The Bourbon Trail at Christmas-time
Bardstown and Elizabethtown offer Christmas celebrations that pair well with a Bourbon Trail trip, though Bardstown provides a more comprehensive and directly integrated experience. Several distilleries in the region also decorate for the holidays.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, a hub of the Bourbon Trail, leans into the holiday spirit with events that can be combined with distillery tours and tastings.
Distillery-specific events
Festive distillery visits: Numerous distilleries in the area get into the holiday spirit. Some, like Barton's 1792 Distillery, have offered special "Making Spirits Bright" tours. Other distilleries, such as Maker's Mark, are known for their beautiful holiday decorations.
Heaven Hill: This distillery has held a "Holiday on the Hill" event in December, which is an open-house type holiday event, sometimes with a ticketed add-on experience.
Holiday tastings: Many local distilleries provide bourbon tastings in a festive and cozy atmosphere, a perfect way to warm up during the winter.
Town-wide celebrations
Light Up Bardstown: This annual event officially kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the town Christmas tree and other downtown decorations.
Small-town Christmas: As a noted "Christmassy" town, Bardstown is filled with holiday decorations and shops where you can find unique gifts.
North Pole Express: The My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers holiday-themed train rides on Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Elizabethtown offers traditional, family-friendly Christmas celebrations, which you can easily combine with a Bourbon Trail excursion.
Town-wide celebrations
Christmas in the Park: A holiday tradition in Elizabethtown, this light display can be viewed from your car or a "Holly Jolly Trolley".
Santa visits: The city has hosted visits with Santa at Walker Square downtown, which includes photo opportunities.
Holiday-themed dining: For those visiting around the holidays, OpenTable lists many restaurants in Elizabethtown that are open on Christmas Day.
Planning your trip
Book ahead: Distillery tours can sell out months in advance, especially during the busy holiday season. It is crucial to book your visits and events early to ensure availability.
Consider closures: Some distilleries, like James B. Beam, are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. It's wise to check the holiday hours for any distillery you plan to visit.
Focus your itinerary: For a holiday-themed Bourbon Trail trip, centering your stay in or near Bardstown will give you the most integrated experience. Combine a festive distillery tour with one of the town's holiday events for a complete winter holiday package.
[this writing provided by Google AI]
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