Don’t blink, because before you know it, it’ll be New Year’s Eve, y’all. In the meantime, enjoy every second of the holiday season and all of the wonderful events it has to offer. Here’s a bevy of happenings, activities and festivities for this final month of 2017. Get your calendar out and get ready for some festive fun!
Cheers to the last month of 2017 and all the events it has to offer!
24 Events and Happenings in Louisville December 2017
December 1, 2017: 4th Annual Louisville SWIG Food & Drink Tasting Affair
It’s the party of the century! Celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition and the launch of SWIG Volume VII. Tickets include all food and drink samples, along with a free copy of the new volume of SWIG. Prohibition-era attire is encouraged, so break out those flapper costumes. Also, a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit CASA of the River Region. This event takes place at The Henry Clay from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and tickets start at $50. louisvilletickets.com
December 1, 2017: Janet Jackson State of the World Tour at the KFC YUM! Center
Multiple GRAMMY award-winner Janet Jackson is coming to Louisville on Friday, December 1 at 8 p.m. You won’t want to miss the return of this global music icon. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $55.95. kfcyumcenter.com
December 1, 2017: Light Up The Village
Experience an evening in Westport Village that will get you ready for the holidays. Enjoy special sales from local shops offering unique gifts, delectable dishes from eight local restaurants, a visit with Santa, a train ride, live music and beautiful lights and decor — all happening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. westportvillage.com
December 2, 2017: Holiday Open House and Shopping at Norton Commons
Want to get all your Christmas shopping done in one place? With over 65 independent local businesses, including boutiques, shops, salons and award-winning restaurants and bars, you can shop for everyone on your list at Norton Commons Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Most of the shops and restaurants will be offering holiday sales and specials, and in the afternoon, Norton Commons will offer photos with Santa and carriage rides in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy donation to Toys for Tots. nortoncommons.com
December 2, 2017: Light Up St. Matthews at Brown Park
Start the holidays off right with a celebration of cookies and hot chocolate at Light Up St. Matthews, which begins Saturday December 2, at 3 p.m. They’ll also have a live DJ, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, activities for the kids and fun for the entire family. At 6 p.m., the event concludes with Santa turning on the holiday lights of Brown Park. stmatthewschamber.com
December 2, 2017: Bardstown Road Aglow
It’s the 32nd Annual Bardstown Road Aglow on Saturday, December 2, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. presented by Maker’s Mark. This is a great night for shopping and strolling along hip and happening Bardstown Road. The caroling, bag pipes, thirsty peddler and Santa tree lighting will make for a fun and festive event. thehighlandsoflouisville.com
December 2, 2017: Light Up La Grange
Take a mini day trip out to La Grange for Light Up La Grange! From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. this event will feature holiday-themed activities throughout the town, ending with the traditional lighting ceremony illuminating historic Main Street and all its beauty. Stay and enjoy an evening of fun from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. as Santa and carolers join the Mayor of La Grange for the lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. There will be music and entertainment, and all stores and restaurants will stay open late. lagrangemainstreet.org
December 2 & 9, 2017: Lights Under Louisville
Dinner and lights? Oh what a night. The Louisville Mega Cavern and the Louisville Zoo are teaming up for a fun night of Christmas lights and festivities. This event includes dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Louisville Zoo and a Lights Under Louisville VIP show pass. Be sure to get your tickets early, because they must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance. VIP passes will be required at the gate. Tickets are $115 per couple, $35 for each additional meal ticket, $15 for each additional child (ages 3 to 12) meal ticket and children 2 and under are admitted for free. lightsunderlouisville.com
December 2, 9, 16, 2017: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at The Kentucky Center
Will it be the worst pageant ever or the best? This classic Christmas story has a little something for the whole family. Take your kiddos to see the actors of StageOne, and find out if this year’s pageant is the disaster everyone is expecting, or if the spirit of the season will change the hearts and minds of the Herdman family. Performance times vary, and tickets are $10 and $15 for children 12 and under. kentuckycenter.org
December 5, 2017: Acoustic Jam 2017 at the Louisville Palace
It’s a night of acoustic magic. Head to the Louisville Palace to see 12 country acts including Gary Allan, Big & Rich, Easton Corbin, Midland, Lauren Alaina, Tyler Farr, Lanco, Morgan Wallen, Devin Dawson, Delta Rae, Walker Montgomery and Ben Rue. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This event starts at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $29. ticketmaster.com
December 7, 2017: Martinis & Mistletoe at Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft
Shopping with a martini in hand makes finding something for everyone on your Christmas list much more enjoyable. Join KMAC on Thursday, December 7, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as they feature unique items and delightful holiday gifts made by local, national and international artists. Members receive a 15% discount on purchases plus two complimentary drinks. kmacmuseum.com
December 7, 2017: Annual Five-Course Holiday Champagne Dinner
If you like all things fancy, this is the event for you. Brasserie Provence is continuing their annual holiday tradition with a superb champagne lineup to kick off your holiday celebration. Enjoy a scintillating pairing with Vintner Select Sommelier Julie DeFriend’s wine expertise and Chef Patrick Gosden’s delicious international holiday fare from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $95 and do not include tax or gratuity. brasserieprovence.com
December 9-23, 2017: The Brown-Foreman Nutcracker
The holidays would be incomplete without the annual tradition of The Brown-Foreman Nutcracker by the Louisville Ballet at the Kentucky Center. The classic story of Marie and her journey to a magical wonderland with her Nutcracker prince is a festive fairy tale for both the young and the young at heart. You’ll be dreaming about sugarplum fairies for nights to come! Performance times vary, and tickets start at $35.50. kentuckycenter.org
December 9, 2017: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage at the Brown Theatre
Watch your childhood come to life on stage! Hang out with Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy and the whole “Peanuts” gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas on Saturday, December 9, with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25. kentuckycenter.org
December 15, 2017: Santapalooza 2017 at Baxter’s 942 Bar and Grill
Any excuse to break out the ugly Christmas sweater is always going to be a fun event. The Santapalooza bar crawl will offer exclusive drink specials and free cover at every venue, and a percentage of ticket sales goes to Toys for Tots. Registration starts at 8 p.m., and the crawl will go until 1 a.m. If you complete the crawl, you get a free Santapalooza T-shirt. Tickets start at $19.99. barcrawlnation.com
December 16, 2017: Sexy Santa at Work the Metal
Work the Metal is “bringing Sexy back” … Sexy Santa that is! Unwind from holiday stress with your girlfriends at Work the Metal, where it’s your choice to be naughty or nice. Head over on Saturday, December 16, for some holiday fun and take your photo with Sexy Santa from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will give you a gift when you get your picture taken with him. The best part other than the hot Santa? The event is free! styleblueprint.com
December 16, 2017: Holiday Dinner at Woodford Reserve
Take an evening to kick back during the rush of holiday shopping. Enjoy a night filled with distillery tours, live music and a special holiday dinner prepared by Chef Nat Henton. Cocktail pairings will accompany your meal, a cash bar will be available and the gift shop will be open for all of your holiday shopping needs. Guests must be 21 and over to attend. Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $80. woodfordreserve.com
December 16, 2017: Butchered Town 2: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Murder at Copper and Kings Distillery
Love murder mysteries? Then you’ll love this interactive holiday murder-mystery-themed party at Copper & Kings. You’ll have to use your excellent detective skills to find out “who done it” when a Copper & Kings employee gets terminated — from life! Attendees are encouraged to bring an unused, unwrapped gift for a child to be donated to Toys for Tots. Tickets are $40 per person and include your first cocktail, murder mystery performance and tasty eats. Doors open at 6 p.m. copperandkings.com
December 16, 2017: A Glorious Christmas 2017 at the Kentucky Exposition Center
For King and Country and Casting Crowns are teaming up to bring an unforgettable concert centered around the true meaning of Christmas. The holiday season is the most magical time of the year, and these two Christian bands hope to bring joy and love to everyone this Christmas. The concert starts at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10. ticketmaster.com
December 21, 2017: Give-A-Jam to End Homelessness
Jam out to fight homelessness in Louisville. The evening will feature live performances by local musicians and artists, soups from Louisville’s best chefs, a silent auction and a cash bar from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and includes $10 in food and drink tickets. All proceeds will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless’ efforts to end youth homelessness. louhomeless.org
December 21, 2017: Ugly Sweater Mixer at Molly Malone’s
Support local nonprofit Louisville Urban League Young Professionals on Thursday, December 21, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Molly Malone’s in St. Matthews. Wear your ugliest sweater and bring your business cards, because they’re going to network the night away. Make sure your sweater is extra ugly, because prizes will be given to those with the most impressively ugly sweater! Tickets start at $5. lul.org
December 21, 2017: Jingle and Mingle at The Butchertown Social
Film lovers unite! Join the Louisville Film Society members on Thursday, December 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Butchertown Social where there will be affordable drinks, food specials and a round of appetizers on LFS. All filmmakers and film lovers are welcome, and this event is free. louisvillefilmsociety.com
December 23, 2017: Winter Soirée at Mellwood Arts Center
If you’re a lover of gala season, put on your fanciest dress and head to the Mellwood Arts Center for the inaugural Winter Soirée held from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $75 and include an open bar, food and live music. All proceeds will benefit Camp Quality, an organization that “allows kids with cancer to be kids again.” wintersoiree2017.com
December 31, 2017: NYE Live! at Fourth Street Live!
Ring in the new year with one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in Louisville. NYE Live! at Fourth Street Live! will send you into the New Year with live music by From Paris, confetti canons, a balloon drop, party favors and the city’s one and only ball drop. This New Year’s Eve party starts at 8 p.m., and tickets range from $45 to $140. nye-live.com
Your calendars should be full by now! Happy holidays from all of us at StyleBlueprint!
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