If you’re looking for a town that goes BIG on the Christmas cheer, Burnside, Kentucky, is where it’s at. The main attraction? An entire island that transforms into a festive winter wonderland for the holidays. Each November and December, General Burnside Island State Park becomes Christmas Island, a glittering and glowing extravaganza right out of a Hallmark movie. Nostalgic for parents and a core memory for kids, this special event is the highlight of the holiday season.
Take an Evening Drive Through Thousands of Twinkling Lights
Don your favorite ugly Christmas sweater or deck the family in matching red-and-green jammies to marvel at the lights of Christmas Island.
The island itself is a 400-acre retreat on the Cumberland River. In warm weather, it’s a popular destination for golfers, boaters, and camping enthusiasts. But starting in mid-November, this charming island park goes silly for Santa!
Put festive tunes on the radio as you weave through the hilly campground to discover 83 different holiday light displays, plus additional decor and thousands of accent lights. The scenes rotate yearly, but favorites include the Jumping Reindeer Archway, a hill-topping Steamboat, and a Leaping Bass (complete with festive Santa hat). New for 2024, a 100-foot-long light tunnel creates a fully immersive experience. There will also be several brand-new displays featuring animation and updated scenery.
This nostalgic holiday event started delighting children and families back in the 1990s. Now, it’s back to creating Christmas magic for a new generation!
Shop and Visit Santa at the Vendor Village
There’s more fun to be had at Christmas Island, even after you finish your drive through the lights!
Park your car and head to Vendor Village for shopping, sweet treats, and a visit to Santa. First, browse goodies from local small businesses, including Christmas tree ornaments, home decor, clothing, toys, and more. You can look for stocking stuffers and gifts for everyone on your list.
Next, enjoy the island’s festive holiday spirit. The Vendor Village theme for 2024 is “icy,” which means the village is decked out in blues, whites, silvers, and teals. Wander the lights and decor to take cheerful photos with the family, and look for costumed characters that add a little whimsy to your night. (The Grinch has been known to make an appearance.)
Then pop into the Concessions Tent for goodies like hot chocolate, cookies, and other homemade treats. And kids of all ages can have that all-important conversation with Santa. There is no additional cost to visit with Santa—a point that’s especially important to the event organizers for accessibility and inclusivity.
Jingle Bell Run 5K
If you’d rather see the lights of Christmas Island without the car, you can! Just lace up your running shoes and enter the Jingle Bell Run 5K.
On the second Saturday of December, the car path becomes a race course for runners and walkers. You’ll traverse the light displays for a one-of-a-kind 5K fun run filled with joy and laughter. Test your run or walk speed against your age group, or assemble a team to get all your friends or coworkers in on the fun.
Costumes encouraged! Prizes are awarded each year for the best individual and team costumes, so break out the Santa suits, reindeer onesies, and holiday PJs.
More Christmas Fun in Burnside
The holiday celebrations continue in Burnside! On the first Friday evening of December, the community comes together for the annual Burnside Christmas Parade. This family-friendly event offers free registration for floats and marchers alike, so you’ll spot people from all across Burnside and Pulaski County. You could even decide to join in yourself, tossing candy out to the watching kids.
Each year has a different parade theme, like “Christmas Traditions” (2021), “Run Rudolph Run” (2022), “Christmas Movies” (2023), and “Winter Wonderland” (2024). You might spot classic cars, prancing horses, an old-fashioned trolley, and much more.
Start your evening at the parade, and then take the short drive to Christmas Island to continue the fun under the lights.
Christmas Island Entry Details
With tickets sold by the car instead of per person, you can make happy memories with your family or friends without breaking the bank.
Christmas Island Dates: November 18 – December 31, 2024
Light & Concessions Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri – Sun: 6 p.m – 10 p.m.
Vendor Village Hours:
Thursday: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Standard Vehicle Admission
Monday – Thursday: $20 per car
Friday – Sunday: $25 per car
Large Van/Small Bus Admission (8-15 passengers)
Monday – Thursday: $35 per van
Friday – Sunday: $40 per van
Veteran/Active Duty Military Discount: Take $5 off the price of admission at the gate with proof of service. One discount per vehicle.
