Moonshine, mistletoe, ‘Mutton Busting,’ Maker’s Mark and one million lights

Oct. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- This community of 5,539 located in the heart of Kentucky may be tiny, but its annual holiday lights spectacle can only be described as ginormous: Santa Claus Land spreads over three acres of lighted walking paths and glows with illumination from more than 1 million lights and hundreds of holiday displays, including giant stars, wreaths and more. Lebanon will be bursting at the seams with Christmas spirit during its Heart of Kentucky Holiday Festival Happenings beginning Nov. 23. Click http://www.VisitLebanonKy.com to see all the fun.

A Dickens of a good time
Ruley’s Santa Claus Land with its 1 million lights gets a jump on the celebration with a Nov. 22 opening and running through Jan. 1. The official holiday kick-off happens on at 5:30 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 23, with Dickens Christmas on Main, an old-fashioned holiday event with the lighting of the Christmas tree, strolling carolers, live nativity, chili cook-off, refreshments, carriage and pony rides and trackless train rides. At 7 p.m., the Dickens Christmas Parade featuring Santa Claus gets underway, followed by visits and photos at Joe’s Deli on Main.

If the 1 million lights of Santa Claus Land aren’t quite enough, plan to visit Christmas in the Park (nightly Nov. 23-Jan. 2), either by foot or by car, to see this winter wonderland of lights and decorations.

Christmas pomp and pageantry
Yuletide melodrama unfolds during “A Newer Old-Fashioned Christmas,” presented at 8 p.m. on Nov. 23, 24 and 30 and Dec. 1 by Kentucky Classic Theatre. A dastardly villain, a swooning heroine and a plot pulled straight out of the silent movie era – will the dashing hero arrive in time to save the day . . . or does he have other intentions? Mayhem is afoot during this Holiday Festival production that includes a pre-show. Tickets ($7/adults, $5/kids ages 5-12, free kids under 5) are available from the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission office.

Also on Dec. 1, Christmas in the Country takes place in neighboring Bradfordsville, an
old-fashioned down-home Christmas celebration that includes a community parade, ham and turkey supper and Christmas scenes and music from local performers at the Performing Arts Center.

Maker’s Mark, ‘Moonshine and Mistletoe’
Enjoy Moonshine & Mistletoe at Limestone Branch Distillery, Nov. 23-Dec. 2, during this
open house with refreshments and a chance to meet the Master Distiller. Maker’s Mark Distillery hosts a candlelight tour of the historic distillery and charming 1850s Victorian village from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 8. You can also take a free tour of the Kentucky Cooperage to see the art of barrel making.

More merriment than you can shake a stocking at
Take the kids “mutton busting” – a.k.a. sheep riding – watch bull-riding contests and visit with Santa at the indoor XB Arena. Take it outdoors with a visit to Serenity Farm Alpacas Holiday Open House for a free farm tour and a chance to do some Christmas shopping at the country store.

Christmas concerts, home tours, a Christmas Crafters Market & Bakery (Dec. 2) with lots of homemade goodies and artisans from across Kentucky and . . . a parachuting Santa (Dec. 2). For a tiny community, Lebanon bursts at the seams with Christmas spirit. Click into http://www.VisitLebanonKy.com and its Upcoming Events.


MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicky Reynolds, Director@VisitLebanonKy.com, 270-692-0021
Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission, http://www.VisitLebanonKy.com

HI- and LOW-RES photos available.

ABOUT LEBANON, KY | Geographically located in the center of the state, this community of 5,539 is the heart of Kentucky and the epicenter of barrel and bourbon making. Major attractions include the Kentucky Cooperage, the new Limestone Branch Distillery and Maker’s Mark Distillery. Incorporated as a city in 1815, Lebanon played a crucial role during the Civil War and is today on the Civil War Discovery Trail, which includes Lebanon’s National Cemetery, final resting place of many Union soldiers killed on Kentucky’s bloodiest battlefield in 1862 at the Battle of Perryville. Outdoor recreation options include the newly expanded Gorley Naturalist Trail at Fagan Branch Reservoir, Marion County Quilt Trail and several farm tours; indoors there is the Stillhouse Art Museum, Sisters of Loretto Motherhouse and the new Whitemoon Winery. Accommodations include the gracious circa 1833 Myrtledene Bed and Breakfast, plus hotels including the Hampton Inn, cabins and an RV Park. Shop for antiques, collectibles and handmade crafts. Dine at your choice of 40 restaurants. Facebook.com/VisitLebanon