Article written by Nikki Edds
Photos from mustardseedhill.events
Kentucky is nowhere near short of things to do to celebrate the holiday season. As is tradition, Mustard Seed Hill is set to open for their annual Christmas exhibition on Dec. 1.
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill includes an elaborate display of Christmas lights, a Gingerbread House Exhibit, the Artisan's Market, a stunningly decorated Christmas tent and the new Christmas Campfire Experience, according to their website.
Mustard Seed Hill is located just 30 minutes North of Lexington in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass Region. The historic southern event setting, once home to the Millersburg Military Institute, has been restored to 14 acres of modern amenities and charm for any event.
The grounds includes the restored Allen House, the terrace, the South lawn, the courtyard and East lawn, a gymnasium, a fitness center, classrooms, and sports facilities. Built in 1852, the Allen House serves as the focal point of Mustard Seed Hill and includes 11 rooms- a billiards room, groom's quarters, and a historic bar on the first floor and a bridal suite, honeymoon suite and two guest bedrooms on the second floor.
Despite its beauty year-round, Mustard Seed Hill really shines when the holidays come around. Every featured building has been expertly decorated for the season and between the 3 acres of Christmas light displays, the 30-foot ribbon tree, the glowing ribbon arch or the 14-foot illuminated walk-through ornament, it is nearly impossible to miss a single photo-op.
The newly renovated McIntyre Hall is set to host the 5th annual Gingerbread Competition where participants compete for $10,000 in prize money. According to their website, all gingerbread houses must be constructed with 100% edible ingredients and bases should not exceed 24" wide x 24" deep x 24" tall or weigh greater than 50 pounds. However, many competitors push these limits to create the most unbelievable and spectacular houses!
This year, the expanded Artisan's Market will include 60+ artists, many local, showcases their handcrafted wooden toys, cutting boards, pottery, soaps, candles, decor, clothing and more. The Artisan's Market is the perfect place to pick up a gift for your loved ones while soaking up the Christmas spirit prevalent through each inch of the grounds.
The best way to enjoy Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. The Christmas Café and Holiday Tent offer just that as well as small bites in the form of sandwiches and other sweet treats.
In addition to food and refreshments offered in the Holiday Tent, Mustard Seed Hill is also offering the new Christmas Campfire Experience to enjoy with family and friends. The Christmas Campfire experience encourages loved ones to gather around the fire to enjoy toasty s'mores and a hot dog kit that is included when guests reserve a personal campfire. Be sure to add this experience to the purchase of an entry ticket.
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill has a $15 entry fee and is open to the public. While same day walk-up tickets are offered, they are often very limited in quantity; it is recommended guests buy their tickets in advance. The 1-2 hour walk-thru event is open Thurs-Sun from 5-9 p.m. for access to all lights, buildings and programming. However, Christmas lights are available every night until Jan. 1 with free access Mon-Wed from 5-9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets click HERE.
One last thing! Be sure to enter to their GIVEAWAY! Tag @mustardseedhillky on Instagram and you will be entered to win an overnight stay in the beautiful Allen House for 4 people, including 4 tickets for the event, a private shopping experience in the Artisan Market, and a campfire experience on 12/16-12/17. Make your Christmas memories at Mustard Seed Hill!