Light Up BGKY sets week of holiday festivities

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Bowling Green and Warren County are getting ready to flip the switch on the holiday season.

The 2026 Light Up BGKY celebration runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 6, bringing 14 holiday events to locations across the community. The week includes familiar traditions, seasonal markets, train rides and a brand-new event at Aviation Heritage Park.

Seven days of holiday events

Some longtime favorites are returning.

The 70th annual Jaycees Christmas Parade is part of this year’s schedule, along with Downtown BGKY Lights Up. Holiday markets, historic celebrations and train rides will also take place throughout the week.

Altogether, Light Up BGKY packs more than a dozen events into seven days.

Santa gets a faster sleigh

There’s something new on the calendar this year, too.

Aviation Heritage Park will host “Santa’s Got a Supersonic Sleigh,” adding an aviation-themed twist to the holiday lineup.

Telia Butler, downtown development coordinator for the City of Bowling Green,

“Essentially [it’s] meet and greet with Santa while you’re also playing in the cockpit of one of the big jets. I think they’re also going to explore some NORAD stuff and talk about how Santa is tracked via NORAD and explain it to that effect with the children,” said Telia Butler, downtown development coordinator for the City of Bowling Green.

Something for every holiday mood

From Christmas traditions to new experiences, the schedule gives families several chances to get out and celebrate throughout the week.

Light Up BGKY website also features an interactive holiday light map, allowing people to find decorated homes and displays around the community. Residents can also submit their own holiday display to be added to the map.

And with 14 events to choose from, there may even be something for those with a little Scrooge, or Grinch, in their hearts.

The 2026 Light Up BGKY celebration is presented by The Mint Gaming Hall.

A complete schedule, including event dates, times and details, is available through Light Up BGKY.