New Year's Eve 2026 in Lexington: what the city has and has not announced, the last night of Southern Lights, and New Year's Day closings and trash pickup.
Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. We list events only once their organizers announce them, and restaurant plans only where the restaurant itself has posted them. City information: LexCall 311 or 859-425-2255.
New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, and New Year’s Day falls on Friday. As of Oct. 12, no public New Year’s Eve party or fireworks show had been announced for Lexington. Here is what we know, what happened last time, and what is closed on Jan. 1.
What the city did last time
The most recent city-backed celebration we found was New Year’s Eve at Central Bank Center on Dec. 31, 2024, which opened Lexington’s 250th anniversary year. According to VisitLEX, the city’s visitors bureau:
- It was free, inside and outside Central Bank Center downtown.
- Family activities ran indoors from 5 p.m., with bounce houses, basketball courts, a magician and the Lexington Children’s Museum, and a kids’ countdown with the mayor at 7 p.m.
- Outdoors, DJ music started at 8 p.m., live music by Tee Dee Young and Honey Child at 9 p.m., and confetti cannons went off at midnight.
- The High Street parking lot opened at 5 p.m. at an hourly rate, and ride-share drop-off and pickup were on Vine Street.
We found no city event announced for Dec. 31, 2025, or for this year. If the city or VisitLEX announces a 2026 celebration, we will add it here with the times and parking plan.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve
- Southern Lights, last night. The drive-through light display at the Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, is open 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, its final night of the season. It costs $35 per carload. Santa has gone home by then, but the rest of the Holiday Village stays open after Christmas. More in holiday lights and Christmas events.
- Shopping. Fayette Mall is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and on Jan. 1.
- Concerts and shows. Downtown venues post New Year’s Eve shows late in the year. We will add any that are announced.
- Restaurants. We will list New Year’s Eve dinners only where a restaurant posts them on its own website. For year-round ideas, see date night in Lexington and live music and nightlife.
Getting home safely
Plan your ride before you go out. Lextran had not posted its 2026 holiday schedule as of Oct. 12; on New Year’s Day 2026 buses ran a Sunday schedule, and routes that do not run on Sundays were off. Call 911 in an emergency and the police non-emergency line, 859-258-3600, for anything else.
New Year’s Day closings
What this means for you
- Trash, recycling and yard waste: no city collection Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. Friday routes are picked up early, on Wednesday, Dec. 30. The city’s makeup day comes before the holiday. See trash and recycling.
- City offices: closed Friday, Jan. 1.
- Library: all locations close at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and are closed Jan. 1 (holiday closures).
- Schools: Fayette County Public Schools’ winter break runs through Jan. 1. Monday, Jan. 4, is a no-class day, and students return Tuesday, Jan. 5 (schools).
Start the year outside
On the first Saturday of 2026, Parks and Recreation led a free New Year’s hike of about two miles past two of the bodies of water at Hisle Farm Park. The city had not posted a 2027 date as of Oct. 12. Year-round walking routes are in walking and biking trails.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Lexington in 2026?
Not announced as of Oct. 12, 2026. The last city-backed party we found was New Year’s Eve at Central Bank Center on Dec. 31, 2024, a free event that kicked off Lexington’s 250th anniversary year.
Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Lexington?
We found no New Year’s Eve fireworks show announced for 2026. The 2024 Central Bank Center party ended with confetti cannons at midnight, not fireworks.
Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Lexington?
No. There is no city collection on Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. Friday routes are picked up early, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026.
Is the Lexington library open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, until 5 p.m. All Lexington Public Library locations close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, and stay closed on Friday, Jan. 1.
Is Southern Lights open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, is the last night of Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, 5:30 to 10 p.m., $35 per carload.
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