Discover Kentucky’s Charming Small Towns for a Magical Holiday Getaway

This holiday season, bring joy into your life with a trip to Kentucky’s beautiful small towns where guests and locals alike can participate in festive traditions and cozy celebrations.

© Nicholas Reece Photography

Maysville

Visiting Maysville during the holiday season is like taking a step into a Hallmark movie. Kick off your festive trip with a visit to the Christmas market. This market comes alive with live music, handmade arts and crafts, baked goods, and delicious bites from local food vendors. After the market, keep the magic alive with a stop at Old Washington Historic District, where the charm of a 1700s village offers nostalgic holiday cheer.

Covington

Check out Mainstrasse Village during the holiday season to see what a 19^th-century Germantown wonderland is like. Every holiday season, the village undergoes a magical transformation into Mainstrasse Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market that captures the spirit of the season. This village features German-inspired shops, delicious treats and entertainment, as well as plenty of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Guests can stroll through the market stalls and maybe even pick up last-minute handcrafted gifts, ornaments or decorations. Enjoy delicious traditional German treats like bratwurst, pretzels, sweet pastries and mulled wine.

© Georgetown Tourism

Georgetown

Georgetown puts on a spectacle during the holiday season. Here, you can be whisked away into a quaint and joyful Christmas town. Find last-minute gifts at the one-of-a-kind, locally owned shops and boutiques lining Main Street, at Georgetown Antique Mall, Heirlooms & Gretchen’s stained-glass studio, Birdsong Quilting, Hockensmith’s Fine Art Editions Gallery and many more.

Berea

Experience the magic of the season in the charming small town of Berea, known for its rich Appalachian heritage and arts community. Berea transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive holiday lights and handmade ornaments at every corner. Stroll along  Old Town Artisan Village, marvel at unique creations from local craftspeople and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Spend your nights at historic Boone Tavern Hotel for caroling and other special performances.

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Bardstown

Known as “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown transforms into a winter wonderland, blending classic Southern hospitality with holiday traditions. Check out the annual “Merry & Bright” celebration at My Old Kentucky Home, which invites visitors to enjoy Christmas magic in one of Kentucky’s most historic landmarks. The town also hosts festive parades, one-of-a-kind shopping and holiday-themed tours highlighting the town’s historic landmarks.

Grand Rivers

Head to Grand Rivers this holiday season for small-town charm and scenic views. Visitors won’t want to miss Patti’s Festival of Lights, an event that illuminates the town with more than 1.5 million twinkling lights. Bundle up and stroll through the decorated Patti’s 1880’s Settlement while soaking up light displays, festive wreaths and holiday scenes.