Things to do in Lexington in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Lexington. The weather is usually really cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 25—40°F (-4—5°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Lexington during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Lexington Farmers' Market, attend the Lexington Bridal Expo, attend the Lexington MLK Day Celebration, and more!

Lexington has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Lexington. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Lexington in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Lexington in January

Top experiences in January
Visit the Lexington Farmers' Market
Despite the winter chill, the Lexington Farmers' Market continues to operate in January, offering a unique opportunity to sample local produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. The market features a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods and handcrafted items. It's a great way to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere of the market. Whether you're stocking up on seasonal ingredients or simply browsing the stalls, the Lexington Farmers' Market is a delightful experience in January.
Attend the Lexington Bridal Expo
For those planning a wedding, the Lexington Bridal Expo in January is a must-attend event. This expo brings together a wide range of wedding vendors, including photographers, florists, caterers, and more, all under one roof. It's a great opportunity to gather inspiration, meet with potential vendors, and get ideas for your special day. Whether you're in the early stages of wedding planning or putting the finishing touches on your event, the Lexington Bridal Expo offers a valuable resource for creating the perfect wedding experience.
Attend the Lexington MLK Day Celebration
In January, Lexington hosts a celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring a variety of events and activities that pay tribute to the civil rights leader's legacy. The celebration typically includes a march, guest speakers, musical performances, and educational programs that promote equality and social justice. It's a meaningful and inspiring way to commemorate Dr. King's contributions to the advancement of civil rights and to engage in important conversations about equality and inclusion.
Explore the art galleries and museums of Lexington
January is a great time to explore the art galleries and museums of Lexington, where you can immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts and culture scene. From contemporary art exhibitions to historical collections, Lexington's galleries and museums offer a diverse range of artistic experiences. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a creative and inspiring outing, exploring the city's cultural institutions provides a unique and enriching experience in
Take a scenic drive along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
January is a great time to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which winds through the picturesque countryside surrounding Lexington. The trail offers the opportunity to visit historic distilleries, learn about the bourbon-making process, and sample a variety of spirits. Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or simply appreciate beautiful landscapes and rich history, a scenic drive along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail provides a unique and immersive experience in January.
Explore the Kentucky Horse Park
January is a great time to visit the Kentucky Horse Park, where you can learn about the state's equestrian heritage and interact with beautiful horses. The park offers guided tours, horseback riding experiences, and educational exhibits that showcase the history and culture of horse racing in Kentucky. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or simply curious about the equestrian world, the Kentucky Horse Park provides a unique and memorable experience in Lexington.
Go ice skating at Triangle Park
In January, Triangle Park in downtown Lexington transforms into a winter wonderland with its outdoor ice skating rink. This seasonal attraction offers a fun and festive experience for all ages, allowing you to glide across the ice surrounded by the city's skyline. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the ice skating rink at Triangle Park provides a picturesque setting for enjoying the winter season in Lexington.
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Holidays in Lexington in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Lexington in January

Temperatures on an average day in Lexington in January

The average temperature in Lexington in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 40°F (5°C) to a low of 25°F (-4°C). Some would describe it as really cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Lexington, July, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 40°F (5°C) and lows of 25°F (-4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Lexington in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
40°F
highs
25°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
33%
Chance of rain
0.130 in
Amount
14.4 mph
Wind speed
92%
Humidity
9.9 hrs
Daylight length
7:51 AM
Sunrise
5:42 PM
Sunset
39%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 40°F (5°C) and a low of 25°F (-4°C), it generally feels really cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Lexington in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Lexington has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Lexington that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Lexington for January.
Keeneland Association Inc
1. Keeneland Association Inc
4.8
(4384)
Racecourse
Casinos & Gambling
This classy venue offers live horse racing events & lush surroundings for visitors.
Kentucky Horse Park
2. Kentucky Horse Park
4.7
(4901)
Sights & Landmarks
Equestrian facility
1,032-acre attraction offering a museum, horse-drawn tours & equine presentations, plus campgrounds.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co
3. Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co
4.6
(527)
Distillery
Food & Drink
Microbrewery & distillery specializing in bourbon-barrel ale, offering on-site tours & tastings.
Mary Todd Lincoln House
4. Mary Todd Lincoln House
4.6
(620)
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historic childhood home of the First Lady of the United States from 1861-1865, with tours & events.
Rupp Arena
5. Rupp Arena
4.6
(7880)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Huge, indoor arena hosting University of Kentucky basketball games, popular musical acts & more.
Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate
6. Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate
4.7
(825)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Stately 19th-century home & grounds of politician Henry Clay, with tours, exhibits, trails & more.
The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
7. The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
4.8
(1840)
Arboretum
Nature & Parks
This 100-acre arboretum showcases Kentucky landscape through formal gardens & natural areas.
The Lexington Cemetery
8. The Lexington Cemetery
4.6
(98)
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
West Sixth Brewing
9. West Sixth Brewing
4.7
(724)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Craft brewery with free Saturday tours plus a taproom & beer garden with rotating microbrews on tap.
Thoroughbred Park
10. Thoroughbred Park
4.5
(782)
Park
Nature & Parks
VisitLEX Lexington Visitors Center
11. VisitLEX Lexington Visitors Center
4.7
(101)
Tourist information center
Gift shop
University of Kentucky
12. University of Kentucky
4.5
(1073)
University
Sights & Landmarks
This research university founded in 1865 has a well-known athletics program & 100 acres of gardens.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
13. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
4.8
(1379)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
This 734-acre woodland preserve has 10 mi. of marked hiking trails, plus streams & wildlife.
The Thoroughbred Center
14. The Thoroughbred Center
4.4
(51)
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
Keeneland-affiliated horse training & boarding farm offering tours & special event facilities.
Red Mile Gaming & Racing
15. Red Mile Gaming & Racing
4.1
(2564)
Racecourse
Casinos & Gambling
Hallowed, long-standing harness-racing bastion with a 1-mile red-clay track & assorted amenities.
Legends Field
16. Legends Field
4.5
(1159)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Stadium home of minor-league baseball's Lexington Legends, with lawn seating, a pub & tours.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Lexington?

Get inspired for your trip to Lexington with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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