It’s beginning to look a lot like it’s time for Holidays at the Trace, the annual holiday celebration at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This will be the 27th year for Spirited Nights, which the distillery calls its signature nighttime event.
Guests can walk through a Light Trail Experience or stay in their vehicles for a Drive-Through Light Show. In addition, the distillery’’s gift shop will have extended hours for holiday shopping.
You’ll need to get reservations for the free event here. You can also add on an extra package (for a fee) that includes cocktails.
"Buffalo Trace Distillery has always been a place where people come together to celebrate, and the holidays are no different. Holidays at the Trace offers something for everyone. Whether you're here for the lights, the shopping, or the spirit of the season, we are honored to be part of so many cherished family traditions.”
Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Holidays at the Trace offerings include:
· Spirited Nights: This year enjoy two unique experiences:
o Light Trail Experience: a complimentary, 12-night family-friendly event inviting guests to explore Buffalo Trace Distillery after-hours for an experience unlike any other in Kentucky. Visitors will stroll through thousands of twinkling lights, including a 60-foot-long light tunnel and dozens of themed lights scenes, with seasonal food & beverage offerings such as a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Hot Chocolate Bar. Guests 21+ may also enjoy complimentary tastings of Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Reservations open November 18 at 10am ET, with the experience beginning on December 4 and continuing the second and third weekends in December. Reservations are required at https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/events/upcoming.html.
o Cocktails & Cheer: a premium, 21+ upgrade that includes access to the Spirited Nights: Light Trail Experience as well as the Distillery’s Holiday Cocktail Trail. Guests receive three winter cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace brands, along with take-home gifts including a Spirited Nights tote bag, a Buffalo Trace souvenir cup and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream minis. Reservation upgrade(s) available for $25 per person.
· Holidays at the Trace: Drive-Through Light Show: guests may also enjoy the Distillery’s historic grounds illuminated with holiday lights from the comfort of their car. This drive-through experience is complimentary and open nightly from 5:30pm-8:30pm, December 4 – December 31.
· Holiday Shopping: the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop will offer extended hours and expanded online options throughout Holidays at the Trace, featuring new 2025 apparel, specialty gifts and custom woodworking:
o Apparel: A variety of women’s jackets, men’s golf polo shirts and hats featuring an assortment of brands from Buffalo Trace to Weller and Pappy Van Winkle.
o Specialty Gifts: Signature items such as Blanton’s golf headcovers, engraved cocktail kits, Bourbon Cream gift sets, bourbon-infused seasonings and sauces, and pet accessories.
o Custom Woodworking: For the first time, Whiskey Woodcraft pieces – including personalized barrel heads, handcrafted Glencairn holders, and custom cocktail muddlers will be available for nationwide purchase exclusively online. Each item is crafted from authentic bourbon barrels by the Distillery’s on-site woodworkers.
Source: Buffalo Trace
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. (From the distillery).
