Holiday Family Fun in Louisville
Here is a list of some of Louisville's top holiday and winter events
Recently named one of "14 Winter Vacation Ideas in the U.S." by Travel + Leisure, Louisville is a great option when looking at where to spend a few days this holiday season. And being within a day's drive of over half the U.S. population, a trip to Louisville may be a lot closer than you think! In addition to an amazing restaurant scene and unique collection of museums, here are some fun and safe holidays events for you to check out this winter.
One of the city's most popular attractions, Louisville Mega Cavern, undergoes its annual transformation into a festive underground light spectacular known as Lights Under Louisville. November 13 through January 3, holiday lovers can enjoy a 30-minute drive through a portion of 17 miles of underground passageways which sits one hundred feet beneath the Louisville Zoo. The event features more than 850 lit characters and over three million points of light.
Iglous at 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
Cozy up this winter in your own private heated igloo at 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen. A member of the Urban Bourbon Trail, this downtown rooftop bar is located on the 8th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown and has created its own outdoor winter wonderland. Have an elegant evening in the Diamonds & Fur igloo or get comfy in the flannel bedecked Winter Lodge. There are six different themes in total to choose from in these socially distant, all weather igloos.
Winter Illuminations Trail Walk
New for 2020, The Parklands of Floyds Fork is igniting an illuminated trail walk through the beautiful Beckley Creek Park. Designed to be Louisville’s premiere winter tradition, the one-mile trail features more than 10 light installations harmonizing light, music and nature. Family and friends are invited to experience the magic of this one of a kind illuminated trail Nov. 20 through Jan. 3.
Start a new tradition this holiday season at Paristown’s Fête De Noël ("Festival of Christmas") Winter Holiday Festival, a 6-week Winter village featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink. Skate, shop, eat, and drink in the heart of Paristown and enjoy holiday movie nights, karaoke and silent disco on ice, Stoneware & Co. ornament decorating and much more. The holiday memories begin November 25.
Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Head to one of the Butchertown neighborhood's newest additions, the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, for their second annual Gardens Aglimmer. This self-guided walking experience will take you through an illuminated outdoor wonderland of swans, snowflakes, deer, Moravian stars, oversized flowers, and a multicolor tunnel of lights. Wander the new Beargrass Creek Pathway under icicle arches and a waterfall stream aglow. Check out the fun, Friday's and Saturday's between December 4-19.
From the producers of the popular Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular, this event is held in Louisville’s scenic Iroquois Park and will take place November 27 - January 2. It features a half-mile drive of lighting, artistry, and sounds that will delight the senses and transport you to an ethereal winter wonderland. Ticket purchases directly supports the non-profit Louisville Parks Foundation and the community-driven projects they support in Louisville's 120+ public parks and community centers.
Head to Derby Dinner Playhouse just across the river in Southern Indiana for your choice of two Holiday inspired performances. November 11 - December 31 you can check out "Christmas My Way - A Sinatra Holiday Bash" which features groovy versions of Sinatra Christmas hits like "Silver Bells", and "I'll Be Home for Christmas". Kids will love "A Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail" which follows along Pooh and friends on a delightful holiday adventure, Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19.
Head outdoors to Yew Dell Botanical Gardens for their annual Yuletide at Yew Dell event! This year, they will have an enhanced light display with photo ops on the festively lit path, holiday shopping opportunities, a take-home craft for kids, and or course, Santa! Reservations must be made in advanced, as capacity is limited for Friday - Sunday, Nov. 27-29 & Dec. 4-6.
If you can't join us this holiday season, we will definitely miss you, but don't think you should miss out on the fun. That's why December 7-15 we invite you to join an online streaming of the Louisville Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. The classic story of Marie, her Nutcracker Prince, and their journey to the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy is filled with magic, artistry, awe-inspiring sets and costumes, and distinctly Louisville touches.
For dining options, including a list of heated patios, use check out our Louisville Eats page.
To see Kentucky's current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions click here.
For more things to do in Louisville be sure to check out our calendar of events.
