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Tickets Now on Sale for 2026 Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill; Entries Open for Kentucky’s 9th Annual Gingerbread House Competition
Christ-centered holiday celebration returns Nov. 27–Dec. 23 with a refreshed three-acre light experience, gingerbread artistry, Kentucky-made gifts, live performances, seasonal food, classes and meaningful Christmas gatherings
MILLERSBURG, Ky. — Aug. 26, 2026 — Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 season of Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill, returning on select nights from Friday, Nov. 27, through Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Registration is also open for Kentucky’s 9th Annual Gingerbread House Competition, which will bring together artists, bakers, families, professional pastry chefs, businesses and community groups competing for more than $10,000 in prizes.
Christmas tickets are available online at https://www.mustardseedhill.events/christmas
Gingerbread House Competitors can register online at https://www.mustardseedhill.events/gingerbread-house
Set on the historic Mustard Seed Hill campus in Millersburg, this year’s Christmas celebration invites guests to slow down, gather with the people they love and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas through an experience centered on hope, love, generosity and the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is a place to step away from the rush of the season, gather together and remember the hope at the heart of Christmas,” said Victoria Benson, president of Mustard Seed Hill. “Our 2026 experience preserves the traditions families return for each year while introducing new lights, creative classes, live moments and gathering spaces that help the Christmas story feel both beautiful and deeply personal.”
A Refreshed Three-Acre Christmas Experience
General admission provides access to the primary Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill experience, including:
A three-acre Christmas light display featuring the signature 30-foot ribbon tree, a picture-perfect Christmas ornament, a 32-foot glowing ribbon arch, a 20-foot starburst, a Nativity scene, a Christmas sleigh, a 15-foot glowing willow tree and new illuminated scenes throughout the campus.
The Gingerbread Exhibit, filling the historic Allen House and McIntyre Hall with extraordinary edible creations by gingerbread artists from Kentucky and beyond.
The Artisans Market, a 4,000-square-foot indoor holiday shop featuring more than 60 Kentucky craftspeople and over 200 handmade products, including pottery, artwork, home décor, gifts, accessories and other one-of-a-kind finds.
A cozy, heated Holiday Tent with chandeliers, comfortable seating and communal gathering areas, accompanied by a rotating selection of Kentucky food trucks serving savory meals, seasonal sweets and festive treats.
Live performances on each general-admission evening, with an evolving lineup of musicians, artists, biblical reenactments and other experiences designed to make every visit distinctive.
The 2026 season will also introduce new light installations and newly curated areas for music, dining, gathering and photography. New installations include five illuminated holly trees positioned near the Artisans Market and McIntyre Hall, a large holiday bow in front of McIntyre Hall and a reindeer-and-river scene beneath the bridge and glowing willow.
Entries Open for Kentucky’s 9th Annual Gingerbread House Competition
Gingerbread Competition entries are now open for creators ranging from first-time builders and families to experienced artists and professional pastry chefs.
The 2026 competition includes individual divisions for Youth, Teen and Adult participants, along with group divisions for Pastry Chef and Civic or Business entries. Special recognition will also include The Nativity Award and the guest-selected People’s Choice Award.
Entries will be evaluated on overall appearance, originality, creativity, neatness and complete edibility.
The 2026 judging panel will include nationally recognized chefs, media personalities and local creatives. Winners will be recognized during a live ceremony featuring music, hot chocolate and special surprises.
Competition judging and the awards ceremony are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20. The completed pieces will then become the Gingerbread Exhibit inside the Allen House and McIntyre Hall for guests to experience throughout the Christmas season.
Complete competition rules, eligibility information and registration materials are available at MustardSeedHill.events/gingerbread-house.
Ticket Information and Early-Purchase Savings
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill will use one flexible general-admission period from 5 to 9 p.m. on each published admission evening, replacing the previous 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. entry windows.
General admission is $15 per guest, with children ages 7 and younger admitted free.
Guests who purchase general-admission tickets through Sept. 15, 2026, may use the promotional code FIRSTLIGHT to receive $1.50 off each general-admission ticket.
Groups of 15 or more automatically receive a discounted rate of $13.50 per guest at checkout, making the event accessible for extended families, churches, schools, clubs, nonprofit organizations, sports teams, community groups and companies.
Season Passes are also available for guests who want to return throughout the Christmas season to experience changing performances, revisit the Gingerbread Exhibit, shop the Artisans Market and enjoy the campus lights more than once.
General-admission tickets should be selected first. Guests may then add available carriage rides, campfire reservations and other Christmas enhancements to the same order before checkout.
2026 Published Schedule
Friday, Nov. 27, 5–9 p.m.
Opening Night of Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill and the beginning of the 2026 general-admission season.
Saturday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m.
Holiday Entertaining with Nancy Boatman: The Art of Gracious Hospitality
A workshop exploring gracious hosting, thoughtful guest etiquette and the art of setting the perfect holiday table.
Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
$5 Friday Day Pass
Daytime access to the decorated Allen House, Gingerbread Exhibit and Artisans Market.
Friday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.
The Crown of Evergreens: A Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop with Blue Ribbon Blooms
Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
The Crown of Evergreens: A Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop with Blue Ribbon Blooms
Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
$5 Friday Day Pass
Daytime access to the decorated Allen House, Gingerbread Exhibit and Artisans Market.
Friday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m.
The Baker’s Gift: A Cupcake Decorating Workshop with Kristen’s Kreations
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.
Holiday Tea, presented by Olive’s Apron
A private daytime tea inside the Allen House featuring festive tea blends, delicate cakes, cookies and sandwiches. Holiday Tea guests may remain for the evening Christmas experience without purchasing a second general-admission ticket.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
The Shepherd’s Feast: Christmas Charcuterie and Mocktails with NuHealth Kitchen
A 90-minute interactive experience featuring charcuterie-board construction, seasonal styling and handcrafted holiday mocktails.
Friday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
$5 Friday Day Pass
Daytime access to the decorated Allen House, Gingerbread Exhibit and Artisans Market.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.
The Sweet Stable: Gingerbread House Decorating with Amy Hicks
Award-winning baker Amy Hicks will guide guests through construction, icing and decorating techniques as each participant completes a professionally styled gingerbread house.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 5–9 p.m.
Final ticketed evening of the 2026 Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill season.
All Christmas class prices include same-day general admission. Complete general-admission dates, availability and reservation information are maintained on the official ticket calendar.
Carriage Rides, Campfires and Special Dining
Guests may customize their evening with reserved experiences offered in addition to general admission.
Nativity Carriage Rides carry guests beneath warm blankets through the historic streets of Millersburg. The narrated ride passes six 8-foot stained-glass-inspired paintings by Kentucky artist Kaylie Polk, with each illuminated panel depicting part of the Nativity story.
Private Christmas Campfires provide a reserved gathering space surrounded by fresh-cut trees, seasonal furnishings and the lights of the campus. Each $45 campfire reservation seats up to six guests. Optional Artisan S’mores Baskets are available for $7 per person, and Campfire Provisions Baskets are available for $10 per person.
The Supper Club: A Taste of the Nativity, presented by Johnson Hospitality Group, offers an eight-course dining experience with wine pairings inside the Allen House. Following dinner, Supper Club guests receive private access to the Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill experience. Reservations and current availability are provided through the Christmas event page.
Carriage rides and campfire reservations require general admission and should be added after guests select their admission evening.
Corporate Christmas Parties and Overnight Experiences
Mustard Seed Hill is also accepting reservations for private corporate and organizational Christmas gatherings.
On Sundays through Wednesdays during the Christmas season, companies and groups may reserve the fully decorated estate for a private celebration.
The Mustard Seed Hill team can assist with planning, setup, hosting, catering options, accommodations and event cleanup.
Guests may also extend their visit with an overnight stay in one of Millersburg’s restored historic homes or suites within walking distance of the campus.
The Ultimate Christmas Getaway includes festively decorated accommodations, concierge support, breakfast delivery from The Mill Yard and complimentary access to the holiday lights and displays at both Mustard Seed Hill and The Mill Yard.
2026 Community and Sponsor Support
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill’s 2026 season is made possible through support from sponsors including LG&E-KU, Harrison Memorial Hospital, City National Bank, AGI, Claiborne Farm, CMW Architects, E-Tech, Mitchell Construction Management, Amanda McCauley Thornberry, D.M.D., Paris Bourbon County Chamber & Tourism, Touchdown Turf, Paris Bourbon County EDA, Kentucky Farm Bureau agent Ashley McFarland, Bluegrass Impressions, Johnson Hospitality and Moments by Hannah.