Step into a family-friendly magical winter wonderland and support great causes at the Lights on Main Opening Party! The Frazier History Museum will be transformed into an enchanted holiday forest with trees beautifully decorated by local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals.

Awards will be presented for those voted Most Lou Spirit, Best Company Branding, Most Festive, and Most Unique. Come and cast your vote for the Fan Favorite!

Enjoy festive food, drinks, music, and joy! Admission includes access to all museum galleries and exhibitions. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $25, or $20 for Frazier Members.

Get your tickets here. 

829 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

Visit the Westport Village for a free magical holiday celebration this Friday presented by Osteria Italian Seafood!

Get ready to sing along with Top Shelf band while enjoying festive treats, shopping pop-up vendors, face painting, juggling, stilt walking, and more! Plus, Santa will join the band on-stage for a special appearance around 7:30 p.m.!

There will also be a fun, complimentary photobooth, and don’t miss the dance performance by Thrive School of Dance prior to the event at 5:40 p.m.!

Pop-up vendors include Kentucky Humane Society, Froggy's Popcorn, O La La by Olivia, Atrium Brewing, Buy Socks You All, Kentucky Candle Company, Wimsatt Soap Company, and many more!

1311 Herr Ln., Louisville, KY 40222

Join the City of Middletown as they prepare to Light Up Middletown with festive fun and a Holiday Bazaar! The bazaar opens at 4 p.m. at Celebration Hall. Enjoy plenty of great shopping and mingling among vendors. 

At 5:30 p.m. festivities and entertainment begin in Wetherby Park, followed by comments from Middletown Mayor Byron Chapman and the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. 

A parade will follow the lighting and there will be plenty of snacks and beverages available! For more information call (502) 245-2762. 

11711 Main St., Middletown, KY 40243

Made Market returns to Louisville with two nights of incredible makers and holiday fun! On Friday night, check out the Holiday Preview Night. Enjoy shopping small, sipping on signature cocktails, and soaking in the merry vibes.

This exclusive night out includes:

• Early bird access to your favorite makers
• Gourmet charcuterie boxes to tantalize your taste buds
• Custom screen-printed canvas tote
• Maker's Mark branded goodies for that extra holiday cheer
• Cash bar serving up holiday spirits
• Your choice of workshop led by expert makers

And here's the icing on the gingerbread house - meet Maker's Mark Distillery Diplomat, Chaz Fister, who will teach you the art of crafting the perfect Maker's Mark signature cocktail!

Friday hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get tickets to the Made Market Preview Night here. 

Then on Saturday, get ready for a festive extravaganza in Mellwood's largest event space, showcasing an incredible lineup of makers that will leave you in awe! Indulge in a day of shopping, treat yourself to scrumptious bites and sips, and bask in the wonderful community vibes of this vibrant city.

Step into the world of Made Market, where the finest curated handmade treasures await your discovery. With over 85 top-notch makers hailing from Louisville and beyond, this is the ultimate destination to find unique and remarkable creations. It's a shopping experience you won't want to miss!

Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person on Saturday, get your tickets here. Kids 15 & under enter free. Parking is free.

1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Yuletide 2023 returns with a focus on traditional family fun with a whimsical train village, sparkling lights and décor, Holiday Trees, food and beverage options, a takeaway craft, and Santa!

Advance tickets recommended with limited walkup availability each night. Get your advance tickets here. 

6220 Old Lagrange Rd., Crestwood, KY 40014

Louisville Downtown Partnership will host its inaugural Downtown Holiday Market this Saturday! The event is in collaboration with Louisville Metro’s annual Light Up Louisville and will transform the public plaza (formerly Aegon Plaza), between Jefferson and Market Streets, with a unique outdoor, pop-up shopping and food vendor market in the heart of Louisville.

The Downtown Holiday Market will be decorated with lights, inflatables, and photographable experiences. The market will showcase holiday favorites, a gourmet hot chocolate bar, crafts and activities for kids, vendors with specialty holiday gifts for sale. Vendors so far will feature custom clothing and jewelry, gift sets, soaps and balms, jams & jellies, Christmas ornaments, toys, and more! The event will also include various food vendors throughout.

This event is free to the public.

220 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202

Embrace the season's warmth at Locust Grove’s Christmas on the Farm! It’s never too late to find that perfect gift at the Museum Store Holiday Sale or your next great read to cozy up to at the Winter Book Sale. Enjoy musical talent from the students at Lincoln Elementary in the morning.

You’ll encounter life in early Kentucky during the winter when you step back in time, engage with history through First-Person Interpretation, and learn about historic crafts with hands-on demonstrations. Christmas on the Farm offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate the holidays, connect with the community, and explore the rich heritage of Locust Grove. Site admission includes entrance and stationed tour of the Historic House.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 18, and free for children 6 and under.

561 Blankenbaker Ln., Louisville, KY 40207

Light Up St. Matthews features musical entertainment, letters to Santa, train rides, activities for the kids, and fun for the entire family. Free cookies and hot chocolate, while supplies last, are available for everyone to enjoy.

No matter the weather, most activities are held under tents. At 6 p.m. the switch is thrown and Brown Park “Lights Up” with thousands and thousands of colorful holiday lights.

The event is held at Brown Park in St. Matthews, located at the corner of Kresge Way and Browns Lane, next to Baptist Health Louisville hospital. Free parking for the event is across from Baptist Health Louisville at 4007 and 4003 Kresge Way, with easy access to the park via a signaled crosswalk.

The seasonal lights will stay lit nightly until after the New Year. Residents and visitors to the community are welcome to visit the park daily throughout the holiday season to enjoy the lights.

This event is free and open to the public. 

Kresge Way & Browns Ln., 1298 Browns Ln., #1200, St. Matthews, KY 40207

Bardstown Road Aglow returns for its 38th year to the Highlands. The event will feature the tree lighting, trolley rides, shopping specials, and more! 

The Wendy's Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Tree Lighting Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with free hot chocolate and coffee provided by Safai Coffee Shop. Music provided by Voices of Kentuckiana. The Thirsty Peddler will also be in the Wendy's parking lot with a team of Volunteer Highlands Reindeers to take Santa along the Bardstown Road Corridor after the festive tree lighting. 

Special discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise will be available at participating restaurants and shops along Bardstown Rd, Baxter and Barret Avenues as well as Douglass Loop. A free trolley will take you from Bardstown Road to Baxter and Barret Avenues and Douglass Loop! 

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Collection boxes will be located at The Bristol.

Along Bardstown Rd., Baxter and Barret Ave. in the Highlands, Louisville, KY 40204

Sip & Sole Holiday Edition hosted by Kentucky's Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts (KOBBE) is curated to capture the next generation of spirits drinkers with a focus on adding to the style, culture, and authenticity of the industry! 

The event is not a sneaker ball. Sneakers, heels, and loafers are all welcome - whatever Sole means to you. Sip & Sole will feature a single barrel release. They have partnered with Pernod Ricard to release a Smooth Ambler Bourbon selected by KOBBE.

This year, there will be no live or silent auction held during the event, instead it will be held online and concluded before the event begins. Silent Auction proceeds benefit the E.B.A. Scholarship for service that provides financial relief to individuals of color toward education in the spirits industry. The event will also be collecting new and gently used shoes and socks that will be donated to local shelters and corresponding programs.

Gold Level tickets are $55 per person and include food and sampling. Platinum Level tickets are $100 per person and include food and sampling, and one bottle of the Sip & Sole official single barrel. Get your tickets here. 

815 W. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202

Razzle Dazzle's 2nd annual Sparkle Ball is a festive benefit dance party that kicks off the holiday season. This year's event is set in the iconic Henry Clay Building, hosted by Patrick Hallahan of My Morning Jacket and Damaris Phillips from The Food Network, featuring DJ Sam Sneed!

The event will feature complimentary specialty cocktails and bar by Blade and Bow and Bulleit Bourbon, local snacks, artist designed Christmas trees auction, and immersive experience surprises that capture the essence of the season.

Event proceeds benefit APRON Inc., a local non-profit that provides financials relief to professional food and beverage workers in Louisville.

General admission tickets are $100 per person, get your tickets here. 

604 S. 3rd St., Louisville, KY 40202

Visit Frankfort Avenue for live music, entertainment, and activities at the small businesses all along the avenue. Enjoy Winter specials from many of your favorite restaurants and businesses!

The event will feature a happy hour at Mellwood Tavern from 12 to 7 p.m., a Holiday Dog Walk and Contest from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m., photos with Santa from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and live music at Mellwood Tavern at 9 p.m.!

Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Celebrate the holiday season with the Louisville Bats during Breakfast with Santa! Join Santa in the Louisville Bats Clubhouse and enjoy buffet style breakfast, cookie decorating provided by Heitzman Traditional Bakery and Deli, and ornament crafting!

Enjoy free photos with Santa! All kids in attendance will be provided the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa. Access to digital copies of the photo will be available after the conclusion of the event.

Choose tickets from two sessions! The first session begins at 8 a.m. and session two begins at 10:30 a.m. Choose your time and get your tickets here. 

401 E. Main St., Louisville, KY 40203

This Saturday, join the German-American Club for Christkindlmarkt, their Christmas Market! 

Over 30 local vendors will be on site to help complete your holiday shopping list, including at least one cookie vendor.

The Rheingold Band will be performing live music to put everyone in the Christmas spirit and there will be plenty of food and drink options to refresh and warm you up!

Frohe Weihnachten! Prost!

1840 Lincoln Ave., Louisville, KY 40213

Skip the long lines at the mall and visit the Kentucky Science Center for a treasured family keepsake! Take family photos with Frosty the Snowman, sample liquid nitrogen ice cream, and make your own snow globe in a sensory-friendly environment.

Sensory Friendly No Limits Family Nights offer interactive exploration for families of children with special needs in a sensory friendly environment. No matter the special need, there are no limitations when you’re doing science! Each No Limits Family Night includes after hours admission, themed activities, a take-home element, and a supplemental activity card for continued learning.

Admission is $20 for adults ($15/member), and $25 for children ($20/member). Get your tickets here. 

727 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

AfterGlow is a late-night silent disco that features 3 different local DJs mixing music simultaneously to create a unique dance experience in the basement at Vernon Lanes. The event features DJ Smaze, Bubba and Velvet Disco on the same stage.

DJ Smaze will be mixing a little bit of everything to keep the party going, Bubba is bringing the Hip hop and House favorites, while Velvet Disco is spinning Latin House, R&B, Hip House and anything in between that will make you wanna dance!

Tickets are available for $10 both pre-sale and at the door. Pre-Sale tickets guarantee you have a pair of headphones in the event we sell out. Get your pre-sale tickets here. 

This event is 21 and up only. 

1579 Story Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

The Gore Club LLC’s annual Louisville Krampus Celebration is this weekend at Art Sanctuary! The event will feature live music from Stagecoach Inferno, Ohlm, Crown of Serpents, and Taken Lives.

There will be a Krampus costume contest, food from Fright Bites, live art, all of the alternative holiday vendors you can handle, and most importantly, the annual Stagecoach Inferno Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest! 

Tickets are $15 in advance or $25 day of the event. Get tickets here. 

1433 S. Shelby St., Louisville, KY 40217

Tis the season for the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour! The Holiday Home Tour gives visitors a rare glimpse inside these historic Victorian mansions and townhouses stylishly dressed for the holidays.

Start the tour at the Old Louisville Visitors Center in Central Park to pick up your ticket/brochure. This is your admission to the homes.

This is a self-paced, easy-walking tour with directional signage along several blocks to the participating homes. Docents will greet you at each house.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event. They may be purchased online or in-person at the Historic Old Louisville Visitors Center inside Central Park (1340 S. 4th Street). Children 17 and under are free. Get your tickets in advance here. 

All proceeds from the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour support the historic preservation and educational work of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council. For more information about the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour, visit oldlouisville.org or call (502) 635-5244.

There is ample street parking around St. James Court and the perimeter of Central Park as well as side streets. There are also free parking lots marked for the event on Park Avenue, Fourth, Third and Second Streets. Free shuttles will also be made available along the tour path.

501 W. Magnolia Ave., Louisville, KY 40208

Come visit The Flea Off Market's indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) pop-up holiday flea market at Logan Street Market! The event features gifts galore, vintage finds, records, collectibles, arts & crafts, and more!

Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1001 Logan St., Louisville, KY 40204

The 4th annual Drag Queens on Ice returns this Sunday to the Paristown's Fête de Noël Ice-Skating Rink in Christy’s Garden. 

This year’s performers include Hostess Leah Halston, Karmen Kazzi, Starlette, Breanna Burns, Salem Vytch-Tryells, Celeste DeChardonnay and two very special guests all the way from RuPaul Drag Race & All Stars “Milk” and Dusty Ray Bottoms.

The event benefits the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation and is open to the public with free admission.

731 Brent St., Louisville, KY 40204

Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville returns with more than 40 themed displays, mapping projections, approximately 900 illuminated characters, 4 LED light tunnels, including a new 200-foot-long MEGA light tunnel, two laser sections, and nearly 6,000,000 points of light that will spread mega cheer and holiday spirit this season. Lights Under Louisville will take visitors on an immersive ride through more than one mile of cavern passageways as visitors drive through millions of dazzling lights, festive lasers, and even larger captivating light tunnels.

Lights Under Louisville is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online here. 

1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40213

We are pleased to announce that Lights on Main is teaming up with Frazier History Museum to bring you a dazzling Christmas tree exhibit like never before! 75 trees will be decorated for the holiday season and placed throughout all three floors of the museum, intended to promote community and attract patrons to the downtown business district, and most importantly provide funding free after-school programs for 300 children in the city of Louisville.

Guests will step into a magical winter wonderland with three floors of trees carefully decorated by local schools, organizations, families, and individuals. To ensure everyone can see it, the Frazier is extending hours on Wednesday evenings and opening at no cost to visitors on Decemer 17th. Lights on Main is indoors for the first time, so we’re also programming the museum with school choirs, pop-up markets, partner Bourbon tastings, and a Santa photo op in the galleries. All program details, dates, and times will be released in the coming weeks.

Join us on December 17th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a FREE Family Day sponsored by Walmart at the Frazier History Museum. Enjoy a fun-filled day with diverse holiday celebrations, meet Santa and the Grinch, shop for unique gifts, savor delicious food from Con Aji Y Cafe Foodtruck, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. 

829 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

The popular Christmas Tree Lane returns for another season to Waterfront Park! Local vendor, Book’s Christmas Trees, will carry a wide variety of trees, wreaths, and other holiday greenery. Trees will be available until they run out.

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information contact Irvin Booker at (812) 786-4878.

301 Witherspoon St., Louisville KY 40202

Immerse yourself in this Holiday pop-up bar decked to the halls - literally, with floor to ceiling decor.

Featuring a festive food and drink menu that absolutely sleighs, multiple photo ops, featured events, and more!

Bar seating will be available on a first come first serve basis, optimal for drinks and socializing. In addition to visiting with an intimate group, guests have the option to reserve the space for private events, ideal for end of season holiday parties.

For private event inquiries, please email events@4thstlive.com.

Open daily from 4 p.m. until midnight starting Friday, November 24.

Tinsel Tavern collides with New Year's Eve Live! for an over-the-top holiday celebration to ring in 2024. Fourth Street Live!'s platinum ticket package unlocks access to a private party at Tinsel Tavern and all-inclusive premium drink package, private entrance with VIP red carpet experience, exclusive tastings, multiple photo opportunities, vendors, complimentary coat check, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.

445 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202

Start your newest holiday season tradition at Paristown’s annual Fête De Noël ("Festival of Christmas") Winter Holiday Festival, a 6-week winter wonderland featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice-skating rink, photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides and so much more.

The stunning 100'x50' outdoor ice-skating rink is an authentic sheet of ice featuring festive holiday music, skate rentals for all ages and connected concession stand bar. General admission tickets include 60 minutes of ice time and complimentary skate rental.

Shop dozens of specialty gift ideas from local and regional makers across 20 outdoor pop-up shops lining Brent Street in the Holiday Market. The pop-up Holiday Market will take place on Nov. 24–26; Nov. 30–Dec. 3; Dec. 7–10; December 14–23. 

Get creative during your own personal photoshoot with Santa himself at his all-new Louisville workshop located on Brent Street. $10 tickets include admission for groups of up to six people. Photos with Santa will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 & 3; Dec. 9 & 10; Dec. 18–23.

Check out the full attraction schedule here and get your tickets here!

731 Brent St., Louisville, KY 40204

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.

Miracle is open daily starting at 4 p.m. and closes at 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. No reservations are accepted, all seating is first come, first serve. 

Along with cocktails, there will be food options, other beverages such as wine and beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. All ages are allowed until 9 p.m. each night. After 9, it's 21+ only.

Looking to book a holiday party? Get more information here. 

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

732 E. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202

Experience the nostalgic holiday tale of Marie and her Nutcracker prince as they journey to the magical world of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is a delight for all ages with a distinctly Kentucky flavor.

Choreography by Val Caniparoli, and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is taking place on select date at Whitney Hall in the Kentucky Center. Get tickets to see The Nutcracker here. 

501 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

Enjoy a sparkling winter wonderland of swans, snowflakes, light bursts, candles and a multicolor tunnel of lights. Visit Santa and his sleigh in the Graeser Family Education Center and Mrs. Claus' Cottage in the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms. 

Holiday beverages will be available for purchase in the Jingle All the Way Cafe. 

No outside food or drink, pets, smoking, or vaping allowed inside the gardens. 

2023 Dates:

• December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10
• December 14 through 23
• December 27 through 30

Admission is $12 for WBG members, $17 for non-members, $8 for members ages 3 – 12, $10.50 for non-members ages 3 – 12, and free for ages 2 and under.

Purchase tickets in advance here. 

1435 Frankfort Ave., Louisville KY 40206

Visit the Whirling Tiger in Butchertown for an over the top Christmas themed pop-up all season long! Along with specialty cocktails and plenty of festive fun, they will be announcing additional special, holiday events throughout the month. 

Open at 6 p.m. each day. Hours are expected to extend the closer it gets to Christmas.

No reservations. 

1335 Story Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Adventure through the Louisville Zoo as it launches a new winter holiday event - Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday! Areas of the Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland throughout the month of December, providing a unique opportunity to experience the holidays alongside the community’s beloved animal residents.

Families are invited to create memories and celebrate with polar bear, Qannik and her animal companions as they enjoy special holiday-themed enrichment activities during the first three weekends of December (2–3, 9–10, and 16–17). Guests can stop by the Zoo’s Gift Shop, December 1–17, to write and send a letter to Santa at the North Pole.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with guests when they celebrate the season at the Zoo on December 16– 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday is included with Louisville Zoo admission or membership. Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person may purchase discounted tickets at the Zoo ticket windows for $10 per adult and $7 per child/senior ticket. Twenty-five cents of every admission will also support conservation efforts of the Louisville Zoo.

1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213