Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Lexington. From light displays to holiday performances and festive shopping opportunities, winter is just around the corner for the Horse Capital of the World.

Gather the family and friends to celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring25winter events happening between now and January.

A show-stopping gingerbread house from a previous year at Mustard Seed Hill. | Photo by @mustardseedhillky

💡 Light displays

Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill | Now through Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Mustard Seed Hill, 1122 Main St., Millersburg | $0-$15 | This is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town visitors. Find a gift at the artisan's market, drool over the gingerbread house displays, and stroll along the three-acre holiday light display.

Southern Lights | Now-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park, 4075 Iron Works Pkwy. | $35 per car | Named one of Kentucky’s Top 10 Winter/Holiday Festivals and Events by Kentucky Travel and Tourism, this magical Bluegrass tradition is celebrating 30 years at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Happy to fill the role of ladies who lunch. | Photo by LEXtoday

🎄Festive fun

Lunch at the Glitz | Now-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Glitz Restaurant, 4205 Fords Mill Rd., Versailles | $34.95+ | This glammed-out, glitter-filled holiday dining experience offers a three-course, prix fixe menu with local, seasonal ingredients. Pro tip: Be sure to browse the two floors of unique antiques after your meal.

Illuminated Evenings | Saturday Dec. 9 + Saturday, Dec. 16 | 4-8 p.m. | Shaker Village, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$8 | Explore the magic + merriment of the season with holiday crafts, bonfires with s'mores, special musical performances, and a visit from jolly ol' St. Nicholas himself.

Martine’s Pastries Santa Open House | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Martine’s Pastries, 400 E. Third St. | Free, price of purchase | Stop in and enjoy delicious complimentary hot chocolate + bakery samples, cookie decorating, and stick around for photos with Santa.

Holiday Candy Make & Take | Thursday, Dec. 7 + Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | La Bonne Vie, 1060 Chinoe Rd., Ste. 108 | $85 | This is the perfect option for hands-on date night or an opportunity to treat yourself (or your friends) with a handmade-with-love seasonal gift.

Holiday in Aspen | Friday, Dec. 15 | 11 a.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Co., 610 W. Third St. | Free, price of purchase | Get those cozy ski chalet vibes in the heart of the Bluegrass with your favorite festive flicks, holiday cocktails, hot chocolate, and food specials.

Hop on the Jingle Bell Shuttle at the Illuminated Evenings. | Photo courtesy of Shaker Village

Christmas Karaoke | Friday, Dec. 8 | 6-9 p.m. | Chevy Chase Inn, 833 E. Euclid Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Support Operation Secret Santa (they’ll receive 20% of sales for the night) by singing, drinking, and being merry. Plus, pick up a specialty 90th Anniversary Maker's Mark bottle.

Christmas on the Farm | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12 p.m. | Ashford Acres Farm, 1801 KY-36, Cynthiana | $5 | Experience all things holiday including carriage rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shopping with local vendors, fire pits with s’mores + more.

🎶 Holiday performances

A Cathedral Christmas: Dress Rehearsal | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Cathedral of Christ the King, 299 Colony Blvd. | Pay what you want | Since the main performance is already sold out, the Lexington Philharmonic + the Lexington Singers are opening up their rehearsal for community members to enjoy this musical holiday tradition.

Shop local markets

Crafted Social: Winter Market | Friday, Dec. 8 + Saturday, Dec. 9 | Times vary | Greyline Station, 101 Loudon Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Shop from a variety of crafts people including traditional and contemporary artists + functional designers with items like ceramics, fiberwork, and paper goods.

Farm Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | West Sixth Farm, 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd., Frankfort | Free, price of purchase | The event will feature local vendors selling handmade goods, craft beer, hot cocoa, and a special holiday menu from the West Sixth Cantina food truck.