FRANKFORT, Ky. — Christmas is just around the corner, but the folks at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort are already getting into the holiday spirit.

What You Need To Know

  • Buffalo Trace Distillery is hosting its 25th Annual Lighting of the Trace Nov. 30 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

  • Drive through tours are from Dec. 1 through Christmas Day every night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

  • Grounds crew at the distillery begin placing light features around Halloween and it takes a month to set up

  • There are over 60 displays and around 100,000 light bulbs

The award-winning distillery will host its 25th Annual Lighting of the Trace Thursday, Nov. 30 with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. According to its website, carols and holiday stories begin at 5:30 p.m. with the official program starting at 6:30 p.m. Pictures and cookies with Santa will also be available.

Dennis Walsh is the homespace manager of the distillery grounds and said the lights display itself has nearly 100,000 lights. Crews started preparing for this annual event around Halloween.

“Over 60 displays over 130 items that we have to set up. As far as lighting, we wrap trees, so we start that and it usually takes about a month. This year we’re a little ahead of schedule, we managed to get pretty much everything in place within three weeks,” Walsh said.

Walsh said the mild weather has helped them work ahead of schedule. He advises to arrive at the distillery ahead of time on Nov. 30.

Anyone who cannot make it to the “Lighting of the Trace” event can drive through the facility and still see the light display. Drive throughs begin Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. From Dec. 1 through Christmas Day, drive through light tours occur from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Buffalo Trace Distillery staff members will be on site to help guide drivers through the distillery.

Visitors should enter through the main distillery entrance near the “Come see the lights” display. All events are free.

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