14 Louisville Events & Happenings: December 2025
From free annual festivals to holiday teas, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had in Louisville this December! Image: Facebook / Old Louisville Neighborhood
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and there’s no shortage of ways to get in the spirit. From one-of-a-kind light displays and ice skating events to Broadway shows and street fairs, here are a few of our favorite December events taking place around Louisville!
Through January 3, 2026: Lights Under Louisville
Take a drive through the Mega Cavern to experience the only underground holiday light show in the world. The annual event features over 900 light displays, numerous light tunnels, holiday music, and more than seven million points of light — all set to popular Christmas music. Standard passes start at $42.99 per vehicle. lightsunderlouisville.com
November 28 – January 4, 2026: Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival
Go ice skating, take photos with Santa, or shop in the holiday market at Paristown’s Winter Holiday Festival. There is also a trackless train ride, themed movie nights, a curling championship, and more. Festival goers can also expect lots to eat and drink from The Village Market’s bars and restaurants. Admission to this all-ages event is free and open to the public. paristown.com
December 2 – 7, 2026: Kimberly Akimbo
Step into the world of teenager Kimberly Akimbo, who suffers from a condition that rapidly accelerates the aging process. The winner of five Tony Awards and part of PNC Broadway in Louisville’s current season, this musical is full of quirky humor and social satire. Show times vary, and tickets start at $46.80. louisville.broadway.com
December 4 – 7 & 11 – 30, 2025: Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Wander through Waterfront Botanical Gardens as it’s transformed into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, deer, and archways. There are also warm drinks and sweet treats available at the Jingle All the Way Café. Date night on December 17 is for individuals 21 and older, and a sensory-friendly night is scheduled for December 15. To see the complete schedule and purchase tickets, visit waterfrontgardens.org.
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20, 2025: Yuletide at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
View dazzling light and decor displays, capture family photos, check out model trains, and visit with Santa during this annual celebration at one of the Kentucky Garden Trail locations. Times vary by date, and tickets must be purchased in advance. yewdellgardens.org
December 6, 2025: Holiday Open House at Bernheim
Enjoy a festive day of shopping at Bernheim’s Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day brings a selection of gifts, locally made crafts, Kentucky Proud goods, and other unique presents for nature lovers. The event also features tasty treats and warm beverages, hourly door prize drawings, holiday specials, and a 30% discount for all Bernheim members in the gift shop. Admission is free, but donations are accepted upon entry. bernheim.org
December 6, 2025: 40th Annual Bardstown Road Aglow
Support local businesses from noon to 10 p.m. by taking advantage of special discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise at participating shops and restaurants along Bardstown Road, Baxter and Barret Avenues, and Douglass Loop. This free event features holiday music, trolley rides, a tree lighting ceremony, Instagram photo contests, and more. Maker’s Mark is featured in festive holiday cocktails at participating restaurants, and a portion of the proceeds benefits Gilda’s Club. bardstownroadaglow.org
December 6, 2025: 4th Annual Sparkle Ball
Dress to dazzle at this Germantown Gables event created by Chef Damaris Phillips and musician Patrick Hallahan. Attendees can enjoy an open bar, seasonal snacks and holiday treats, gift raffles, festive photo opportunities, a Christmas tree auction, and more. Tickets are $120 plus fees, with all proceeds benefiting Feed Louisville. eventbrite.com
December 6 & 7, 2025: Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour
Get a rare glimpse inside historic Victorian mansions and townhouses that have been stylishly dressed for the holidays at this annual holiday home tour. The self-guided walking tour runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door. Admission for children ages 17 and younger is free when accompanied by a family member. oldlouisville.org
December 6, 13, 18, 19, & 20: Holiday Tea at Oxmoor Farm
Welcome winter with handcrafted teas, nibbles, and holiday entertainment during tea time at this historic property. Seasonal themes include The Nutcracker, with costumes, props, and other items from the Louisville Ballet; Dickens at Oxmoor, where carolers in period dress serenade guests and perform a condensed version of A Christmas Carol; and A Visit from St. Nicholas, where Father Christmas visits and spreads holiday cheer. Tickets are $75 for individuals 14 years and older and $50 for children aged 6 to 13. oxmoorfarm.org
December 9 – 11, 2025: A ’60s Christmas Candelight Tours
Step back in time as Locust Grove celebrates its 60th anniversary with the beloved tradition of candlelight tours inside the historic house. Two tours are available each night, starting at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Registration and advance payment are required, and each tour is limited to 15 guests. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. locustgrove.org
December 12 – 14 & 19 – 22: The Brown-Forman Nutcracker at Whitney Hall
Let the Louisville Ballet bring the joy of the season to life in this holiday classic, where Marie and her Nutcracker Prince travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The show features choreography by Val Caniparoli and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Show times vary by day, and tickets can be purchased at louisvilleballet.org.
December 16 – 21, 2025: Louisville Loves A Charlie Brown Christmas
Join Pete Petersen, Danny Kiely, and Mike Hyman as they bring the timeless magic of Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas album to life at Whiskey Thief Louisville. Seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets are $50 per person and include valet parking. whiskeythief.com
December 31, 2025: New Year’s Bash
Climb aboard the Mary M. Miller riverboat and cruise into 2026 in style on this inaugural New Year’s cruise. Passengers can enjoy a champagne countdown, party favors, and tunes by DJ Jill. Ages 21 and over are welcome, and tickets are $104.99. belleoflouisville.org
Happy December, Louisville!
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Lennie Omalza
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.