The Glow of Holidays Past

Imagine what Christmas was like in the days before "hot toys" and artificial trees. At historic houses in Lexington you can experience the sights, sounds and spirit of Christmas as it was celebrated in the 18th and 19th centuries. This year Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, will open its doors for two Holiday Candlelight Tours on Sunday, December 7 and Friday, December 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live music on self-guided tours of the mansion and hot cider and sweets in the Keeper's Cottage. This year's theme is "A Dickens Christmas at Ashland." Reservations are not required. $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 and under. At Waveland State Historic Site, you can see what the holiday season was like on a Bluegrass plantation. Antebellum decorations, music, refreshments and costumed historic presenters will be featured at this year's Christmas Candlelight Tours from 6 to 9 p.m. December 6-7 and December 13-14. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students. Bypass high airfares and drive to Lexington for a weekend trip sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Centrally located at the intersection of I-75 and I-64, Lexington is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population.