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.
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. November 25 – January 4. Family day will be December 14th 9:30am-2pm.
December 2
Portland Library Grand Reopening – Join Mayor Craig Greenberg and other community leaders for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and be among the first to see the fully renovated Carnegie building and its new 5,400-square-foot addition! 10-11:30am
December 6
Portland Library Family Fun Day – 10am-2pm, Families can enjoy free activities and performances including magic by Mr. Moustache, Fossi Lou balloon art, book giveaways from the Addie & Baylor Foundation, a family storytime, and more!
Christmas on the Square – The Christmas market at Christmas on the Square, 3:00-6:30pm, is bringing local vendors with handmade items and unique finds in Jeffersontown. Santa will also be there for photos.
Light Up Louisville – Step into a winter wonderland as they kick off the holiday season in Downtown Louisville at this year’s “Light Up Louisville” Powered by LG&E. Join them on Saturday from 3pm – 9pm at Jefferson Square Park for an evening full of festive fun for the entire family!
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, 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 7
Light Up Valley Station – Join in the fun at the corner of 10300 Deering Rd & 5301 Valley Station Rd for a magical evening filled with: Santa & Mrs. Claus & The Grinch, Live music & holiday entertainment, Local vendors & holiday shopping, Delicious food trucks, and the big community tree lighting.
December 13
Polar Express Pajama Party – 10am-1pm, The Polar Express is making a stop at the Southwest Regional Library! This “train ride” will include stations along a “track” in the library including a cookie and hot chocolate pit stop, crafts, music, face painting, photos with Santa, and a book giveaway for kids of all ages! Special appearances by Mrs. Claus, the Polar Express conductor, and the North Pole elves!
Rockin Around the Village – Westport Village, 6:00-8:00pm. Live music, Santa Appearance, entertainment, and more.
Saturdays & Sundays in December
Visit with Santa – Bring your camera and capture the magic of Santa every Saturday & Sunday from 1–4pm in Santa’s Workshop! Mrs. Claus will be joining in the fun, adding extra sparkle and cheer to the season. Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
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 2025 for more ideas!
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