15 Things to Do in Louisville this Holiday Season

A Christmas Carol The Musical, Derby Dinner Playhouse | November 9 - December 31

This Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ well-known story breathes fantastic new life into the classic tale. The whole family will enjoy this lavish and thrilling musical for the holiday season at one of the oldest and largest professional dinner theatres in the country.

Also playing at Derby Dinner Playhouse (Nov. 11-Dec. 23) is Jack Front Saves Christmas. Follow Jack on his adventures in Christmastown as he discovers his very icy abilities and manages to save Christmas during this kid-friendly holiday musical!

Lights Under Louisville, Louisville Mega Cavern | November 10, 2023 - January 1, 2024

This one-of-a-kind underground holiday light show will take you on a 30-minute drive through a portion of Louisville Mega Cavern's 17 miles of underground passageways. The event features over 900 lit displays, six and a half million points of light, a laser light show, and holiday music.

IgLOUs, 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen | November 12, 2023-February 2024

Cozy up this winter in your own private heated igloo on the rooftop of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown. The highest rooftop bar in the city, this outdoor winter wonderland features fully enclosed private igloos available for rent, comfortably seating up to 8 people. Festive food and beverages are available for purchase and count toward your 2.5 hour rental F&B minimum.

Holiday Pop-Up Bars

A Christmas on Story Avenue | Thru December 31

Head to The Whirling Tiger where this Butchertown bar and music venue triple dog dares you to visit the land of fishnet lamps and Red Ryder bb guns. Try Ovaltine for adults via the frozen Ovaltini made with espresso + coffee liqueur or throw back a green Midori shot served in an ornament.

Miracle on Market Pop-Up Holiday Bar | Thru December 31

In the NuLu neighborhood, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Miracle on Market, an extraordinary holiday pop-up bar set in an ornate festive ambiance serving professionally made drinks.

Tinsel Tavern | Thru December 31

At 4th Street Live in Downtown Louisville, you'll find a winter wonderland at Tinsel Tavern, a festive holiday pop-up bar. Embrace the season's spirit as you enter a magical space adorned with twinkling lights, whimsical decorations and seasonal charm.

Disco Blizzard | Thru January 1

Located in Nulu, Hotel Genevieve's speakeasy, Lucky Penny becomes a holiday extravaganza pop-up bar. Elevate your holiday joy with an abundance of sparkle, dazzling lights, vibrant decorations, and cocktails on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sippin' Santa | Thru January 5

Head to Enso in Clifton for a non-traditional pop-up bar. "Envision Santa on a surfboard instead of a sleigh, replace the classic pine tree with palms decked with ornaments, and hang hibiscus garlands alongside tinsel."

Whiskey Wonderland | Thru December 29

Take an enchanting journey through Whiskey Wonderland at Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant. Experience holiday-themed cocktails in a festive atmosphere and savor the season at this magical pop-up bar.

Fête De Noël, Paristown | November 24 - January 2

Paristown’s Fête De Noël ("Festival of Christmas") is a 6-week, winter holiday festival featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink. Shop, eat, and drink your way through the Winter Holiday Village. Enjoy special holiday movie nights, karaoke, a Drag Queens on Ice special performance, and ornament decorating at historic Stoneware & Co.

Yuletide at Yew Dell | November 24 & 25 and December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16

Head outdoors to Yew Dell Botanical Gardens for their annual Yuletide at Yew Dell event. This year, they have an enhanced light display with photo ops on the festively lit path, holiday shopping opportunities, a take-home craft for kids, and of course, Santa.

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland, Louisville Palace | November 28

Wonderland is an all-new musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away for a fun-filled holiday-themed experience. Audiences will be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks, and holiday cheer. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites.

Gardens Aglimmer, Waterfront Botanical Gardens | December 1-2, 7-10, 14-23, & 27-30

Wander the new Beargrass Creek Pathway under icicle arches and a waterfall stream aglow at Butchertown's Waterfront Botanical Gardens. 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. Visit Santa and his sleigh in the Graeser Family Education Center and Mrs Claus’ Cottage in the new Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms.

Light Up Louisville | December 2

A new date for 2023, this annual event has been ringing in the holiday season in downtown Louisville for over 40 years. A parade through the streets of downtown will lead up 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.

Andrea Bocelli Live In Concert, KFC Yum! Center | December 2

Iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will make his first-ever stop in Louisville on Saturday, December 2 at the KFC Yum! Center. Joined by the Louisville Orchestra, famed Italian music icon Zucchero, and Andrea's daughter, Virginia Bocelli, the tour will feature performances from Bocelli's extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the holiday season, with selections from his recent No. 1 album A Family Christmas, his uplifting solo album Believe as well as a selection of arias, his beloved crossover hits and famed songs.

Bardstown Road Aglow | December 2

Taking place from noon to 10pm in the Highlands neighborhood, this annual event offers special discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise at participating restaurants and shops along Bardstown Road, Baxter & Barret Avenues, and Douglass Loop. Thanks to the Louisville Federation of Musicians, live music will take place at several pop-up locations along Bardstown Road, as well as free Trolley rides before the annual lighting of the holiday tree.

Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour | December 2 & 3

Returning on the first full weekend in December, the Holiday Home Tour gives visitors a rare glimpse inside these historic Victorian mansions and townhouses stylishly dressed for the holidays in the historic Old Louisville neighborhood.

Holiday Victorian Tea, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum | December 2 & 3

This annual event takes place inside one of the most historic homes in the Old Louisville neighborhood. Admission includes a variety of Louisville Tea Company teas, sweet and savory treats, live music, and a museum tour of the house, which will be decked out in holiday decor.

Cookies with Captain Santa, Mary M. Miller | December 2, 9, and 16

Take a cruise up the Ohio River with Saint Nick aboard the Mary M. Miller as it transforms into a winter wonderland during this family-friendly event. Hang out and take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while snacking on delicious cookies, hot cocoa, and plenty of activities to get you in the holiday spirit.

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Louisville Ballet | December 8-24

This Louisville Ballet holiday classic returns to Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall to delight audiences of all ages with magic, artistry, awe-inspiring sets, and costumes as Marie and her Nutcracker Prince travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

To find all events happening in and around the city be sure to check out our event calendar and subscribe to our email newsletters for the latest updates on news and events.