Millersburg — Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill
Military cadets have long disappeared from the grounds of the former Millersburg Military Institute on Main Street in this Bourbon County town. But the pomp and circumstance once seen here still lives — this time in the sparkle and trimmings of all things Christmas.
It is easy to imagine the Nutcracker himself marching among the larger-than-life golden holiday trees and massive lighted nativity scene now on display for Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill, a holiday spectacular held on the site of the former military school known colloquially as MMI.
The event is the work of Mustard Seed Hill — the new name of the property that MMI called home for around 113 years.
Now in its fourth year, Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill delivers plenty of seasonal pizzazz for everyone, with an artisan market, “Christmas Café,” traditional holiday music, and a Gingerbread House Exhibit ready and waiting for guests all season long.
The Gingerbread House Exhibit at Mustard Seed Hill
Imagine a racehorse carousel made entirely out of pastry and icing. Or a gingerbread cathedral, with a candy rose window and gingerbread bells. They really exist, and are on display right now at Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill.
Both are among the winners of Mustard Seed Hill’s third-annual gingerbread competition, which features more than 60 entries competing for a share of $11,000 in prize money.
Winning entries — including the cathedral, simply named “Stained Glass Church” — are on display inside two buildings at Mustard Seed Hill, including the Allen House. The 1852 Greek Revival mansion once housed MMI commanders and now hosts special events like weddings, complete with an upstairs honeymoon suite.
Next door to the Allen House is McIntyre Hall, a former MMI classroom building reborn as a bed-and-breakfast where other gingerbread entries are on exhibit. One “house” depicting a fantastical island accessible only by hot air balloons (“Time To Fly”) may be the most clever, with a ribbon to prove it. It’s definitely worth a peek.
Repurposed For Christmas And Beyond
Both the Allen House and McIntyre Hall fit seamlessly into the vision of nonprofit Community Ventures. The Lexington-based business incubator and developer of Mustard Seed Hill bought the former MMI property in 2016 and has been transforming it ever since with event space and lodging.
Education has also become part of the mission with the addition of Bourbon Christian Academy on the grounds.
“Our vision for this campus, in true MMI fashion, is to restore this historic campus to its former beauty, and to build a foundation for new moments to be created,” the organization says. “Today, Mustard Seed Hill represents an honoring of the MMI legacy, but with new life as a place for everyone to come together in celebration.”
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is the venue’s signature event, but not the only event. Weddings, and now marriage proposals, also happen here.
One of the best-loved spots? A 14-foot illuminated walk-through ornament that Mustard Seed Hill calls “the perfect family-photo spot and a beloved location for engagement proposals.”
If You Go
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is open nightly throughout the season. The light display can be seen nightly from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1, with access to both the market and café Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. and 3-9 pm. Sundays through Dec. 23.
Tickets to the event are $5, with children ages 7 and under are admitted free of charge.
The Gingerbread House Exhibit and both the Allen House and McIntyre Hall are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. and Sundays from 3-9 p.m. through Dec. 23 for an additional $5 admission. Children age 7 and under are admitted free of charge.
Want to check out the lights but not shop, eat, or tour the gingerbread exhibit or the buildings? Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is open free of charge for “Lights Only!” on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. throughout the season.
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill is located at 1122 Main Street in Millersburg. Please call (859) 685-2190 or email info@mustardseedhill.events for more information.
