Santa and his reindeer won’t have any trouble finding their way to Frankfort this Christmas, and they won’t even need a GPS.
Not with Buffalo Trace Distillery lighting up the night with its dazzling celebration, “Holidays at the Trace.” Now in its 27th year, it is a seasonal extravaganza of tours, shopping and festive cocktails.
From now through December 31st, visitors to the distillery can make an evening of it – marveling at the lights and décor on either a driving or walking tour, shopping for retail holiday items and experiencing Buffalo Trace’s signature evening event, Spirited Nights, says Cory McCauley, public relations associate manager.
How you see the lights depends on whether you see December as a month for snuggling up with a toddy in the warm glow of a fire or are one to brave the elements and embrace winter in all its glory.
If you are in the former category, you won’t have to put on extra layers as you can view the twinkling lights on the historic grounds from the comfort of your car on a complementary evening tour nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
McCauley cautions, however, that those who choose the car option will only see about a quarter of the more than 20,000 LED lights throughout the entire display.
To see all the lights – including those featured in a 60-foot-long light tunnel and some 70 unique Christmas light installations – visitors will have to layer up and brave the chilly (okay, cold) weather on a walking tour. Don’t worry – you will have a chance to warm up during the stroll with age-appropriate holiday beverages.
Those 21 and over, can enjoy a complimentary tasting of Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, while those who haven’t yet reached legal drinking age can make a stop at the Hot Chocolate Bar.
The Light Trail Experience is also complementary, but reservations are required by going to buffalotracedistillery.com/events/upcoming.html.
The walking tour kicked off the first weekend in December and will also be offered Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21.
Again, if you are 21+ and have been on Santa’s nice list this year, you can gift yourself with an upgraded version of the light tour, “Cocktails & Cheer.”
In addition to the stroll through the lights display, you can also take the Holiday Cocktail Trail where you will receive three winter libations featuring Buffalo Trace brands.
The $25 per person price also includes a Buffalo Trace souvenir cup and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream candies and a Spirited Nights bag to tote your goodies home in.
While you’re looking at the lights and trying a few seasonal cocktails, you can also pick up some Christmas gifts at the distillery’s well-curated gift shop.
Whether it’s brand name apparel (the brand being Weller or Pappy), specialty items such as engraved cocktail kits and bourbon-infused seasonings or the first ever offering of unique wood pieces crafted from bourbon barrels by the distillery’s on-site woodworkers, you’ll find it here.
There’s a reason why Buffalo Trace’s holiday lights have been part of Frankfort’s Christmas celebration for 27 years, according to Tyler Adams, the distillery’s general manager.
“Buffalo Trace has always been a place where people come together to celebrate and the holidays are no different,” he says. “Whether you’re here for the lights, the shopping, or the spirit of the season, we are honored to be part of so many cherished family traditions.”
