It is no surprise that Kentucky Lake is a favorite summer destination. You may be surprised to learn that Christmastime is also a favorite time of year to visit as well.
The Christmas Lights at Pattis are a must see during the holiday time. Add a Badgett Playhouse Christmas show, beautiful sunsets, and more to plan the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Here are seven reasons to plan your weekend visit to Kentucky Lake in November or December –
Santa and Christmas Lights at Pattis Settlement
The Show Will Go On! Patti’s Restaurant rebuild is still in progress, yet they will still have the Annual Festival of Lights in 2018.
The Lighting Ceremony takes place on Friday, November 2nd, at 5pm. The lights will turn the Settlement into a magical light wonderland. Enjoy music by the Eddy Grove Trio, witness Zions Cause Live Nativity and bring the kids for a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hamburger Patti’s Outdoor Dining Pavilion will be open for the Ceremony, along with the Ice Cream Shop serving Specialty Coffees, Hot Chocolate, and delicious baked treats.
Festival of Lights Schedule: Enjoy the Christmas Lights at Pattis each night at dusk starting November 2 through mid-January. Visit Patti’s website here.
Santa and Mrs. Claus Schedule: November 2nd & 3rd, 4-8PM. Returning November 24th for the season: Sundays – Fridays, 4-7PM and Saturdays 4-8PM. Santa’s last day is December 23rd.
Badgett Playhouse Christmas Shows
A must see holiday tradition with a professional cast of singers, dancers, and a live band.
The Christmas Spectacular show features classic Christmas songs of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s along with county and patriotic selections. The Big Band Christmas Show celebrates Christmas with a nostalgic sound!
Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to the Badgett Playhouse. Visit the Badgett Playhouse website for the full calendar.
Grand Rivers Jetty Sunset
Wrap up and stroll down to the Grand Rivers Jetty on Kentucky Lake and enjoy the sunset at the end of the day. The Jetty is located beside Lighthouse Landing Resort at the end of the Grand Rivers walking trail. Both Cosmopolitan Magazine and Southern Livings readers have recognized the beauty and romance of a Jetty Sunset in Grand Rivers.
Special Deals and Packages
If you are coming for a weekend, then you are going to need a place to stay.
Many of our area resorts and hotels offer packages and off season discounts for November and December visitors. Check out our Lodging page here.
Scenic Drives and Eagle Encounters
Running between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, the Woodlands National Scenic Byway in Land Between The Lakes is a beautiful, easy drive in rolling terrain. Fall drives showcase splendid fall foliage, and winter drives are excellent for spotting wildlife in the leafless forest. Take a side road (Forest Service Road #114 and #116) to Smith Bay for winter waterfowl and eagle viewing. Note: Hills may be icy in the winter.
Visit the Land Between The Lakes website for maps and more scenic drives.
Salem Kentucky Christmas Parade
The Salem Christmas Parade is One of the Best Little Christmas Parades in Western Kentucky. The 2018 date is Saturday, December 8. It is an evening parade. The Contact for more information is Page Tylor at City Hall in Salem; 270-988-2600. Enter a float or call for more information.
Stress Free Shopping
A new bike to enjoy more outdoor time? Home furnishing to make the indoors cozy? In Grand Rivers you can get creative for those on your Christmas shopping list. Visit the shops of Grand Rivers and the shops of Patti’s for a stress free day of shopping. And, if you visit on November 17, make sure and visit the Grand Rivers Holiday Artisan Market. Find the complete list of Grand Rivers shops on the Grand Rivers website.
