12 Louisville Events & Happenings: December 2020

There are so many exciting holiday events happening in Louisville this month you just can’t miss! Whether you’re looking for a holiday light drive-through or boat cruise, there are many events to add to your to-do list. Here’s what we’re looking forward to this December!

Close-up of Christmas tree with lights and ornaments

From drive-through holiday lights to outdoor ice skating, here are Louisville’s can’t-miss December events!

12 Louisville Events & Happenings: December 2020

*And, as we are in a rise in COVID cases, these suggestions are all made with social distancing in mind and each is subject to change. Please look at websites and social media for updates.

Through December 20, 2020: Village Christmas Market

Head to Louisville’s premier shopping destination through December 20 to complete your Christmas shopping. Westport Village’s Christmas market offers warm beverages, charcuteries boxes, chocolates, local gifts and more. From vendors like Monnik Beer Co., Paper Doll Stationery, Color Me Eden and more, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list — and maybe even grab a gift for yourself. westportvillage.com

Through December 31, 2020: Southern Lights Holiday Festival

Drive through the Kentucky Horse Park to see over a million twinkling lights at the annual Southern Lights Holiday Festival. In addition to the lights, Santa is also present, along with a spot where children can drop off letters in Santa’s North Pole Mailbox. This light display operates Thursday through Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 per car, and limited edition ornaments and face masks are also available when you purchase tickets online. khpfoundation.org

Through December 31, 2020: A Christmas Carol

Listen to Actors Theatre’s rendition of A Christmas Carol from the comfort of your home. The classic Christmas tale is told using the talent of the theatre and award-winning radio professionals. The show streams through December 31, and tickets are $10. actorstheatre.org

Through December 31, 2020: Shining a Light: Women’s Fight for the Right

The Muhammad Ali Center hosts Shining a Light: Women’s Fight for the Right, an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. The exhibit focuses on women’s suffrage on a global scale and highlights the women who fought for equal rights. The exhibit runs through December 31, and admission for adults is $14. alicenter.org

Through January 2, 2021: Winter Woods Spectacular

The Winter Woods Spectacular is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit while remaining COVID-friendly. Filled with holiday-themed lights and artistry, this event is a half-mile drive through Iroquois Park. Tickets are $35 per car, and proceeds benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation and the community projects it supports. winterwoodsspectacular.org

Through January 3, 2021: Winter Illuminations

Enjoy the holiday season with Louisville’s newest light attraction. The Winter Illuminations Trail Walk is a one-mile trail featuring over 10 different light installations. The event is sure to be fun for the whole family. Tickets start at $9.99 for children and $17.99 for adults. winterilluminationsky.com

Through January 3, 20201: Lights Under Louisville

To get in the holiday spirit, check out Lights Under Louisville at MEGA Cavern to experience the only underground holiday light show in the world. This 30-minute underground drive-through includes a 17-mile spectacular light show. The event features over 850 lit characters and over 3,000,000 points of light. Ticket prices start at $29.99 per car. lightsunderlouisville.com

Through January 3, 2021: Fête de Noel

Lace up those ice skates because Fête de Noel is back for another year! Through January 3, head to Paristown Skating Rink to ice skate with the whole family on the 100-by-50-foot outdoor rink. Tickets are $13 per person (including skate rental) and sold in 60-minute time slots. Or, bring your own skates and purchase tickets for $10 per person. Guests can also buy season passes for $50. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. paristown.com

December 4 – 19, 2020: Gardens Aglimmer

Head to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens December 4 through 19 to stroll through thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy views of winter wonderland swans, snowflakes, deer, oversized flowers and more. Masks are required for this event, and reservations must be made in advance. Available time slots for each night are 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person. waterfrontgardens.org

December 5 & 12, 2020: Cookies with Captain Santa

Looking for the perfect holiday activity for your family? Look no further. Take a cruise on the Mary M. Miller with Santa! This family-friendly event includes socially distant photos with Santa, cookie decorating kits, hot cocoa and many more holiday activities. Adult tickets are $35.99, senior tickets are $34.99, children’s tickets are $14.99, and kids 4 and under are free. belleoflouisville.org

December 6, 2020: Home for the Holidays: An Olde-Time Country Christmas

Join Blackacre State Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead for an 18th century-style holiday celebration. On December 6, enjoy classic Christmas carols and family-friendly activities throughout the Blackacre homestead. Activities and admission are free, but donations are encouraged. blackacreconservancy.org

December 19, 2020: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Travel back in time as you celebrate Christmas with the whole family. The Louisville Palace hosts a live stream of the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker on December 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $24.99. louisvillepalace.com

Happy holidays, Louisville!

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To see even more great Louisville events, visit our Happenings page.