Best List of Holiday & Christmas Events in Louisville

‘Tis the season for the awe of Holiday & Christmas events and activities in and around Louisville. 

Looking for a way to celebrate or get into the spirit? We’ve got you covered! Holiday events, markets, tree-lighting, photos with Santa and more. 

We have scoured the internet to find what is going on for 2022 Christmas events in Louisville, and updated the following list for you. We hope you can make a ton of wonderful memories this holiday season!

Read also:

• Drive Thru Holiday Lights and Events
• Dine with Santa

 

Photos & Meetings with Santa:

Photos with Santa are available at the Malls and Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s throughout the Holiday Season. Make reservations in advance, November 5th-December 24th.

See Santa at the Malls: 

Christmas Events in Louisville are not the same if you can’t see Santa! 

Santa at the Green Tree Mall – November 23-December 24

Santa at Mall St. Matthews – November 18-December 24

Santa at Oxmoor Mall – November 23-December 24

Santa at Jefferson Mall – November 23-December 24

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass – December 4-24, check website for dates/times

Zoneton Santa Truck Route – December 2 – December 17 various dates. Click here for details. FREE coming to a street near you. 

Through December 31

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – Derby Dinner Playhouse, November 16-December 31

Santa Claus The Musical – Derby Dinner Playhouse, November 19-December 31

A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play– Actors Theater’s spirited audio production, streaming November 28 – December 31st. 

A Christmas Carol: Ghost Story – Actor’s Theatre. Journey into Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunted dreamscape as ghostly apparitions and ominous specters endeavor to redeem a broken man before it’s too late. 

The Sauerbeck Family Drive-In plans to play holiday movies all month long. Check their website for more details.

 

Click here to jump to December events listed chronologically

November 4-6

Cookies & Coco with The Clauses, The Grinch and Black Panther – Roots 101 African American Museum, times vary based on the day

November 5

Eastern High School Band Holiday Boutique – 9:00am-2:00pm.

November 10

Holiday Open House – Historic Downtown Jeffersonville, Enjoy local shops & restaurants, trolley rides, & holiday music, 6:00-9:00pm

November 12

Holiday Kickoff Celebration – The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, 6:00-8:00pm

November 11- January 2

Lights Under Louisville – Louisville Mega Cavern

November 11-13

Festival of Trees and Lights – Louisville Slugger Field

November 12

Nulu Jingle Fest – East Market District, 10am-6pm

November 15-17

Temptations Holiday Boutique at The Olmsted- Times vary by day.

Nutcracker Family Storytime – Check website for locations/times.

November 18 & 19

Kosair Christmas Wonderland – Christmas Wonderland at the Kosair Shrine Center is a fundraising event for Kosair Shrine Center, Kosair Charities and Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care. Christmas trees and wreaths will be available to purchase. Pictures with Santa (Fri: 4 – 8pm, Sat: 10-3 and 4 – 8pm), kids coloring contest, letters to Santa, train exhibit, wishing well, magic shows and gifts from Santa. Event is free! Friday & Saturday 10am-8pm

November 18-December 23

Reindeer Farm – The Reindeer Farm, nestled on our small family farm in Bowling Green, KY is your new holiday tradition! Come experience the magic of Christmas and meet our LIVE REINDEER! 

November 19 – January 2

Fete de Noel – Paristown. Ice skating rink, winter market, and pictures with Santa. Check their website for times, prices, and covid-19 guidelines. See more information on our ice skating post. One of the most fun Christmas Events in Louisville.

November 19

Holiday Brite Nite – Paddock Shops, 5:30-8:00pm. Santa arrives at 6:30pm

November 20

Holiday Dog Cookie Decorating – Join us for a Cookie Decorating PAWty! You will receive a bone shaped advent calendar for your pup AND get to decorate 25 dog bones to fill each slot! 1:00pm

November 23 – January 1

Lights at Freeman Lake Park (Elizabethtown) – nightly from 6 – 11pm. Drive thru lights with fun themes like Rudolph, to Christmas themed Star Wars, nativity and more. You turn off your lights and turn on the music! It is free, donations accepted. 

November 25 – December 24

Rudolph’s Run – An adventure in your car, solving clues to find the missing information to complete Santa’s List. If you complete the list, you will be entered to win a $100 gift card and they will draw a winner each week. They will event have a skating rink at the end. 

November 25

Light Up Louisville – Light Up Louisville, powered by LG&E, is a free, annual event that will have you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit! We look forward once again to welcoming Louisville citizens to Downtown the day after Thanksgiving to welcome the REAL Santa Claus! 

November 25-December 21

Light Up Charlestown – Varies activities, meetings with Santa and the Grinch, and train rides. Please see their website for dates/times for all the fun

November 25 – December 11

Yuletide at Yew Dell – Yew Dell Gardens, purchase a ticket in advance for a certain time for entrance and exit. (Weekends only)

November 25-December 31

Southern Lights Holiday Festival – The Kentucky Horse Park – 5:30 pm-10pm. (Closed Christmas Eve)

November 25 – January 1

Winter Woods Spectacular in Iroquois Park benefiting the Louisville Parks Foundations. This is a ticketed event. New in 2022: Get out and enjoy this amazing WALK-THRU event at Iroquois Park. Tickets are $10-15 per person. 

November 25 – 27

The Flea Off Market’s Black Friday Weekend– Logan Street Market

November 26

Light Up Corydon – 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, There will be carriage rides, live entertainment, a parade, unique shopping opportunities, and of course, the arrival of Santa!

Jingle Bell Concert – Kentucky Performing Arts, 11:00am

Light Up Jeffersonville & Holiday Parade – Warder Park, 4pm-7pm.

Holiday Pops – Kentucky Performing Arts, 7:30pm

November 26-January 29

Jeff on Ice – The Depot at 701 Michigan Ave, Jeffersonville, IN. The Black Diamond Pest Control Ice Skating Rink opening day is Saturday, November 26th. Skating sessions are 50 minutes each and begin at the top of the hour. Grab your tickets today at https://loom.ly/-xJyEIw.

November 27

Light Up Jeffersontown – Gaslight Square District on Watterson Trail at Taylorsville Road, 5:30-7:30pm

November 27-December 18

Holiday House Tour and Kinkade Village & Train Exhibit – Sundays, 1:00-4:00pm. Take a break from the hustle and bustle this holiday season and tour the festively decorated 1844 Presley Tyler House. Learn about some of Christmas traditions that began during the 19th century. Tours are lead by docents dressed in period attire.

November 29, 30 & December 1

Nutcracker Family Storytime – Check website for locations/times

More Christmas Events in Louisville

 

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December 1 – December 30 (Various dates open, check website)

Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens – Enjoy a sparkling winter wonderland while wandering the gardens. Estimated visit length is 45 minutes. Advanced registration is required, admission is not available at the door. Santa will be available December 1-23. 

Ari’s Winter Workshop – Join the Kentucky Derby Museum this December to experience holiday magic with Kentucky Derby flair! The kids will stay entertained with two holiday crafts, a scavenger hunt, and storytime. Don’t forget to visit Ari at the Stable, explore the Museum’s two floors of interactive exhibits, view our signature 360° movie, and take a guided visit to Churchill Downs Racetrack. Runs daily through December.

Pictures with Santa – Roots101: African American Museum, appointments required. Call the museum for times and availability, 502 -384-1940.

December 1-18

Holiday Tea at Hermitage Farm – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. This December, we invite you to celebrate the season with our annual Holiday Tea at Hermitage Farm’s historic Main House. Enjoy crafted herbal teas, miniature sandwiches, and delicious desserts as carolers stroll the grounds singing in the spirit of Christmas cheer. Times vary per day, check their website for all the details.

December 2

All is Bright Magical Holiday Celebration – Santa visit, festive entertainment, Village Christmas Market, and more! 6:00-8:00pm

December 2 – 17

Zoneton Santa Truck Route – December 2 – December 17 various dates. Click here for details. FREE coming to a street near you. 

December 2-3

WinterFair – Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, showcases juried artists who create one-of-a-kind, original hand crafted items and fine art gifts in a variety of media at affordable prices for holiday gift giving.

December 3

Magic Inc. presents Nutcracker In A Nutshell – Louisville Palace, 2:00pm.

Whitehall Garden’s Tea – Doors open at 2:45pm, tea is served at 3:00pm. 

Blackacre Country Christmas – 12 – 4pm, Activities include, visit with Santa, hayrides, Christmas carolers, nature crafts, wood burning activity, story time with Miss Prim, refreshments, holiday house tours and our new Gift Shoppe.

Light Up St. Matthews – 3:00-6:00pm, Brown Park

Light Up Simpsonville– 6:30pm, Wiche Pavilion

FaLaLa on Frankfort – Join us for live music, entertainment and activities at the small businesses all along the avenue. 9:00am-10:00pm

FEAT of Louisville and Barren Heights Christmas Party Come out for a meet and greet with Santa. We will have a time slot for your family to see Santa and get a picture made. 12:00-3:00pm

Holiday Open House – Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, 10am-3pm. Several family friendly event going on throughout the day.

A Morning with the Grinch – Oldham County History Center, 9:00-11:00am

Polar Express Family Movie Night – Kentucky Science Center, 4:30-8:00pm.

Breakfast with Santa – Portland Promise Center, 9:00-10:30am, Bring the camera and your kiddos to have breakfast with Santa. This is a free event and is first come, first serve.

Holiday Movie Night – KFC! Yum Center, The venue will offer a free screening of the holiday classic, 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 2, Event starts at 6:00pm, movie starts at 7:00pm

December 3-4

Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour – Noon-5pm, both days.

Barktown Rescue’s Pictures with Santa – Feeders Supply, 12:00-4:00pm

December 3 & 10

Breakfast with Santa – Louisville Slugger Field, tickets must be purchased in advance.

December 3, 10, & 17

Cookies with Captain Santa – Mary M. Miller Cruise Boat, 12:30-3:00pm

December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18

Kentucky Railroad Museum – Join us for a nostalgic Christmas adventure aboard a historic train ride to pick up Santa!

December 3, 4, 10 & 11

Annual Dickens Christmas Festival – 12:00pm – 6:00pm, at the KY Renaissance Festival Grounds in Eminence, KY.  Scenes from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” Christmas Caroling, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus + shopping and more! Kids 10 and under are free.

December 4

Holiday Dog Cookie Decorating – Join us for a Cookie Decorating PAWty! Everything necessary to make the cutest Holiday Dog Cookies will be provided, 2:00pm. 

Family Christmas Holiday Spectacular – FREE, Presented by Louisville Chorus, 3:00pm. An uplifting concert experience, a time to unwind and to let the music permeate into one’s heart—and a time to revel in the power of music and the spirit of the holiday season!

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

Even more Christmas Events in Louisville!

December 8, 9 & 10

Festival of the Nativities in Crestwood. Read all about this free event on their website. Over 500 nativities to view!

December 9

Cirque Musical Holiday Wonderland – The Louisville Palace, 7:30pm

December 9, 10, 11

Christmas Gift and Décor Show – Kentucky Expo Center, times vary by date.

December 9 – 23

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker – Times vary by date.  

December 10

Christmastide at Locust Grove – 12:00-7:00pm, they will have interpretative performances, holiday crafts, refreshments, and more. Many of this program’s events will take place outdoors, so please come prepared for the cold weather. 

St. Thomas More Craft Fair and Breakfast with Santa – Craft fair will be from 9 am until 2 pm and Breakfast with Santa will be from 9 am until noon

Free Pictures with Santa & Toy Drive – Four Pegs Smokehouse & Bar, 11:00am-2:00pm

Tacos with Santa – Limon y Sal invited Santa to come for tacos! Come for dinner, bring the kids, and take pics! We will have goodie bags for kiddos (while supplies last!) and they can chat with St. Nick! 5:00-8:00pm

Christmas in Anchorage – 8:00am-4:00pm, A wonderful Christmas craft and décor show! They will also have Christmas treats for sale!

Gaslight Square Carriage Rides – Experience an old-fashioned holiday tradition with carriage rides through Gaslight Square. 6:00-8:00pm

Photos with Santa – Grab lunch at Union Restaurant & GameYard and get free pics with Santa, 11:00am-12:30pm.

December 11

Louisville Ballet – Join Louisville Ballet for a sensory friendly performance of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, 11:00am-12:15pm.

Christmas Concert – Joy to the World! Annual Christmas Concert, St. Michael Orthodox Church, 3701 St.Michael Church Dr. 7:00pm

Brunch with Santa – Four Pegs Smokehouse and Bar, 11:00am-2:00pm.

December 13

Cookies with Santa – Mark’s Feed Store Fern Creek, 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, 16, 18, 20, 22

The Gift of the Magic – A chamber opera in one act, times vary by date.

December 16

Polar Express PJ Party – 6:00-8:00pm, Get cozy in your PJs and come to the Southwest Regional Library for an after-hours ride on the Polar Express. We’ll stop at stations along the “track” throughout the library, including a cookie and hot chocolate pit stop; a craft station; and a book giveaway for kids of all ages. Special appearances by Mrs. Claus, the Polar Express conductor, and the North Pole elves!

Pictures with Santa – Hillview Recreation Dept, 6:00-9:00pm. Bring 5 can goods to benefit Dare to Care Food Bank.

December 16-18

Winter Wonderland – Shawnee Park, 6:00-10:00pm. This event will transform West Louisville’s Shawnee Park into a magical drive-thru festival featuring over 200,000 lights, musical performances, festive tunes, holiday displays, and more.

December 17-18

The Flea Off Market Indoor Holiday Bazaar – The Henry Clay Building in Downtown Louisville

December 17

Elf Family Movie Night – Kentucky Science Center, 4:30-9:00pm

Gaslight Square Carriage Rides – Experience an old-fashioned holiday tradition with carriage rides through Gaslight Square. 6:00-8:00pm

Pancakes N Pajamas – Join Santa at Cadillac’s Chicken and Fish, 9:00am-11:00am

December 18

Canticles of Christmas – 3:00pm, St. Brigid Catholic Church, 1520 Hepburn Ave. 

Winter Solstice – Side by Side Studio, 2:00-4:00pm. Join us in studio for a cozy afternoon of creating, reminiscing and memory making with your family. Embellish a frame for a family picture or holiday gift, design a bright and cheerful winter tree that will last season after season or assemble a Yule Log to add light and cheer to long winter evenings. 

December 24

Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa – Cask Southern Kitchen & Bar, 10:00am-2:00pm. Due to limited seating reservations are required – call 502-614-6499 to reserve your table today!

 

Check out Oldham Family Fun’s post for even more Holiday Family Fun!

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The following Christmas Events in Louisville have not yet been updated for 2022 as of 11/04/22. Please check back soon! THESE ARE PRIOR EVENTS

Willow Hope Farm Holiday Experience! For a $150 donation, enjoy a holiday-themed behind-the-scenes interactive tour at the Kentucky Humane Society’s equine barn, Willow Hope Farm, in Simpsonville KY. Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm from November 17 through January 3. Please contact Leila at lburch@kyhumane.org or 502-515-3134 to schedule a tour!

Living Nativity – Ballardsville Baptist Church, 6:00-8:00pm

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Click here for more ideas for WINTER FUN