Selected as one of Kentucky Tourism Council's Top 10 Events.

The Holiday Spirit brings to mind images of hot chocolate brewing on the stove, warming cold fingers by the fireplace, and spending time with family and friends as the Season, with its parties and events, marches towards us each year. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays - of cool nights in the company of friends, the Kentucky Horse Park once more presents; "Southern Lights; Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights."

Guest to the Park begin their evening by taking a driving tour of the Horse Park grounds. Along the way, lavish light displays remind visitors of the splendor and traditions of the Season. Swans dive and swim gracefully on the surface of a lit pond, toy soldiers stand at attention as visitors drive by and a gingerbread house opens its doors to invite the imagination in to sit for a while.

Brightly lit tunnels, arches and snowflakes guide visitors along a pathway toward animated horse races, a steeplechase, and the towers and spires of Churchill Downs. In a flash of light and color, life-like horses rush toward guests, reminding them of the majesty and beauty of horses - the pride of the Bluegrass Region.

This year "Southern Lights" features new displays, along with old favorites, to delight guests. Galloping horses in brilliant light will add to the equine sites along the path, and a hugh re-creation of the Star Wars saga piques the fantasies of every child and adult.

Inside the Park, visitors can leave their cars behind and enter the warm and inviting Visitor's Information Center every night, with the exception of Thanksgiving, until December 23. The building will be decorated with Holiday wreaths in distinctive designs, created by craftsmen and women from around the Commonwealth.

Seasonal entertainment will be offered for enjoyment, including local choirs, arts and crafts shows and carolers of every kind. Children's favorite holiday movies will play, and hot chocolate will be offered to warm fingers chilled by the frosty air.

The International Museum of the Horse, and the Winner's Circle Gift Shop will also be open until December 23. The Museum's regular exhibits will be open, along with animated holiday figures to add to the holiday cheer. Model train buffs will find a particular treat in the Museum Gallery as a model railroad display, complete with working bells and whistles, graces every wall of the gallery. With the wide selection of equine-related and other gift items offered at the Winner's Circle Gift Shop, shoppers can complete their holiday gift list in one quick stoop, at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Southern Lights; Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights," has been designed to appeal to every age group -from 1 to 92. It represents the best that Kentucky's famous Bluegrass Region has to offer in southern hospitality, and holiday cheer.