Holiday Must-Dos to add to your Winter Wish-List

All aboard! Santa's Lookout is the perfect Christmas experience in the country. Enjoy a ride on the holiday express or on a wagon through beautiful light displays. Head to the Honey Bear Cabin to select a plush furry toy and Santa's elves will help bring them to life! Ride Santa's Super Slide, Sip hot cocoa, color pictures of the North Pole, meet Christmas camels, bake some cookies and craft a perfectly reasonable Christmas list in your letter to Santa. All these wonderful activities are apart of this years Santa's Lookout experience. Did we mention a chance to meet Santa himself? You do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind Christmas experience during your trip to Bowling Green this holiday season. 

Experience history this holiday season with the BG Landmark Trust Annual Historic Holiday Tour. This event happens directly after the annual Jaycees Christmas Parade in Downtown Bowling Green. The tour features a mix of private residences and community locations that are all beautifully decorated for the holiday season and full of history waiting to be explored. This event is a one time happening that takes place Saturday, December 6th. It begins at 1:00PM and continues to 5:00PM. For more details and updates regarding the tours, you can click here.

Bowling Green is not shy of places to shop. There is truly somewhere to go for everyone this holiday season! We have created a bit of a guide for where to shop for what that you can view here. But, we encourage you to also view our social media where you can find us as VisitBGKY for a speed run of all places to go for all goodies in our area. By clicking here you will be lead to our instagram where we have pinned our Holiday Shopping Guide. This post serves as a quick resource of all the best places in BG to grab your holiday goodies from!

All aboard for another magical stop on your Bowling Green holiday adventure, The Reindeer Farm, the only public reindeer farm in the entire state of Kentucky! This festive countryside experience feels like stepping straight into a snowy storybook, complete with twinkling lights, charming photo spots, and unforgettable encounters with real reindeer. Throughout the season, the farm brings even more magic to life with special events, including live ice sculpting by Food Network’s Danny Kissel, where you can watch incredible winter creations carved right before your eyes. Families can also enjoy meals and meet-and-greets with Santa and the Grinch, making it a perfect outing for kids and the young-at-heart alike. Warm up with cocoa, explore unique seasonal goodies, and soak in the cozy holiday atmosphere. 

Climb aboard for one of Bowling Green’s most enchanting holiday traditions, Polar Express Storytime at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum. Held inside the beautifully preserved railcars and historic spaces of the museum, this beloved experience brings the classic Christmas tale to life in the most magical way. Families gather in historic railcars as storytellers guide children through the world of The Polar Express, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of wonder. Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas, just like the story, making the moment even more memorable! And of course, no Polar Express event is complete without the chance for little believers to meet Santa himself. 

A holiday season in Bowling Green isn’t complete without a sweet stop at Chaney’s Dairy Barn. Especially for a taste of their famous homemade eggnog. Rich, creamy, and crafted with the same farm-fresh goodness Chaney’s is known for, this seasonal treat has become a local holiday favorite. Whether you’re grabbing a cup to sip fireside, picking up a jug to take home for your festivities, or pairing it with their award-winning ice cream, Chaney’s eggnog adds the perfect touch of nostalgia to any December day. 

No holiday season in Bowling Green is complete without experiencing the dazzling glow of Light Up BGKY, the city’s beloved weeklong lighting tradition. Each evening brings a new moment of magic as parks, historic landmarks, and downtown streets come alive with brilliant holiday displays. Highlights include the festive lighting of Fountain Square Park, the towering community Christmas tree at SKYPAC, and the very first illumination of the week at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, an event that truly sets the tone for the celebrations ahead.

Step back in time this holiday season with the enchanting Candlelight Tour at Riverview at Hobson Grove, one of Bowling Green’s most treasured winter traditions. As you walk through the beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, the soft glow of candlelight highlights ornate details, historic architecture, and rooms decorated in their finest holiday splendor. Knowledgeable guides share stories of the home’s past, offering a warm and immersive glimpse into 19th-century holiday life. The peaceful ambiance, flickering candles, and festive décor create an atmosphere that feels both cozy and timeless. This event is perfect for history lovers, families, or anyone looking to slow down and savor the season.

Glide into the holiday spirit at SoKY Ice Rink, Bowling Green’s seasonal ice skating destination that’s perfect for families, friends, or a festive date night. Nestled downtown, the rink is surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday décor, creating a cheerful winter wonderland right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, the smooth ice and lively atmosphere make it easy to enjoy the fun. Warm up afterward with a cup of cocoa, take festive photos, and soak in the cheerful energy of the season.

It wouldn’t be a trip to BG without two separate stops at ice cream places, that’s just how good our ice cream is! And yes, it’s winter, so you’re already cold… but why not "cool off" a little more with a scoop (or two) at Meltdown? This Bowling Green favorite serves up indulgent ice cream, hot cocoa and special holiday flavors that make braving the chill totally worth it. From rich, creamy scoops to over-the-top sundaes, milkshakes, and specials, there’s something to delight every sweet tooth. The cozy, friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect stop after holiday shopping, a stroll downtown, or even a visit to see the Christmas lights.