Southern Lights
Presented by Friends of Coal
Frequently Asked Questions
Attractions
Q: What attractions are open this year?
A: Besides the driving route, Animal Land, pony and camel rides will be open this year. They are open every night from 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. The Visitor Center, Craft Fair, Parakeet Experience, Train Exhibit and Mini Train Ride WILL NOT be open this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Q: What is Animal Land?
A: Animal land is a live exotic zoo that is located under a tent.
Q: What animals will be at Animal Land?
A: There will be a variety of animals, including baby camels, kangaroos, mini donkeys, mini Zebras, sheep, goats, and alpacas.
Q: How much does it cost to feed the animals?
A: $1 feed cone, $3 cup of carrots. No coin machines this year.
Q: How much does it cost to ride a pony or a camel?
A: $6 per pony ride, $9 for a picture & a pony ride, $6 picture on a pony only, and $6 per camel ride.
Q: Is there an age requirement to ride a pony or a camel?
A: There is no age requirement to ride either a pony or a camel.
Q: Is there a weight limit to ride a pony or a camel?
A: There is a 100-pound weight limit on the ponies. Weight limits are at the discretion of the camel caretakers.
Q: Are there vendors this year?
A: There are no craft vendors this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Q: Will the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop be open?
A: Due to its location in the Visitor Center, the gift shop will be closed this year.
Q: Can my family access the Visitor Center grounds?
A: No, the Visitor Center and grounds are closed to the public this year.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Q: What are you doing to keep guests safe this year?
A: We will be following all Covid-19 sanitizing and distancing protocols set by the Governor’s office. Wearing masks when outside your vehicle is strongly encouraged, especially when you cannot keep a safe 6-foot distance from outside parties. Masks will be required when entering Animal Land.
Q: Will I be required to wear a mask?
A: We ask guests to obey the Executive Order set by Kentucky’s Governor.
Wearing masks when outside your vehicle is strongly encouraged, especially when you cannot keep a safe 6-foot distance from outside parties. Masks will be required when entering Animal Land.
DATES/TIME
Q: When does Southern Lights open/close?
A: Sunday, November 22 – Thursday, December 31, 5:30-10:00 p.m. each night.
Q: How long is Santa at Southern Lights?
A: Santa is at Southern Lights Nov. 22-Dec. 24., 5:30-10:00 p.m.
Q: How long is Animal Land open?
A: Nov. 22- Dec. 31., 5:30 -10:00 p.m. each night.
DIRECTIONS
Q. Where are you located (GPS address)?
A. Kentucky Horse Park
3785 Campground Road
Lexington, KY 40511
The Kentucky Horse Park Campground is located approximately 4 miles north of Lexington’s New Circle Road and 9 miles from downtown Lexington, and 3 miles south of Georgetown on Iron Works Pike, at I-75, exit 120.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Q. Is there food available?
A. The Original Kettle Korn, and High Horizons (gourmet coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches)
Q: Is the Park’s restaurant open?
A: No
PAYMENT/PRICING
Q: How much are tickets?
A: $25 personal car, Extended van, RV, Limousine
$65 Mini Bus
$80 School Bus
$160 Motor Coach
Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: We encourage you to purchase tickets online at www.southernlightsky.com. You can also purchase tickets when you arrive at Southern Lights.
Q: What form of payment is accepted for Southern Lights?
A: Cash, check or credit/debit cards are accepted for admission to drive through the lights. On-line tickets are available this year and encouraged, you can purchase your tickets at www.southernlightsky.com Pony & Camel rides are cash only.
Q: Does your admission to Southern Lights include anything besides driving the route?
A: Yes, entrance to Animal Land is included with your Southern Lights tickets.
There are additional costs for pony rides ($6), picture and a pony ride ($9), picture on a pony only ($6), and camel ride ($6) and any food you may wish to purchase.
Q: Are tickets refundable?
A: No
Q: Can I exchange my ticket for a different time or day?
A: Yes, please call Etix customer service – open 9am-8pm Monday-Friday,
1-800-514-3849
Q: How much is it to feed the animals?
A: $1 feed cone, $3 cup of carrots. No coin machines this year.
Q: How much is it to ride a pony or a camel?
A: $6 per pony ride, $9 for a picture & a pony ride, $6 picture on a pony only, and $6 per camel ride.
Q: Is there a will-call that I can leave a ticket for someone?
A: No there is no will-call available. We encourage you to purchase tickets online at www.sourthernlightsky.com.
Q: How can I buy a ticket as a gift?
A: You can purchase a ticket online as a gift at www.sourthernlightsky.com
Q. Is there an ATM?
A. Yes, the ATM is located near Animal Land.
Q: Can buses drive through?
A: Yes, busses can drive through and do not need a reservation.
Mini Bus $65
School Bus $75
Motor Coach $160
PETS
Q. Are pets allowed?
A. Leashed pets are allowed, but not in the Animal Land tent.
RESTROOMS
Q: Are there restrooms available?
A: There are porta-lets located at the beginning of the route and by the Animal Land tent.
SANTA
Q: Will Santa be at Southern Lights this year?
A: This year Santa will be incorporated in our driving route so children will be able to wave hello while remaining socially distant in their cars and have the opportunity to drop off their Santa letters in his North Pole mail box. You can download a Santa letter on our website: www.southernlightsky.org. Santa will be at Southern Lights Nov. 22-Dec. 24.
Q: Will Santa be at Southern Lights after Christmas?
A: Santa’s last night at Southern Lights is December 24th.
Q: Can you visit Animal Land before seeing the lights?
A: No. The Southern Lights entrance is one way and begins with the light displays. You will enter Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park CAMPGROUND entrance for the driving tour, arriving at Animal Land at the end of the driving route.
TRAFFIC
Q: Will there be a wait?
A: Yes! Please come prepared to wait in line. On SOLD OUT nights the wait can extend to 3 hours. Bring dinner, snacks, a movie…whatever you need to keep folks entertained.
Q: How long is the Southern Lights route?
A: There are 3 miles of lights to see at Southern Lights.
Q: When is the best time to drive through the Lights?
A: Weeknights are typically slower than weekends. We do expect an increase of traffic this year. Historically our busiest times are from the second week in December through Christmas.
MISCELLANEOUS
Q: Can you ride your horse or bicycle through the lights?
A: No. The Southern Lights Tour is a vehicle tour only for your safety, no other modes of transportation are allowed.
Q. Is it possible to take a carriage ride through the lights?
A. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer carriage rides.
Q: Can we ride in the back of our pick-up?
A: Due to safety concerns, riding through Southern Lights in the back of a pick-up truck or in/on a trailer that is connected to a vehicle is prohibited.
Q: Is the event wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, we are wheelchair accessible. *We do not offer wheelchair rentals.
Q: I would like to propose at Southern Lights, are there any areas I can propose at?
A: Please contact the Southern Lights office by email foundation@khpfoundation.org for available options.
WEATHER
Q: Is Southern Lights open if it is raining or snowing?
A: Southern Lights is open rain or shine! On very rare occasions, when driving conditions are deemed extremely hazardous due to ice or heavy snow, we might cancel the event. Local media outlets would carry the closing on their list of weather-related closings in that event.
Q: How should I dress?
A: Animal Land and the pony & camel rides are located outside under a tent. Please dress for the weather.
