By Lexington Souers

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Twas the week before finals and all through the campus not a student was studying, not even a freshman.

But just down the road are the twinkling lights of the Kentucky Horse Park’s Foundation’s fundraiser, Southern Lights.

Winding through over four miles of the Kentucky Horse Park is one of the most magical light shows in the South. Visitors can drive through the park from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. each night until Dec. 31.

Carloads visiting on Monday through Friday cost $15 and weekend trips are $25 per car.

After driving through the interior of the park, families can participate in on-foot attractions like the exotic zoo, miniature train ride and craft fair. Portions of the museum are open for visitors as well.

According to Ashlea Beeson, development coordinator with the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, the park works year round to create the event.

“I just think it’s a great activity,” Beeson said. “It’s fun for all ages.”

Beeson said that they expect and average of 125,000 visitors a year, with some coming from Georgia, Ohio and Indiana, as well as from all parts of Kentucky.

“It’s become a beloved holiday tradition,” Beeson said. “People may have come here as a child and now they are bringing their kids.”

Southern Lights has been a Lexington tradition for 22 years, and Beeson said the park tries to make the event affordable.

“We convert displays to LED lights at our cost,” Benson said. “We try to make it as affordable as possible for families from all economic backgrounds.”

Some of the favorite displays are the retelling of the Twelve Days of Christmas as visitors drive past. One of Beeson’s favorite moments is having Santa visit each year.

“We have Santa that lots of little kids love,” Beeson said. “It’s great to see them get some one on one time.”

The Horse Park celebrates the holidays in sparkling style as they light up the Central Kentucky skies with its famous light displays. According to the park’s website, the event “is regularly chosen as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.”

Whether it’s the night before Christmas or the night after finals, Southern Lights will be waiting.