15+ Things to Do in Louisville this Holiday Season

Lights Under Louisville, Louisville Mega Cavern | November 8 - January 4, 2025

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.

A Wonderful Life, Derby Dinner Playhouse | November 13 - December 31

Frank Capra's classic film is brought to life in a vibrant holiday musical. Follow the extraordinary lives of ordinary people and celebrate the innate goodness in us all this holiday season.

Also playing at Derby Dinner Playhouse (Nov. 16-Dec. 21) is A Fairy Tale Christmas. Experience the holidays through the eyes of your favorite fairy tale characters as everyone in the land of Happily Ever After is preparing for the Crystal Christmas Ball.

Fête De Noël, Paristown | November 29 - January 5

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.

Christmas at the Kingdom, Kentucky Kingdom | November 29 – January 4, 2025

Kentucky’s largest amusement park is now open through the holidays with the addition of Christmas at the Kingdom. Taking place for the first time in 2024, the $8 million investment will immerse guests into a joyful winter wonderland with more than one and a half million glowing lights, 300 Christmas trees, Santa’s Village, and a Snow Zone, featuring a four-story, 175-foot-long snow tubing hill constructed in the drained wave pool.

Yuletide at Yew Dell | November 29 & 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21

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.

Gardens Aglimmer, Waterfront Botanical Gardens | November 29 & 30, December 5-8, 11-23, & 26-30

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.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze, Louisville Palace | December 1

Cirque Dreams Holidaze began as a visionary concept, merging the magic of the holiday season with the enchanting world of circus performance. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved tradition that captivates audiences of all ages. From its inception, the show has sought to create an immersive experience that transports viewers into a fantastical holiday wonderland.

Krampus Cruise, Mary M. Miller | December 6

Join us for a one-of-a-kind Krampus Cruise on the Mary M. Miller! Sip a cocktail, enjoy live music, and take in the moonlit views on this unique evening cruise. Plus, keep an eye out for a special appearance by Krampus himself! (Must be 21+)

Light Up Louisville | December 7

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.

Bardstown Road Aglow | December 7

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.

Winter on the Farm, Locust Grove | December 7

Step into winter wonder at Locust Grove with a festive day packed with holiday cheer, live music, tasty treats, and fun activities for the whole family.

Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour | December 7 & 8

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 7 & 8

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 7, 8, & 14

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.

Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It's a Christmas Tour, KFC Yum! Center | December 10

Pentatonix's cherished holiday tradition returns with their most grandiose Christmas tour to date – Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It's A Christmas Tour. Following two years of captivating arenas filled with fans, the three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning and Daytime EMMY® Award-nominated quintet is set to enchant audiences once again with their beloved yuletide classics.

One West - Winter Wonderland | December 13-15 | FREE

Back for its third year, and taking place in West Louisville's Shawnee Park, this annual event is a holiday drive-thru experience will feature over 200,000 dazzling LED lights, a laser light show, festive displays, and live performances from choirs, music groups, and step teams, transforming the park into a mesmerizing display of holiday spirit. The free community event, hosted by OneWest, and will take place from 6pm - 10pm each night.

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Louisville Ballet | December 13-24

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.

Candlelight Christmas Tour, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum | December 20-22

Every room in this historic mansion is filled with holiday decor and music that are sure to put you in a festive holiday mood as you enjoy a self-guided tour throughout Louisville's grandest Victorian Home.

New Year's Eve Events | December 31

As 2024 draws to a close and we welcome in a new year, celebrate with friends and family on New Year's Eve in Louisville. From black tie affairs and block parties to family-friendly celebrations and heated golfing, there's no shortage of options for ushering in 2025 in Louisville.

Discover festive cocktails and holiday cheer at these holiday pop-up bars around Bourbon City!

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.