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The ultimate guide to the holiday season in Louisville

From underground light shows and a 175-foot-long snow tubing hill to holiday pop-up bars and enchanted markets, Louisville is your holiday destination.

November 03, 2025 | Katie Molck

Fête de Noël in Paristown is like a mini North Pole. | Photo by Steve Grider

Table of Contents:

  1. 🎄 Where to see lights
  2. ☃️ Seasonal celebrations
  3. 🔔 Shows & concerts
  4. 🎁 Holiday markets & gifts
  5. 🥂 Holiday pop-up bars
  6. 🍪 Festive treats

Cue that one Mariah Carey song, you know the one, and prepare to eat, drink, and be merry in Whoville — uh, we mean Louisville. While it's not wrapped in a bow, consider this ultimate guide to the holiday season in Bourbon City our gift to you.

Crowds gather in downtown Louisville for a holiday celebration with lights, a Christmas tree, and festive skyline at night.

Light Up Louisville kicks off the holiday season in Bourbon City. | Photo provided

Glimmering lights

🎄 Where to see lights

Lights Under Louisville | Friday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Jan. 3 | $21.99-$89.99
Load the car with holiday cheer and drive through the Louisville Mega Cavern’s underground wonderland, the only fully underground holiday light show in the world. The 30-minute drive weaves through over 900 light displays with 7 million points of light and a laser show, all set to festive music.

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom | Saturday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Jan. 3 | $19.99-$39.99
Kentucky’s largest amusement park will be open through the holidays for its second annual Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom event, which includes 1 million lights, over 300 Christmas trees, Santa’s Village, and a snow zone with a four-story, 175-foot-long snow tubing hill constructed in the drained wave pool.

Gardens Aglimmer | Friday, Nov. 28-Tuesday, Dec. 30 | $10-$17
Stroll through Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ pathways illuminated with giant glowing flowers, shimmering snowflakes, twinkling archways, and sparkling deer during this self-guided walking experience. Level up the holiday magic with a pair of 3D glasses, new this year to the event. Admission for kids 0-2 years old is free.

Yuletide | Friday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Dec. 20 | FREE-$15
Head outdoors to Yew Dell Botanical Gardens for lighting displays, a model train village, and festive music throughout the gardens. Warm up with hot cocoa and say “hello” to Santa while you’re there. Admission for kids 5 and under is free.

Light up Louisville | Saturday, Dec. 6 | FREE
This annual event has been kicking off the holiday season in downtown Louisville for over 40 years. The Lots of Lights parade will lead to the arrival of Santa Claus on Jefferson Street, aka Santa Claus Lane. The celebration concludes with a countdown to the illumination of the holiday tree and fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Bardstown Road Aglow | Saturday, Dec. 6 | FREE
Taking place in the Highlands neighborhood, this annual event includes a tree lighting ceremony and offers special discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise at local restaurants and shops along one of Louisville’s most popular thoroughfares.

A cozy dining room decorated for Christmas with garlands, wreaths, red ribbons, and a festive table set for a holiday meal.

See the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the country decorated for the holidays during the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour. | Photo provided

Seasonal celebrations

☃️ Seasonal celebrations

Festival of Trees & Lights | Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16 | $10-$50
Celebrating 36 years, this indoor winter wonderland at Louisville Slugger Field will display hundreds of decorated trees and wreaths. Plus, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy indoor train rides and holiday and Hanukkah activities.

NuLu Jingle Fest | Saturday, Nov. 15 | FREE
Take a sleigh ride together to the trendy East Market District for a street celebration filled with festive programming, like live holiday music, a photo booth, face painting, petting zoo, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more.

Holiday Spirited Soiree | Tuesday, Nov. 18 | $15-$35
Have a neat holiday at Downtown Louisville’s Angel’s Envy distillery. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, progressive-style whiskey tasting paired with seasonal bites, and complimentary bottle engraving. Plus, this all-ages party includes local vendors, a master distiller meet-and-greet, and the opportunity to purchase limited-edition Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Sauternes Wine Barrels.

Lights on Main | Thursday, Nov. 20-Tuesday, Jan. 6 | $12-$16
This seasonal exhibition transforms the Frazier History Museum into a magical holiday forest. Trees decorated by local schools, organizations, families, and individuals can be seen across three floors and are included with museum admission.

Holiday House Tour with Thomas Kincaid Village and Train Exhibit | Sunday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 14 | $5-$7
The halls of the 1844 Presley Tyler House at the Blackacre State Nature Preserve are decked and ready to be toured. Led by docents dressed in period attire, you’ll learn about 19th-century Christmas traditions — plus, see a 65-piece Thomas Kincaid Christmas village with a moving train on display.

Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival | Friday, Nov. 29-Monday, Jan. 5 | FREE
This holiday destination in the Paristown neighborhood features Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice rink — plus, a holiday market, photos with Santa, trackless train rides, and special performances, like “Drag Queens on Ice.”

Breakfast with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 6 | $32.50
Santa Claus is coming to Louisville Slugger Field. Join the Louisville Bats for a buffet-style breakfast, cookie decorating, ornament crafting, and, of course, photo opps with Santa. Stroller-bound children are free to attend with a ticketed adult.

Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour | Saturday, Dec. 6 & Sunday, Dec. 7 | $30-$35
Step into a Victorian-era Christmas via nine historic mansions dressed for the holidays in Old Louisville, home to the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the U.S. Additionally, Kentucky Shakespeare will perform vignettes and the West End Baptist Church will fill its Gothic church with music and choirs.

19th Annual Holiday Victorian Tea | Saturday, Dec. 6 & Sunday, Dec. 7 | $30-$50
This annual event takes place inside one of the most historic Victorian-era homes in the Old Louisville neighborhood, the Conrad-Caldwell house. Admission includes a variety of Louisville Tea Company teas, sweet and savory treats, live music, and a tour of the house museum, which will be decked out in holiday decor.

Krampus Cruise | Saturday, Dec. 6 | $39.99
Step aboard the Mary M. Miller river boat... if you dare. This frightfully festive 21+ cruise along the Ohio River includes a cocktail, live music, and photo opps with Krampus.

Cookies with Captain Santa | Saturday, Dec. 6 | $39.99
Take an Ohio River cruise with Saint Nick aboard the Mary M. Miller riverboat, transformed into a winter wonderland. Snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and festive activities to get you and the fam in the holiday spirit. Admission is free for kids 2 and under.

Holiday Tea at Oxmoor Farm | Saturday, Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 13 & Dec. 18 - 20 | $50-$75
Taking place inside the immaculate library of the historic Oxmoor Farm home, this brand-new holiday tradition invites guests to sip handcrafted teas, nibble holiday treats, and enjoy festive entertainment. Each date has a different theme so be sure to check the calendar for your seasonal celebration of choice.

SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run | Saturday, Dec. 13 | $59-$79
Lace up your sneakers and choose between a 5K, 10K, or 15K run through Downtown Louisville. Registration includes a chocolate finisher’s medal, chocolate fondue mug, and post-race party.

Candlelight Christmas Tour | Dec. 19-21 | $15
Every room in the historic Conrad-Caldwell House in Old Louisville will be filled with holiday decor and music that are sure to put you in a festive mood as you enjoy a self-guided tour throughout Louisville's grandest Victorian home. Bring a needed donation item for free admission.

Louisville Ballet dancers in white costumes perform on stage, surrounded by falling snowflakes and wintry blue lighting.

The Brown-Forman "Nutcracker" incorporates nods to Louisville in the sets, like the iconic St. James Fountain in the snow scene. | Photo by the Louisville Ballet

Shows & concerts

🔔 Shows & concerts

‘Tis the season for standing ovations. Check out these performances and concerts coming to town this holiday season.

Enjoy a German-style market at German American Club's annual Christkindlmarkt. | Photo by German American Club

Holiday markets & gifts

🎁 Holiday markets & gifts

Christkindlmarkt | Saturday, Nov. 22 | FREE
German American Club will open its doors to the public for a German-style Christmas market featuring local vendors and German food, beer, and gluhwein.

Pinkmas: A Holiday Market | Sunday, Nov. 23 | $10
During the holidays, we wear pink. Head to Mellwood Art Center for “the pinkest holiday market in town” featuring 75 woman-owned brands, themed drinks, photo opps, ornament painting, and a friendship bracelet station.

Vintage Holiday Pop Up Market | Saturday, Nov. 29 | $5
The Fleur De Flea’s annual market at Germantown Gables will host over 75 vendors selling vintage holiday decor, gifts, vinyl, and more. Plus, there will be a pop-up bar and holiday food.

Louisville Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 6 | FREE-$5
Cross names off your gift list at Made Market’s curated holiday shopping experience with over 90 makers at Mellwood Art Center. Sign up for hands-on workshops to learn how to make candles, cologne, and charcuterie. Pro tip: Peek at the market early on Friday, Dec. 5 during the Maker’s Mark Holiday Preview Night.

Louisville Christmas Gift & Decor Show | Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14 | FREE
The Kentucky Expo Center will welcome over 700 exhibitor booths to its halls selling gifts and sharing decor ideas for the season. Don’t miss photos with Santa while you’re there.

Magical Midwinter Market | Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 21 | $25-$80
For the first time, Logan Street Market will turn into an immersive holiday experience where storytelling meets shopping. Unlike traditional markets, this one is fully themed, with decor, vendors, theatrical performances, and enchanted characters designed by immersive arts company Ouroboros Louisville.

A holiday card sits on a wooden bar. Behind the bar are santa-shaped mugs and other holiday decor at Miracle on Market.

Miracle on Market is known for its kitschy ceiling-to-floor decor and cocktails. | Photo by Louisville Tourism

Holiay pop-up bars

🥂 Holiday pop-up bars

Starting in November, Bourbon City bars deck their halls and pour up holiday cheer — whether you're ready to rock around the Christmas tree or not. Here’s a list of the pop-up bars you can’t miss this year:

Ready for more good tidings? Learn more about Louisville's holiday pop-up bars.

Muth's Candies is home to the Modjeska. | Photo by Louisville Tourism

Festive treats

🍪 Festive treats

Please & Thank You
This hip, laid-back coffee shop and bakery was named as the best cookie shop in the country by USA TODAY. In addition to the famous cookie, its holiday menu includes Christmas tree-shaped iced sugar cookies, cranberry orange muffins, pecan tea cookies, and winter-themed crunch sugar cookies.

Muth’s Candies
Enjoying a Modjeska around the holidays just tastes a little sweeter. The caramel dipped marshmallow confection was invented in Louisville in the early 20th century and you can visit today’s makers at the old-fashioned candy store in NuLu. Muth’s also sells Bourbon balls, Bourbon turtles, and other assorted chocolates.

Kizito Cookies
Founded and operated by Elizabeth Kizito, an immigrant from Uganda who opened her bakery in 1989, Kizito Cookies is famous for its extra-large cookies that come in 12 flavors, including gingersnap, snickerdoodle, and pumpkin chocolate chip.

Chocolate and Nut Kingdom
This Bardstown Road hidden gem is filled with candy and whimsical desserts. While known for its viral Dubai chocolate creations (like Labubu Dubai chocolates), the store also whips a cotton candy burrito, baklava, and has an entire wall of Arabic chocolates.

Bae’s Baekery
Bae’s jumbo stuffed cookies come in seven creative flavors, like the S’more Dat and Cinnamon Rollex. The Frankfort Avenue pastry shop also serves up blondies and brownies, scones, and cake by the slice.

Ready to plan your sleigh ride to Louisville this holiday season? Check out these hotel packages — plus, stay up to date on all Bourbon City happenings via our events calendar and newsletter.

About The Author

Katie Molck

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