At the 27th annual Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park, a colorful illuminated exhibit depicts racehorses breaking from the starting gate at Lexington’s world-famous Keeneland Race Course, their jockeys crouched low as they coax the high-spirited Thoroughbreds to victory in a city known known as the Horse Capital of the World.
The awe-inspiring scene is just one of 220 themed light displays that unfold along this four-mile driving tour.
Non-equestrian displays such as “Disney Princesses,” “Jurassic Park” and “The Wizard of Oz” also are big hits, but it’s the horses that make this light show a one-of-kind event.
The park’s beloved Hall of Champions—think of it as an equestrian retirement home for racing royalty—is also portrayed in lights, capturing the strength and beauty of stars like Funny Cide, the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner.
So now your little buckaroo or cowgirl wants a pony for Christmas, right? Tell the tyke it won’t fit in Santa’s sleigh, but he or she can ride one at Animal Land (a petting zooin past years) after the tour. If the child is inclined to travel like the Three Wise Men, riding a camel is another option.
Admission $25 per vehicle.
Kids will be chomping at the bit to return to check out the equestrian complex’s four museums and see the Parade of Breeds, a demonstration that showcases horse breeds from around the world.
