Illustration of a snowy street at dusk with glowing string lights on houses and trees and a family and snowman by a fence (Winter Wonderland of Lights)
Christmas Lights

Winter Wonderland of Lights

Visitors can stroll through a 52-acre park and downtown district illuminated by holiday lights. The festival showcases 60 magical displays incorporating more than 800,000 lights centered around the theme Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights.

Nov 16, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027 All ages

Website / Tickets

Browse Christmas in Ashland

Illustration of felt figures in red hats and sweaters sharing mugs of cocoa at a small table near decorated trees Parties1 event Illustration of a small red house and a snowman in a red scarf among snowy trees with glowing warm string lights at dusk Lights6 events Illustration of a snowy holiday market stall with snowmen in knit hats and scarves, pine trees and glowing string lights Markets3 events Illustration of a performer taking a bow under a spotlight between velvet curtains as the audience claps Shows1 event Illustration of a snowy town square with a lit Christmas tree, families in scarves and a snowman Unique & Unusual1 event MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides: $4 per person. No general admission price is stated.

Hours

Light display: dusk to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; dusk to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Train rides: 6 p.m. on listed dates. Santa visits: 6 to 9 p.m. on listed dates.

Neighborhood

Downtown Ashland

Food & Drink

Pizza is part of Karaoke and Pizza with Santa on December 10, an event for children in grades K–6.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Central Park and Downtown Ashland · Ashland, KY Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and glowing

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Go on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between November 20 and December 20 if you want the Express train ride and a Santa visit on the same night.
  • Bring your own camera or phone to Visits with Santa at the Central Park Log House, because families are welcome to take their own pictures.
  • Head downtown on Tuesday, November 24, for the Annual Christmas Parade, which follows this year's Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights theme.
  • Visit on a Friday or Saturday night if you want more time, because the light display stays open an hour later than it does Sunday through Thursday.
  • Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, because you'll be walking outdoors through a 52-acre park and the downtown district after dark.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Opening Night Ceremony on Monday, November 16, at the Central Park Bandstand.
  • Annual Christmas Parade downtown on Tuesday, November 24, themed "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights."
  • Express Train Rides and Visits with Santa on select Friday-to-Sunday weekends from November 20 through December 20.
  • Karaoke and Pizza with Santa for grades K–6 on Thursday, December 10, at the Transportation Center.
  • New theme this season: "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights."

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this year's theme?

The 2026 theme is "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights." The Annual Christmas Parade downtown follows the same theme.

Can the kids visit Santa?

Yes. Santa is at the Central Park Log House on November 20–22 and 27–29 and on December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20. You may take your own pictures.

Is there a train ride?

Yes. The Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides leave from Central Park & 22nd Street on the same dates Santa is in. Tickets are sold per person.

Is there anything just for school-age kids?

Karaoke and Pizza with Santa is on Thursday, December 10, at the Transportation Center (99 15th St.). It's for children in grades K–6 and is held with the Ashland Bus System.

How can local businesses take part?

Businesses can enter the Business Decorating Contest. Applications are due December 4, and judging runs December 8–20. A separate application is available for groups who want to be in the parade.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: