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Louisville is full of festive cheer this season, with a lineup of Christmas events that are perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Whether you’re in the mood for sparkling lights, heartwarming traditions, or unique experiences, there’s no shortage of holiday magic in Derby City.

From the twinkling displays at Gardens Aglimmer and Paristown Fête de Noël, to the classic charm of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker and the awe-inspriing Cirque du Soleil Christmas show, Louisville offers a variety of holiday happenings that will leave you feeling merry and bright.

Check out these can’t-miss holiday events in Louisville to fill your calendar with some holiday cheer.

Paristown Fête de Noël November 24 – January 5 Location: Paristown Celebrate the holiday season at Paristown’s winter festival with ice skating, shopping, and plenty of festive eats and drinks. Enjoy holiday movie nights, karaoke, a Drag Queens on Ice performance, and ornament decorating at Stoneware & Co.
Gardens Aglimmer Nov. 29-30, Dec. 5-8, 11, 12-15, 16, 17-23, 27-30 1435 Frankfort Ave. | Adults $12-17 | Kids $8-10 Stroll through a winter wonderland at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, where sparkling lights bring the landscape to life with snowflakes, swans, deer, and oversized flowers. Timed entry ensures a magical experience through December, with special nights for date nights and sensory-friendly visits.
A Magical Cirque Christmas December 1, 7 p.m. The Kentucky Center | $30+ Celebrate the holidays with a dazzling variety show featuring world-class performers, stunning acrobatics, and festive music. This family-friendly event will fill you with holiday cheer as you enjoy awe-inspiring acts set to your favorite Christmas tunes.
Made Market Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1860 Mellwood Ave. | $25-75 Friday | $5 Saturday Browse handmade, one-of-a-kind creations from local artists at this curated market showcasing everything from ceramics to gourmet syrups. Preview night on Friday offers an extra dose of fun with cocktail classes, food, and gifts, making it the perfect spot to find unique gifts for your bougie friends—or yourself!
Light Up Louisville December 7, 3-9 p.m. Downtown Louisville Join the fun as downtown Louisville kicks off the holiday season with a festive parade and the arrival of Santa Claus. The night wraps up with a spectacular tree lighting and fireworks show to light up the sky.
Old Lou Holiday Home Tour December 7-8, 12-5 p.m. | $30 Adults | Kids 17 & under free with family 1340 S 4th St. There’s nothing more magical than seeing Old Louisville’s most beautiful victorians all decked out and lit up for the holiday season. This tour is a self-paced walking experience that benefits the Old Louisville historic preservation district.
Louisville Krampus Celebration December 7 Art Sanctuary Join the dark side of the holiday season at Louisville’s only annual Krampusnacht celebration! This 18+ event features live music, burlesque, a costume contest, food, and an alternative holiday market, all capped off with a chance to snap a photo with the Louisville Krampus himself.
Holiday Victorian Tea December 7-8 Conrad-Caldwell House Museum | $50 Adults | $30 Kids Enjoy a traditional High Tea at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, complete with a selection of teas from the Louisville Tea Company and an array of delicious savory and sweet treats. Set within a beautifully decorated historic mansion, this event is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit in Old Louisville.
Bardstown Road Aglow December 7, 12-10 p.m. Highlands Celebrate the season in the Highlands with discounts, live music, and free trolley rides along Bardstown Road, Baxter & Barret Avenues, and Douglass Loop. The night culminates with the annual holiday tree lighting, bringing festive cheer to this iconic Louisville street.
Christmas Gift & Decor Show at the Kentucky Expo Center December 13-15 Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln Browse hundreds of booths filled with everything from kitschy holiday decor to unique handmade gifts at this massive Christmas show. With free admission and something for everyone, it’s the perfect spot to check off your gift list—no matter how picky your loved ones are!
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Louisville Ballet December 13-24 Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall Experience the magic of the holidays with this beloved Louisville Ballet classic, where Marie and her Nutcracker Prince journey to the enchanting land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. With stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and world-class artistry, this is a holiday tradition for the whole family.
The Flea Off Market’s Holiday Bazaar December 21-22 1860 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY Shop local at this festive holiday bazaar featuring unique gifts, art, and holiday goodies from local makers. Held at the Mellwood Arts Center, it’s the perfect spot for last-minute shopping while exploring the center’s galleries and other shops.
Visit A Christmas Pop-Up Bar All November Various Locations | Check individual venues for hours and details Experience the magic of Louisville’s Christmas pop-up bars, where your favorite local spots turn into winter wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights, festive décor, and creative cocktails. This year, three new pop-up bars are adding to the fun! Click the link above to learn more.
Lights Under Louisville All November & December Mega Cavern | 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily | $22+ Drive through 100 acres of underground tunnels adorned with over 7 million lights, animated displays, and laser shows for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Lights under Louisville

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Sydney is a native Louisvillian who spent her twenties in Los Angeles working in Hollywood. When off duty, she blogs about her adventures at Sydney to Anywhere. An avid explorer, the only thing she loves...