Free Events in December

We are all about free events in December! Here’s a selection of FREE family festivals, experiences and events around Kentuckiana.

Free Events December Louisville

Surely, you will spend enough money this month. So, we want to provide you with ideas for free family fun. This is just a sampling of some of the amazing free events around Louisville. We are happy to provide you with even more information on our Winter Fun page

Throughout the month of December 


First, Check the Louisville Free Public Library calendar; there are storytimes, special holiday programs, book clubs, and more occurring throughout December, and they are all FREE!

Continuing with its FREE admission Sundays, check out the J.B. Speed Art Museum from 12pm-5pm.

Once Upon an Orchestra – Once Upon an Orchestra, a 60-minute, all-ages program, weaves together storytelling adventures with creative music making. Varies times/library locations during the month.

Lights on Main – Lights On Main is a display of live Christmas trees in Downtown Louisville to promote community and support a good cause. December 1 – January 8. Family day will be December 17th from 11am-3pm.

Holiday Lights at Buffalo Trace – November 30th til Monday, December 25th, nightly from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Embrace the holiday season by driving through a special route of magnificent and colorful light displays. This event is complimentary to attend and open to the public.


December 1

All is Bright – Westport Village, 6:00-8:00pm. Live music, Santa Appearance, entertainment, and more.


December 2

Light Up LouisvilleLight Up Louisville powered by LG&E returns to bring you an evening of magic and excitement! Now with a NEW DATE, Light Up will take place on Saturday, December 2nd. Light Up will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. outside of Metro Hall on Jefferson Street downtown.

Light Up St. Matthews – Brown Park, 3:00-6:00pm. Pictures with Santa, kid’s activities, cookies, hot chocolate, and more!

Light Up LaGrange – 3:00-9:00pm with Santa arriving at 6:00pm. It’s the weekend that many small towns are turning their lights on, so head out to and enjoy seeing Santa, refreshments, holiday entertainment and more.

Fa-La-La on Frankfort – Frankfort Avenue, fun starts at Noon. Join them for live music, entertainment and activities at the small businesses all along the avenue.

Bardstown Road Aglow Holiday Party – Bardstown Rd – Noon-10pm. This festive and fun event supports local businesses by boosting holiday sales at Highlands restaurants and shops. 


December 3

Lessons & Carols – Bellarmine University, Our Lady of the Woods Chapel, 6:00pm. Reservations are required.

Light Up Lyndon – Robsion Park, 4:00-7:00pm, Santa arrives at 5:00pm.


December 6

Race to 150December 6th marks 150 days until the 150th Kentucky Derby. KDM is throwing an all-day party to kick off the countdown, and you’re invited! Don your Derby hats and celebrate the Race to 150 – only at Kentucky Derby Museum!


December 12

Cookies with Santa – Join in at any Mark’s Feed Store location on Tuesday, December 12th for Cookies with Santa! There will be treats, crafts, free kids meals* and of course… Santa himself after 6pm! *Limit 2 kids’ meals per adult entrée purchased.


December 15

Carols at The Gazebo – A special evening of Christmas carols and holiday songs located in Willow Park, on Friday, December 15th, from 7:00 to 8:00pm. Bring along your family, friends or neighbors and don’t forget to dress warm (and festive, if you’d like)! Free to attend and open to all.


Other ideas for free entertainment during this holiday month include:

  • Lights/displays around the city such as Christmas on the Square in Jeffersontown; the entire downtown area of Jeffersontown has light up displays where you can park your car and get out and walk around and look at them together. Brown Park in St. Matthews is always lit up for the holidays as well. Across the river in Southern Indiana, you can head to Clarksville, Jeffersonville, and New Albany to find many more light up displays and other free family events, such as watching the famous candy making at Schimpff’s Confectionery!
  • Enjoy Toyland Christmas, which is a huge hit for family memory making every year.

Finally, check out our list of Best Holiday Events in 2023 for more ideas!

 

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