Kentucky is a state that loves the water; this is well-known. From paddling in the Houseboat Capital of the World to exploring the state’s beautiful beaches and resplendent rivers, there’s no shortage of water-bound fun to be had in the Bluegrass State. But did you know that there’s an island in Kentucky? And not just any old island: a Christmas island. Each winter at Kentucky’s one and only island, there’s a holiday event that positively dazzles. Christmas Island at General Burnside State Park is a wholly unique, only-in-Kentucky attraction that absolutely belongs on your holiday bucket list.
Burnside, Kentucky, is a beautiful slice of Bluegrass paradise. Located right along lovely Lake Cumberland, Burnside offers visitors unrivaled access to an abundance of outdoor recreation.
Kentucky State Parks
Within this lovely locale, you’ll find the eponymous General Burnside Island State Park, a 400-acre oasis that’s Kentucky’s one and only island park.
General Burnside Island State Park/Facebook
And it’s on this island where holiday magic happens each year.
Kentuckyliving.com
Since the ’90s, Burnside’s Christmas Island has dazzled and delighted Kentuckians. This Kentucky State Park is decked to the nines in thousands of bright, twinkling lights and whimsical holiday displays.
Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB/Facebook
Christmas Island happened for several years; but in the late 2010s, Kentucky State Parks sold the lights, and the future of this beloved event hung in the balance.
Burnside Tourism/Facebook
So Burnside pivoted, decking its delightful downtown streets with festive decorations and twinkly lights.
General Burnside Island State Park/Facebook
Yet it just wasn’t the same, until…
Burnside Tourism/Facebook
…now. It’s the season of Christmas miracles; and this year, Christmas Island is back in Burnside, Kentucky. Sponsored by Cumberland Lake Shell, Christmas Island promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB/Facebook
This event runs nightly Nov. 18, 2022 through Dec, 31 2022, from 5-9 p.m. Tickets start at $20 per car, more for larger vehicles, so pile up the family minivan, crank up the Christmas tunes, and get ready to delight in this time-honored holiday tradition in Kentucky!
Celebration Lighting KY/Facebook
Did you know about this Christmas island in Kentucky? What a marvelous place — and event! Christmas Island at General Burnside State Park happens nightly from 5-11 p.m. from Nov. 18, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2022, and admission starts at $20/vehicle. Learn more about this event at the City of Burnside website. If you’d like to see more of the stunning Christmas light displays that are available in Kentucky, try out our Christmas lights road trip! Do you have a favorite place to visit in Kentucky during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!
Kentucky State Parks
General Burnside Island State Park/Facebook
Kentuckyliving.com
Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB/Facebook
Burnside Tourism/Facebook
Celebration Lighting KY/Facebook
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Address: General Burnside Island State Park, 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas In Kentucky November 02, 2022 William Suphan What are the most magical Christmas towns in Kentucky? The various towns of Kentucky really love to show their Christmas spirit and become wonderful holiday destinations. The locally beloved Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers gets lit up with bright Christmas lights and hosts holiday events full of whimsy, like the Ugly Holiday Sweater Night Booze and Brush where locals have a few libations and paint together, all while decked out in their favorite ugly sweater. The charming little town of Bardstown becomes bedecked with festive lights and hosts My Old Kentucky Dinner Train where one can visit several celebrations at local historical sites. What are the holiday traditions that are unique to Kentucky? In Kentucky, people have their own way of doing things, and that sense of fun certainly shows during the holidays. While fruitcake is a Christmas staple almost everywhere, Kentucky folks like to liven it up with some Kentucky Bourbon, or depending how deep in the Appalachians you get, moonshine. Children all over love to write letters to Santa and mail them, however, Kentucky children throw the letter into the fireplace where it is said to be transported straight to the North Pole. What are the best Christmas light displays in Kentucky? Kentucky knows how to decorate its beautiful places with the best of holiday cheer. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington hosts its annual Southern Lights display where you can drive through the illuminated displays and then join in on various activities at this festival. Light Under Louisville is an underground lights display inside Louisville Mega Cavern. Experience a cave fully decorated with sparkling lights! This is one that shines even during the day!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas In Kentucky
November 02, 2022
William Suphan
What are the most magical Christmas towns in Kentucky? The various towns of Kentucky really love to show their Christmas spirit and become wonderful holiday destinations. The locally beloved Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers gets lit up with bright Christmas lights and hosts holiday events full of whimsy, like the Ugly Holiday Sweater Night Booze and Brush where locals have a few libations and paint together, all while decked out in their favorite ugly sweater. The charming little town of Bardstown becomes bedecked with festive lights and hosts My Old Kentucky Dinner Train where one can visit several celebrations at local historical sites. What are the holiday traditions that are unique to Kentucky? In Kentucky, people have their own way of doing things, and that sense of fun certainly shows during the holidays. While fruitcake is a Christmas staple almost everywhere, Kentucky folks like to liven it up with some Kentucky Bourbon, or depending how deep in the Appalachians you get, moonshine. Children all over love to write letters to Santa and mail them, however, Kentucky children throw the letter into the fireplace where it is said to be transported straight to the North Pole. What are the best Christmas light displays in Kentucky? Kentucky knows how to decorate its beautiful places with the best of holiday cheer. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington hosts its annual Southern Lights display where you can drive through the illuminated displays and then join in on various activities at this festival. Light Under Louisville is an underground lights display inside Louisville Mega Cavern. Experience a cave fully decorated with sparkling lights! This is one that shines even during the day!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The various towns of Kentucky really love to show their Christmas spirit and become wonderful holiday destinations. The locally beloved Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers gets lit up with bright Christmas lights and hosts holiday events full of whimsy, like the Ugly Holiday Sweater Night Booze and Brush where locals have a few libations and paint together, all while decked out in their favorite ugly sweater. The charming little town of Bardstown becomes bedecked with festive lights and hosts My Old Kentucky Dinner Train where one can visit several celebrations at local historical sites.
What are the holiday traditions that are unique to Kentucky?
In Kentucky, people have their own way of doing things, and that sense of fun certainly shows during the holidays. While fruitcake is a Christmas staple almost everywhere, Kentucky folks like to liven it up with some Kentucky Bourbon, or depending how deep in the Appalachians you get, moonshine. Children all over love to write letters to Santa and mail them, however, Kentucky children throw the letter into the fireplace where it is said to be transported straight to the North Pole.
What are the best Christmas light displays in Kentucky?
Kentucky knows how to decorate its beautiful places with the best of holiday cheer. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington hosts its annual Southern Lights display where you can drive through the illuminated displays and then join in on various activities at this festival. Light Under Louisville is an underground lights display inside Louisville Mega Cavern. Experience a cave fully decorated with sparkling lights! This is one that shines even during the day!
