FRANKFORT, Ky. — Buffalo Trace is once again hosting its annual Lighting of the Trace to get into the holiday spirit and this year, it's back in person. 

What You Need To Know

  •  It's the first in person Lighting of the Trace since 2019

  •  The Lighting of the Trace event is Dec. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

  •  There is also a drive-through lights display open to the public from Dec. 1 to Jan 1. 

  • Special nights with Santa are planned for Dec. 8 and 9.

The Lighting of the Trace event is Dec. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. This is the 24th annual Lighting of the Trace, but it's the first time the event is being held in person since 2019.

The event kicks off at 5:30 pm with holiday stories, carols, jolly elves, shopping and more. At 6:30 p.m. the Lighting of the Trace will commence with the Frankfort City Commissioner Kelly May serving as the emcee. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be joining the festivities. Afterwards, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies will be available until 9 p.m. 

The event is free and open to the public, no reservations needed. 

Can't make it to the Lighting of the Trace? You can still drive through the over 100,000 lights in various displays throughout the holiday season at the distillery. From Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, Buffalo Trace hosts a drive-through lights display that is open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is also complimentary and open to the public. Visitors should enter at the main distillery entrance next to the "Come See the Lights" display. 

There will also be special nights for visits with Santa on Dec. 8 and 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Giants Hall on the second floor of the visitor center.

Questions about any of the holiday events can be directed to events@buffalotrace.com. 

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