Kentucky’s Grandest Greek Revival-Style Mansion Lights Up For The Holidays
Historic Ward Hall hosts Candlelight Christmas tours
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 12, 2019 – Ward Hall will be resplendent with the glow of countless candles during its annual Christmas Candlelight Tours, this year taking place Dec. 6, 7 and 8 and Dec. 13 through 17. The mansion is located not far from downtown Georgetown, whose picturesque Victorian-era streetscapes, decorated storefronts and holiday window displays, illuminated by the glow of the lamp posts, turn it into a charming Kentucky Christmas town each year. Visit www.GeorgetownKy.com to see the Calendar of Events.
Tis the season for scandal?
Explore the 12,000-square-foot villa that was named for the Ward family and cost a cool $50,000 in the 1850s when it was built. Ward Hall hosted Kentucky’s first fancy dress balls as well as Miss Sallie Ward, known at the time as the Belle of Louisville for her divine taste and coveted sense of style, who was also an unapologetic and enthusiastic scandal-maker. Come see the home from which she thumbed her nose at polite society and set tongues to wagging, holiday or no.
Make it a holiday getaway
Add other Georgetown holiday traditions to Ward Hall’s Christmas Candlelight Tours:
- The Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park, a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast,” takes place Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. Each year, more and different holiday displays are added to its three full miles of lights. After driving through the lights spectacular, park and browse the local crafts and enjoy model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa, pony and camel rides, an exotic petting zoo – even a parakeet experience. Note: Non-Driving Holiday Festival activities closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 24-31. Tickets available through the website.
- Presented by the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, “Home for the Holidays” takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and features the charm of a small-town Christmas tree lighting and parade, holiday activities and open houses. Georgetown College joins in on the holiday fun with free activities on Memorial Drive prior to the 6 p.m. parade. What a perfect time to check your list twice, pack your shopping shoes and visit one-of-a-kind and locally-owned shops and boutiques.
- Get your ticket punched by the train conductor as you board the historic Sadieville Train Car for a dramatic reading of The Polar Express on Dec. 13 and 14 (four shows each night). Presented by the Scott County Public Library, this hometown holiday fave includes photo ops with Santa, plus cookies and cocoa. Free tickets available from the library beginning Nov. 18. Note: Train car does not move. Dress warmly and bring a blanket to sit on as seating is very limited. Details: 502-863-3566.
Plan a holiday weekend in Georgetown. Overnight accommodations may be found at 15 brand name hotels, including the new Home2 Suites by Hilton, and a dozen unique stays, including bed and breakfast inns, Airbnb’s and golf club apartments. For more information about Georgetown’s holiday events, shopping and dining, visit www.GeorgetownKy.com.
###
