Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, invites the community to experience one of Lexington’s most beloved holiday traditions this Saturday, December 6, with a full day of festive activities leading up to the annual Illumination at Ashland.
Visitors can enjoy wreath workshops, live music, seasonal refreshments, local vendors, Santa selfies, and the first Candlelight Tours of the season—all set against the backdrop of the historic mansion decorated in this year’s theme, “Christmas Through the Eyes of Children.”
Daytime Festivities: Wreath Workshops & Ginkgo Tree Café
Ashland will host two Wreath Making Workshops at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., led by landscape architect and garden designer Brenda Barrett. Participants will create their own festive wreath using fresh Fraser fir, evergreens, pinecones, ribbon, and more. The workshops are sponsored by Joseph Hillenmeyer Garden Design and Barrett Partners, Inc.
Guests can also stop by the Ginkgo Tree Café, which will be open from 12:00 noon through the Illumination, offering warm soups and snacks to enjoy throughout the afternoon.
Illumination at Ashland: A Community Tradition
Beginning at 4:00 p.m., families are invited to enjoy Santa Selfies, browse local vendors at the Keeper’s Cottage Christmas Shop, and savor seasonal refreshments as the grounds come alive with holiday spirit.
Festivities leading up to the tree lighting include:
- Welcome Remarks from Mayor Linda Gorton – 5:30 p.m.
- Live music from the Kentuckians Chorus – 5:30 p.m. until the Illumination
The Christmas tree will be illuminated at dusk, officially kicking off Ashland’s holiday season.
“Ashland has long been a place where traditions are made and shared,” said Jim Clark, Executive Director of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate Foundation. “Illumination is one of our favorite days of the year because it brings the entire community together, families, friends, longtime supporters, and first-time visitors, to celebrate beauty, history, and the joy of the season.”
Candlelight Tours Begin After Illumination
Immediately following the tree lighting, Ashland will begin its Candlelight Tours at 6:00 p.m., with the mansion dressed in its full holiday splendor. Guests will explore the house by ‘candlelight’ while enjoying live music by Kristy & Al Beers.
Tickets:
- Adults: $20
- Students: $15
- Friends of Ashland receive a 20% discount
“A walk through the mansion by candlelight is truly magical,” said Clark. “This year’s theme, ‘Christmas Through the Eyes of Children,’ adds an extra layer of wonder and nostalgia. We are excited to share it with the community.”
Event Summary for Saturday, December 6
- 12:00 p.m. – Ginkgo Tree Café Open
- 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – Wreath Making Workshops
- 4:00–5:30 p.m. – Santa Selfies
- 5:30 p.m. – Mayor Linda Gorton’s Welcome & Kentuckians Chorus
- Dusk – Illumination at Ashland (Tree Lighting)
- 6:00 p.m. – First Candlelight Tour
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