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Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – Mammoth Cave National Park will host the 46th annual Cave Sing celebration on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. CST. The free holiday event will feature musical performances inside the cave by the Heart of Kentucky Chorus and Butler County Middle School auditioned choir, and pre-event music at the visitor center by vocalist Markita Connor and pianist John Baumgardner.
“Each year we look forward to kicking off the holidays with the unique and beloved tradition of Cave Sing at Mammoth Cave,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “The music, the setting, and the spirit of the season come together to create a truly magical experience underground. We’re proud to continue this tradition that brings people together in celebration and joy.”
In addition to two groups performing inside the cave, holiday music will greet guests as they arrive to the visitor center starting at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after Cave Sing in the lobby of The Lodge at Mammoth Cave where there will also be a visit from Santa Claus.
Cave Sing is a beloved holiday event and continues to grow in popularity. Attendees should be prepared for large crowds at the visitor center and inside the cave. No tickets or advanced reservations are required, but all participants must meet the event guide behind the park visitor center before departing for the Historic Entrance. Event participants will walk approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) round trip, to reach the performance area. The cave access trail includes a steep outdoor hillside with a total of 130 stairs.
Inside the cave participants will travel along broad passageways and walkways. The trail is mostly level, but some hilly and uneven areas exist. The performance area is a natural environment with low lighting and a temperature of around 54ºF (12ºC). Even though the cave air stays near a constant temperature, wind chills near the entrance may be much cooler. There are no seating options at the performance area, and the estimated performance time is around 1 hour.
Cave Sing is made possible through the generous contributions of the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park and park concessioner, ExplorUS, as well as the invaluable support of volunteers who assist in coordinating this annual event.
Visit the park website for more information about Cave Sing and other Special Park Events at Mammoth Cave National Park.
2025 Performers
The Heart of Kentucky Chorus from Elizabethtown, KY will make their second appearance at Cave Sing. The group is a barbershop mixed ensemble of over 40 members and is directed by Aaron Dale. Since forming in 2003, the group has entertained tens of thousands of people at hundreds of public performances and is known for its warm, joyful sound and its commitment to harmony throughout central Kentucky and beyond.
The Butler County Middle School auditioned choir is an American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) honor’s choir composed of 65 - 6, 7 and 8 grade students who perform at events around the region and state throughout the year. Some events include the Kentucky State Capitol at Christmas, Western Kentucky University (WKU), and Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball games. The group is directed by Travis Lowe, graduate of WKU and teacher at Butler County Middle and High school for the past 15 years.
Mammoth Cave guide and self -taught banjoist, Jake Penn, will entertain guests as they travel through the cave to the performance area. Jake specializes in nineteenth century musical style. He joined the National Park Service in 2021 and enjoys incorporating music into his educational programs, especially living history presentations.
Vocalist Markita Connor and pianist John Baumgardner will perform holiday music for event guests inside the visitor center to welcome guests to Cave Sing. The duo has made music together at weddings, restaurants, churches, cocktail lounges, private parties, and corporate/special events for more than 30 years. Their performance styles include jazz and blues standards to Top 40 tunes from most decades.
Last updated: November 21, 2025