing of state parks with dates and event information for the holiday season. For more details about state parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov:
Barren River State Resort Park, Lucas
Brunch with the Grinch-Dec. 15
Celebrate a fun filled morning with everyone’s favorite green character – The Grinch. A continental breakfast along with crafts will be on the agenda. Brunch begins at 10 a.m. CST and pre-registration is required by calling 1-800-325-0057, ext. 2004.
Big Bone Lick State Park, Union
Santa Claus - Dec. 9
Santa Claus is taking some time out from all the work at the North Pole to visit Big Bone Lick State Park on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 1-3 p.m. in the Visitor’s Center. Everyone is invited to get your picture taken with Santa and receive a free treat. This event is free to the public. Parents should bring a camera to take pictures of their children with Santa. For information, call the park at 859-384-3522.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Holiday Dinner Theater – Dec. 14-15
Join Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park for an evening of food and entertainment! Awarded as one of Kentucky’s top ten winter tourism events, visitors are treated to an all you can eat buffet featuring roast beef carved on the line, catfish, and many more of the Blue Licks favorites. Then sit back and enjoy “An Appalachian Gatherin’” by Dick “Richard” Albin. Performances on Friday and Saturday night. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. for dinner with the performance at approximately 7:30 p.m. Prices are $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 6 – 12, $5.95 for children under 6. Call 1-800-443-7008 for reservations.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Buckhorn Lake Open House- Dec. 8
Experience the joy of the season with Buckhorn Lake's Open House. Special activities planned throughout the day, including a visit from Santa and the making of Christmas crafts. Enjoy homemade cookies with hot apple cider. The park will be decorated in holiday decor for your enjoyment as well. Shop at the park gift shop. Call 1-606-398-7510 or 1-800-325-0058 for times.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
Holiday Open House – Dec. 1
Visit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holidays at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park. Have a visit with Santa, enjoy making some Holiday crafts, win door prizes, and help yourself to cookies and punch. Call 1-800-325-2282.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville
Holiday Open House at Sawyer Dog Park
There will be a Holiday Open House at the Sawyer Dog Park at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature the Flying Houndz in action, free holiday treat bags for your pooch, a cake walk with lots of prizes, Pooch Pictures, and much, much more! Refreshments will be served. This is a free event and open to the public, however donations will be accepted. For more information, contact Nikki Boyd at (502) 429-7270 or visit www.louisvilledogs.com
Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg
Fort Harrod Holiday Special – Nov. 16-17
Old Fort Harrod State Park is hosting its annual Holiday Special on Nov 16 – 17, 2007. Stroll through the front grounds of Old Fort Harrod State Park where over 1000 luminaries will guide your way. Step back in time and enjoy a candlelit tour of the 18th century fort replica that is complete with furnished cabins, blockhouses and a unique state park gift shop stocked with great items. For additional shopping, hand crafted artisans will have their merchandise set up inside the cabins. Santa Claus will await all visitors, young and old, and your visit will not be complete without enjoying the sounds of holiday music, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. The Holiday Special is the perfect way to begin your holiday season and holiday shopping. The Holiday Special hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets may be purchased at the Fort. Adult prices are $3; children 6 through 12 are $2, and children under age 6 are admitted free. For more information, call the park at 859-734-9614 or 734-3314.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Winter Wonderfest Day (Dec. 1) and Festival of Trees, Dec. 1-31
Santa has promised to join us for breakfast. Make plans to have breakfast with us on Saturday, Dec. 1, and take in the special activities planned throughout the morning and early afternoon. Also a traditional holiday concert in the Lodge Lounge will conclude the day. The Festival of Trees is on display throughout the month of December. 1-866-462-8853.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Holiday Open House –Dec. 1-2
Experience the joys and happiness of the holiday season with our Greenbo Lake Open House. There will be holiday caroling, holiday bazaar, many beautiful seasonal trees and decorations, all provided by the Greenup County Homemakers. A festive and joyous occasion for the entire family with lots of holiday treats to sample. 1-800-325-0083.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Christmas Paper Mache' Santa-Dec. 4 and Dec. 6
Design a unique one of a kind paper mache' Santa just in time for Christmas. No experience needed and beginners are welcome. Adults and students 12 and up, if accompanied by an adult. Fee of $35 includes class and all materials needed. Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Dec. 4 and 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wear old clothes and pre-registration is required. For more information or registration contact Kim McGrew at (270) 827-1893.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Holiday Decorating Day – Dec. 15
Join us as we ring in the holidays. We’ll create and decorate holiday crafts, and maybe make something special for our wildlife friends. 1-4 p.m. at the Audubon Museum. Contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov for more information.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Santa’s at Audubon-Dec. 8
Santa's coming to our Christmas Party at the Audubon Museum. Children ages 3-6 are invited to bring their Mom's or grandma's and come for a Christmas party with art, story time and treats from Santa. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $5. (Ages 3-6) For information or registration contact Kim McGrew at (270)827-1893.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Holiday Ornaments- Dec. 1
Hey kids, are you ready to pizzazz up that tree? Let's get together on Saturday, Dec.1, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. to paint and decorate ornaments just in time for Christmas. Fee includes 2 ornaments and materials. Wear old clothes. For students ages 6-8, pre-registration is required. For more info or registration contact Kim McGrew at (270)827-1893.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Hardin
Holiday in the Park / Open House-Dec. 9
Bring the kids out to enjoy the Christmas trees decorated by area homemaker groups in the upper lobby and vote for your favorite one. Watch the kid's eyes light up with a visit from SANTA! Crafts and pictures with Santa. Cookies with punch will be available. 1-800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 8
Start a new tradition or continue one by having breakfast with Santa this morning. Visit with Santa and have your picture or a button made, and receive a goodie bag. After breakfast, make a craft, visit our gift shop or make a family portrait by our 8-foot Holiday Wreath. 1-800-325-0146.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown
Christmas Candlelight Tours, Nov. 23-24; Nov. 30, Dec. 1; Dec. 7-8
Sample the elegant past during the annual Christmas Candlelight Tours at My Old Kentucky Home. Holly, pine and fruit garlands, magnolia, and the glow of candlelight adorn the mansion in splendid 1800s fashion. Elaborate period holiday costumes, music and traditional refreshments make your visit even more memorable.
Candlelight tours are held Fridays and Saturdays for the three weekends following Thanksgiving. Hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m., Eastern time. Admission is $5.50 for adults; $5 for seniors; $3.50 for children ages 6-12 and under 6 are free. Group rates available. Call 1-800-323-7803.
Old Mulkey Meeting House State Historic Site
Holiday in the Park-Dec. 20
Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site will host a “Holiday in the Park” on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 5-8 p.m. This event will include a driving tour of the park, a visit with Santa, caroling, and a wreath contest. It’s being held in cooperation with the Monroe Arts Council and the Monroe County Board of Education Community Education Department. The deadline for submitting a wreath is Dec. 14. For more information, call the park office at 270-487-8481.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Santa Visits the Park – Dec. 8
When Santa visits the park he spreads cheer everywhere. Join us for this special day of fun and activities! Noon-4 p.m. – holiday crafts - $20 fee for all crafts; from 5-7 p.m. photos with Santa; from 5-8 p.m. Buffet dining. Registration deadline for crafts is Dec. 3. Participants receive a 10 percent lodging discount. Call 1-800-325-1711.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Rough River Winter Wonderland-Nov. 29
Bring in the holiday season with us! View our Christmas tree lighting, lighting of over 50 different displays throughout the campground and park, and of course, Santa Claus! Local choirs will be present singing Christmas Carols, and hot chocolate and coffee will be provided to keep you warm. The event is free of charge although donations are accepted for the lighting displays and a canned food box will also be on site for donations for the needy. 1-800-325-1713.
Waveland State Historic Site, Lexington
Christmas at Waveland, Dec. 8-9
Each Christmas, Waveland is decked out in full holiday regalia of the 1850's. Candle lanterns illuminate the paths and Christmas carolers dressed in period clothing take you back to Christmas Past. The dining table is filled with an assortment of Christmas finger food and holiday drink. This event has become a cherished holiday tradition. 1-859-272-3611.
White Hall State Historic Site, Richmond
A Victorian Christmas-Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Did you know that certain popular practices celebrated in the Holiday season actually date back to the Victorian Era? Decorated trees with lights and blown glass ornaments, seasonal cards and even commercialism all became popularized when Queen Victoria reigned over Great Britain. Visit White Hall in all of its holiday splendor to learn about these holiday practices. Event time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fee: $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Group rates available for 10 or more. Call 1-859-623-9178.
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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov