Louisville comes alive during the holidays with events that blend tradition and local charm. Stroll through festive markets, catch live performances, or enjoy the twinkling lights across the city. Whether you’re with family or friends, there’s plenty to explore and celebrate this season.

Holiday Lights

  • Lights Under Louisville

    Louisville Mega Cavern

    Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026

    Underground drive‑thru light show with 6.5M+ lights, 40+ displays, and music.

  • Festival of Trees & Lights

    Louisville Slugger Field

    Nov 14 – Nov 16, 2025

    Hundreds of decorated trees, wreaths, and lights; beloved community tradition.

  • Lights on Main

    Frazier History Museum

    Nov 20, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026

    Multi‑floor holiday trees & lights in partnership with I Would Rather Be Reading.

  • Gardens Aglimmer

    Waterfront Botanical Gardens

    Nov 29–30 & Dec 5–8, 11–23, 26–30, 2025

    Stroll through illuminated archways and garden light art with cocoa in hand.

  • Yuletide Yew Dell

    Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

    Nov 28–29 & Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 2025

    Lights, holiday model train, Santa visits, snacks and hot drinks.

  • Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom

    Kentucky Kingdom

    Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026

    1M+ lights, snow tubing hill, Santa’s House, festive rides and shows.

  • Light Up Louisville

    Downtown (6th & Jefferson)

    Dec 6, 2025

    City tree lighting and parade; 40+ year tradition downtown.

Events & Markets

  • Fête De Noël Winter Holiday Festival

    Paristown

    Opening Nov 28, 2025

    Outdoor ice rink, Santa photos, Brent Street Holiday Market, train rides.

  • Miracle on Market

    Galaxie Bar (NuLu)

    Nov 18 – Dec 28, 2025

    Over‑the‑top holiday pop‑up with creative cocktails in novelty mugs and festive décor.

  • Blitzen’s Bar

    Omni Louisville

    Nov 22 – Dec 30, 2025

    Neon signs, leg lamps, tinsel galore; festive pop‑up bar inside the Omni.

  • Christmas Tree Lane

    Waterfront Park

    Nov 22 – Dec 22, 2025

    Purchase trees, wreaths, and greenery from Book’s Christmas Trees on the riverfront.

  • Merry at The Marriott

    Louisville Marriott Downtown

    Nov 22 – Dec 29, 2025

    Hotel lobby pop‑up bar transforms into a winter wonderland with seasonal cocktails.

  • Tinsel Tavern

    Pizza Bar (Fourth Street Live!)

    Nov 28 – Dec 30, 2025

    Holiday pop‑up with playful food & drink menu.

  • Bardstown Road Aglow

    Highlands / Bardstown Road

    Dec 6, 2025

    Shopping, live music, and holiday treats along Louisville’s most eclectic strip.

  • Brent Street Holiday Market

    Brent Street - Paristown

    Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-24

    Shop from various local and regional artists at pop-up shops on Brent Street.

  • Holiday Ceramics Workshop

    KMAC Contemporary Museum

    Nov 18, 2025

    Join KMAC educators for a festive clay workshop where you’ll design and decorate your own ornaments or gifts using stamping, carving, and other creative techniques.

  • Christkindlmarkt

    German American Club

    Nov 22, 2025

    A German Holiday Market with gifts, food, drinks, and Glühwein!

  • Holiday Tea at Hermitage Farm

    Hermitage Farm

    Nov 29, 2025

    Holiday tea time at the farm with live music, savory and sweet eats, and handcrafted herbal teas.

  • Fleur De Flea Vintage Holiday Market

    Germantown Gables

    Nov 29, 2025

    A holiday market with over 100 vendors selling a range of items, decor, apparel, and antiques.

  • Holiday Cookie Decorating Class

    The Craftery

    Dec 2, 2025

    Learn how to decorate cookies in this holiday workshop with the owner of The Louisville Cookie Company.

Music & Shows

  • Cookies with Captain Santa

    Mary M. Miller Riverboat

    Dec 6, 13 & 20, 2025

    Cruise aboard the Mary M. Miller Riverboat with Saint Nick; cookies, cocoa, and river views.

  • Carols with the River Cities Concert Band

    First Unitarian Church

    Dec 2, 2025

    Kick off December with holiday music from the River Cities Concert Band.

  • A Christmas Carol

    Actors Theatre of Louisville

    Dec 6-7, 10-14, 17-20

    See a holiday classic produced by Actors Theatre of Louisville.

  • Holiday Open House

    Bernheim Forest and Arboretum-Visitor Center

    Dec 6, 2025

    Enjoy music and treats while shopping in the forest for gifts made by artists from across the state.

  • NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

    Louisville Palace Theatre

    Dec 9, 2025

    Watch the Christmas tradition with an international cast for the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

  • Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Creole Christmas

    The Kentucky Center - Bomhard Theater

    Dec 10, 2025

    Listen to a New Orleans classic, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as they return to Louisville for the Creole Christmas concert series.

  • Magical Midwinter Market

    Logan Street Market

    Dec 12, 2025

    A holiday market with a twist — come in your best wizarding costume and join the fun.

  • Christmas Gift and Decor Show

    Kentucky Exposition Center

    Dec 12-14, 2025

    Over 750 booths of gifts, jewelry, and clothes for all of your holiday needs.

  • The Brown-Forman Nutcracker

    Kentucky Performing Arts

    Dec 13-22

    See this local tradition with choreography, sets, and costumes crafted for Kentucky.

  • Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

    Louisville Palace

    Dec 12

    Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland returns with a new show but the same magic filled acrobats, aerialists, and holiday spirit.