One of the joys of this season is seeing the beautiful lights brightening the chilly winter nights. Northern Kentucky has several of its own light festivals and one of them is this Saturday only (and it’s free). Read below for all the details. 

Drive-Through Winter Wonderland, December 12 from 6:00-9:00 pm: 

The Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Library has created their first “parking lot light festival.” It includes light tunnels, special effects from Cincy Illuminations and a scavenger hunt-style search for animals hidden in the scenes. You can even wave to Santa as you drive by.  

Free event, no registration necessary 

Winter Nights, River Lights, through January 15, 6:00-10:00 pm: 

Stroll across the Purple People Bridge, which is hung with hundreds of soothing lavender lights. You can enjoy the beautiful river views and visit the Wish Tree on the Newport side. 

Free event, no registration necessary 

Light Up the Fair, through January 2, 5:30-9:00 pm, open ‘til 10:00 on Fridays and Saturdays 

This incredible light experience takes visitors on a 1.5 mile drive through Boone County Fairgrounds, lit by more than 500,000 individually controlled LED lights. The captivating displays are choreographed to holiday music you play on your radio.  

$6/person, children under 3 are free. No contact ticketing is available. 

These family-friendly events will make the holiday season even merrier. 

About the author: Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.