Christmas Candlelight Tours

Kentucky’s Grandest Greek Revival-Style Mansion Lights Up for the Holidays
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Georgetown, KY’s historic 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 holiday tours are a chance to explore the decorated 12,000-square-foot villa that hosted Kentucky’s first fancy dress balls. Named for the Junius Ward family, the manse cost a cool $50,000 in the 1850s when it was built – and was paid for in gold coin.) The tours are also a time to learn about Junius’ impetuous niece, Miss Sallie Ward, known at the time as the Belle of Louisville for her divine taste and coveted sense of style in all things fashion.

One of Kentucky’s most colorful characters, Sallie was an unapologetic and enthusiastic scandal-maker, who once shocked polite society by riding her horse up the staircase at Louisville’s Galt House. On another occasion, she stripped down to her birthday suit in front of Boston’s upper-crust, much to the horror of her mother-in-law – but that is a story for another time.

Ward Hall 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.

See more lights at the Southern Lights Holiday Festival at 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.

For more information about Ward Hall’s Christmas Candlelight Tours, the Southern Lights Holiday Festival and other Georgetown holiday events as well as shopping and dining possibilities, visit www.GeorgetownKy.com.

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Sallie Ward oversees Christmas Candlelight Tours in December at Ward Hall in Georgetown, KY.
Photo: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

Ward Hall’s Candlelight Tours will take place on Dec. 6, 7 and 8 and Dec. 13 through 17, 2019.
Photo: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

Ward Hall is considered to be Kentucky’s grandest Greek revival-style mansion.
Photo: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

Enjoy a small-town Christmas celebration that goes big for the holidays in Georgetown, KY.
Photo: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism