There are only four nights left to check out the Owensboro Christmas Lights event in the Stonegate neighborhood, anchored by the spectacular display at the Lashbrook household. The last day to view the display this year is December 26.
The event is free, and lights turn on at 5 p.m. nightly. The Stonegate neighborhood is located off KY 54 on the east side of Owensboro. Lights can be seen throughout the neighborhood, but those needing directions can head to 4567 Indian Creek Loop to get started.
Attendees can see most of the displays from the warmth and comfort of their cars. Those getting out on foot are asked to walk on the sidewalks and custom-built pathways to avoid tripping hazards and unnecessary wear and tear on the displays.
Donations are collected for two local charities every year, with over $75,000 raised since the event started in 2000. The recipients this year are Wendell Foster and Faithful Friends KY.
The event had humble beginnings but has grown to become one of the most prominent displays of Christmas lights and scenes in the area.
Stonegate resident Jeff Lashbrook has spent season after season organizing the “Owensboro Christmas Lights” event for the community to enjoy. While each participating house puts its own lights up, Lashbrook handles the task of including additional drive-by and walk-through displays throughout the subdivision.
Starting with just a few reindeer and light strands nearly three decades ago, the display has grown steadily every year in with the current display boasting more than 300,000 lights. The display has many different classic Christmas scenes including a hand-built nativity scene, snowman scene, penguin playground, Toyland scene, train scene, and many others.
Some of the most prominent features in the display are two massive Christmas trees including a 30-foot spruce decorated with more than 12,000 lights. The display also contains a 40-foot tall oak tree containing over 100 lighted bells that dance to music.
In 2014, the display was featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight national TV show. In 2018, they added a 20-foot tall 3D snowman named Fred made up of over 10,000 lights — complete with a giant top hat, scarf, and buttons.
