If there’s one thing Frankfort residents and visitors alike enjoy, it’s a festive celebration, says Suzy Hosely, executive director of Downtown Frankfort Inc., the organization behind many of those celebrations.
Now that celebrants have recovered from the ghoulish goings on during the Halloween season, it’s time to turn their attention to a kinder, gentler holiday experience – Christmas in the Capital.
The lineup of Yuletide events has something for everybody. From downtown to Buffalo Trace Distillery, from throwing pots with Santa at Broadway Clay to a high tea at Liberty Hall, it’s time to embrace the happiest season of the year.
No Rain on this Parade:
Frankfort’s Christmas Parade gets the celebration started (December 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.), so better start staking out your viewing spot early.
This will be the 77th time the elaborately decorated floats have rolled, and this year’s Grand Prize winner will get the ultimate stocking stuffer – a check for $1,000 to be donated to the winner’s favorite charity (‘tis the season for giving after all).
While only one can walk away with the grand prize, everyone is a winner at this extravaganza of lights, music and Christmas characters straight out of a story book.
Lights, Cameras and ……. More Lights:
While not as longstanding a tradition as the parade, Buffalo Trace’s “Holidays at the Trace” celebration has a pretty good track record for longevity itself.
This is the 27th year for the festival of lights, featuring thousands of twinkling lights (including a 60-foot-long light tunnel and dozens of themed scenes).
The spectacle can be enjoyed either on foot (reservations required; buffalotracedistillery.com/events/upcoming.html) or in the comfort of your car (no reservations necessary), and there is no charge just for looking.
The drive-through experience is available nightly (Dec. 4-31); the walking tour of the lights is over three weekends (Dec. 4-7; Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21).
Visitors can upgrade their experience, but only if they are over 21 and have been nice all year. If so, they can opt for the distillery’s “Cocktails and Cheer.” At $25 per person, it combines the lights tour with three winter cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace brands along with a souvenir cup, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream minis and a tote bag to tote them home in.
Calling All Elves:
Downtown Frankfort, Inc. is encouraging shopping locally this Christmas with the return of fan favorite Frankie the Elf. Word has it that Frankie has already left the North Pole with an expected arrival date in Frankfort of December 1st.
Each day from December 1-12, Downtown Frankfort, Inc. will share a photo of the mischievous elf along with a clue to his whereabouts. The astute person who is the first to find Frankie’s hiding place will win a prize or gift card from that participating business.
“The Elf on the Shelf Challenge brings a little extra magic to downtown each holiday season,” says Downtown Frankfort’s Hosley.
“It’s a fun interactive way for families and visitors to explore our shops, discover new favorites and support local businesses during the most festive time of the year.”
Practice that Pinky Raise:
What is the Christmas season without a formal Christmas Tea? Start now getting your pinky raising skills down pat in time for Liberty Hall’s Christmas Tea (December 13th at 2:00 p.m.)
Something else you will have to do early is get your reservation in ($40 per person) as the intimate tea will be limited to 40 guests who will have the opportunity to experience the holiday season in the same grand style as Liberty Hall’s original owners, the Brown family, would have in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
The Best of the Rest:
Locals and visitors alike will have no lack of fun and festive activities to choose from this holiday season whatever their interests may be.
Want to make a Christmas wreath of fresh greens (magnolia, rosemary, eucalyptus and morel)? Then just sign up for the Kentucky Flower Market’s workshop on December 6th.
After this session, your door will be the envy of all your neighbors.
Perhaps you would prefer joining Santa in making ceramic pots to gift your friends with this Christmas. You can become one of Jolly Old St. Nick’s helpers on December 12th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Broadway Clay and do just that.
What would Christmas be without those treasured family photos? Make sure you have yours by stopping in at Completely Kentucky December 7th from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. for a session with Galaxi Photography…. you can even bring your furry best friend along for the photo shoot.
Finally, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a Christmas Market and Frankfort has one to tempt savvy shoppers wanting to avoid the Big Box stores and Amazon this year.
Franklin County Farmers Market will hold its Holiday Market on December 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Riverview Park.
In addition to all the produce for those holiday meals, this market will feature giftable items such as wreaths, ornaments, jewelry, pottery, candles and soaps.
