Not all Thanksgiving memories are made around the dinner table. We’ve put together a list of Thanksgiving weekend activities to get you and your family out of the house and enjoying all that Harlan County has to offer!
Jingle Bell Ride- The Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area is climbing into the Christmas season with a Jingle Bell Ride from Thursday November 27- Sunday November 30th. Hit the trails and have a very muddy holiday on Black Mountain! 31 day passes cost $45 per vehicle.
Downtown Harlan Christmas Bingo- Harlan Tourism challenges shoppers to visit Downtown Harlan retail shops and complete a Downtown Harlan Bingo Card from Friday November 28th to Friday December 19th. Participants who complete one row on the card are entered in a drawing for a $500 drawing. Complete a row and you’re entered to win $100. Cards will be available at Downtown Harlan restaurants so pick yours up on Black Friday. Spend time shopping and completing your card before returning it to the Harlan Center. You could win cash just by shopping local this Christmas season.
The Historic Harlan Museum and Cawood Ledford Exhibit- Harlan’s newest attraction is a look into its past at the Historic Harlan Museum located in Downtown Harlan at 311 E. Central St. Step back in time as you learn more about this place and the people who shaped it. The museum will be open during the Thanksgiving weekend on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also pick up gift items and handmade souvenirs in the museum’s gift shop. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Christmas at Miners Theater- Come out to the historic Betty Howard Coal Miners Memorial Theater in Benham for a night of music from some of your favorite local artists. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Admission is free but donations received will support the Tri City Empty Stocking Fund.
Festival of the Mountain Masters- The 41st Annual Festival of the Mountain Masters kicks off on Friday November 28th and continues on Saturday November 29th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This festival is a gathering of artisans and crafters who are selling the one of a kind items you will want to gift this Christmas season! Browse the Village Center shops, support artists, and run into your old friends! It’s free to enjoy the festival.
Black Mountain Overlook- The newly completed Black Mountain Overlook gives you a great view of Kentucky’s tallest peak. The spot includes lots of information about local wildlife and lore as well as tower viewer binoculars. It’s a new attraction for those who think they’ve seen every view Harlan County has to offer. This Harlan County beauty is free to enjoy.
Wonderland Mini-Golf- The mini golf course you enjoyed in the summer at Kingdom Come State Park is reinvented as a winter wonderland for Christmas! The course sparkles with thousands of lights and Christmas music plays as you putt your way through the mountainside obstacles. Wonderland Mini-Golf is $3.50 per person and is open Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Harlan County Celebrates Christmas Lights Display- The Putney Bible Church and Harlan County Christian School invites you to the Putney Shriners Fairgrounds for a drive thru Christmas light display. Local businesses and families sponsor the displays for the community to enjoy. There is no entry fee and you’ll be offered free hot chocolate and candy canes as you enter. Donations to support the Harlan County Christian School are welcome. The display is open Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Harlan- On Saturday November 29th, you can take home a bonus gift when you spend a minimum of $25 with a Downtown Harlan shop while supplies last. Check off your Christmas list while supporting small businesses this year!
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