Step into Lexington’s festive season with Ashland’s Candlelight Tours, where historic rooms glow with holiday spirit. Discover the mansion’s rich past illuminated by flickering candlelight—an experience that blends history and holiday magic in one unforgettable evening.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors, including families and seniors
Wildlife
History
Henry Clay, a renowned American statesman, owned Ashland, turning it into a hub of political and social activity in the 19th century.
Conservation
The estate actively maintains its historic structures and gardens while implementing sustainable practices to preserve Lexington’s cultural landscape.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Step into Lexington’s festive season with Ashland’s Candlelight Tours, where historic rooms glow with holiday spirit. Discover the mansion’s rich past illuminated by flickering candlelight—an experience that blends history and holiday magic in one unforgettable evening.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, Kentucky, preserves the home and legacy of American statesman Henry Clay while interpreting the lives of the Clay family and the people enslaved at Ashland. The site operates as a historic house museum offering guided public tours that explore political history, domestic life, and social history through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Docent-led experiences include the Signature Henry Clay Tour, a one-hour walkthrough of the eighteen-room mansion; the Women's Voices Tour, a 45-minute program focused on nine women connected to Ashland; Ashland Candlelight Tours, a seasonal holiday experience highlighting period decor by candlelight; and Traces: Slavery at Ashland, an indoor/outdoor tour examining material evidence and stories of those enslaved at the estate.
The institution combines architectural preservation with research-based interpretation to present nuanced perspectives on Henry Clay’s public career and the private lives shaped at Ashland. Educational programming supports schools, history groups, and heritage tourists seeking context-rich visits. Collections, furnishings, and documented house spaces anchor the tours in tangible artifacts and archival evidence. Information presented draws on primary sources and onsite material culture rather than speculation, and trained docents guide each visit to ensure historical accuracy, visitor safety, and respectful engagement with difficult subjects. Ashland serves as a place for learning, remembrance, and community connection, welcoming visitors who seek informed, reflective experiences in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. On-site staff and volunteers maintain collections care, educational outreach, and visitor services to support meaningful experiences. Programs emphasize interpretation, accessibility, and community stewardship efforts.
Location
Lexington, KY
Historic estate in Lexington
Tours Offered
4
Guided experiences available
Tour Lengths
45–60 min
Varies by tour
Historic Mansion
18 rooms
Eighteen-room residence
Reserve a guided tour, join a seasonal Candlelight event, or attend Traces: Slavery at Ashland to experience thoughtful, research-based interpretation in Lexington.
Dress warmly
Since the tour is conducted in historic indoor spaces lit by candles, layering is recommended to stay comfortable.
Arrive early
Getting there ahead of time ensures you can settle in and fully enjoy the ambiance before the tour begins.
Bring a small flashlight
A flashlight can help you navigate dimly lit areas and add to the ambiance without disrupting others.
Photography considerations
Capture the glow with your camera’s low-light settings, but keep flash off to preserve the candlelit atmosphere.
Warm clothing
Indoor temperatures are maintained, but layering ensures comfort during arrival and after the tour.
winter
Comfortable shoes
Historic floors can be uneven or hardwood—wear sturdy, comfortable footwear for easy walking.
Small backpack or purse
Keep essentials close without bulky bags, especially in candlelit spaces.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the glow and special moments of the tour with a camera set for low-light photography.