Festive lights and holiday delights! Whether you’re a local or passing through, Louisville is the perfect place to find holiday activities for the whole family. Make the most of your holiday visit to Louisville with these activities:
FIND THE PERFECT TREE
Searching for the perfect tree? Make lasting memories with the family and cut down your own tree at Huber’s Farm. Willing to drive a little further? Visit Barker’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lexington or one of Kentucky’s Christmas Tree Association farms. Not a Griswold kind of family? Let someone else do the work and pick up a tree from Christmas Tree Lane at Waterfront Park or shop fresh cut trees, wreaths and gifts at the Brent Street Holiday Market (opens Nov 26) at Fete de Noel Winter Holiday Festival in Paristown. While you’re there, test your balance and coordination with a skate around the Crystal Ice Skating Rink (Nov 19 – Jan 2).
LIGHT UP YOUR HOLIDAY
What would the holidays be without the lights? Kick the holiday season off with the 36th annual Bardstown Road Aglow (Dec 4), a festive block party in the Highlands aimed at supporting local shops and restaurants. Immerse yourself in all things Christmas cheer with a cocktail at Miracle on Market, a kitschy holiday themed pop up bar, guaranteed to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
Enjoy a sparkling winter wonderland walk through the Waterfront Botanical Gardens at Gardens Aglimmer. Pack up the car and drive along the winding roads of Iroquois Park to experience the twinkling light display at Winter Woods Spectacular (Nov 26 – Dec 26). Bonus, every ticket purchased directly supports the non-profit Parks Alliance of Louisville and the community-driven projects they support in Louisville’s 120+ public parks and community centers. Crank up the holiday tunes and take the whole family underground to see the impressive display of Lights Under Louisville (Nov 12 – Jan 2).
Venture a little further outside Louisville to Lexington and experience holiday lights along a 3-mile road through the historic Kentucky Horse Park at the Southern Lights display (Nov 26 – Dec 31). Bundle up and grab a hot cup of cocoa for a cozy stroll across the bridge connecting downtown Louisville and New Albany. Soak up sweeping views of the city along the .25 mile walkway with changing lights and holiday music overhead.
SEE A SHOW
Get in the holiday spirit with a free showing of Home Alone at the KFC Yum! Center (Dec 3). Head to the Louisville Palace for holiday themed shows and events including: The Elf on the Shelf A Christmas Musical, Cirque Dreams Holidaze and Nutcracker in a Nutshell. Enjoy spectacular performances by Louisville Ballet, including: Swan Lake, Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Party. Take a short drive across the river to see A Christmas Story: The Musical or Once Upon a Snowflake at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Live your circus dreams under the big tent on Big Four Lawn at Venerdos Circus (Dec 2 – 12).
TIS’ THE SEASON TO SHOP
With holidays right around the corner, that means holiday gifts are right around the corner too! And there are plenty of great options for shopping local in Louisville. Some popular shopping neighborhoods include: Nulu, Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue. Marvel at beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and décor, while you shop local maker goods at the Festival of Tree & Lights (Nov 12 – 14), which is held in support of Norton Children’s Hospital at Louisville Slugger Field. Shop vintage finds at the Fleur de Flea Holiday Market (Dec 18 – 19). Need some more tips on where to shop? Check out our Red Penguin Community Gift Guide!
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Featured photo: Bardstown Road Aglow, courtesy of Lauren Rose @lrgcreative via OnlyInYourState
