The holidays are a busy time of year and at times it is difficult to narrow down the countless options for Christmas activities in Louisville. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, we’ve narrowed it down to eight enchanting things to do around the city that will surely put you in the holiday spirit. It’s not Christmas in Louisville, Kentucky until you’ve done the eight best holiday attractions in the city.

1. Visit Holiday in the City.

Facebook/Louisville Metro Special Events
Downtown Louisville is one of the most festive spots in the city, beginning the night after Thanksgiving. Holiday in the City is a family tradition with thousands of twinkling lights, ice skating, and plenty of holiday memories.

2. Drive through Lights Under Louisville.

Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Facebook/Louisville Mega Cavern
There is no other place in the entire world where you can drive through an underground light display! Louisville Mega Cavern is illuminated with over 3 million lights for the most epic light display in the city. For more details, visit the Lights Under Louisville website.

3. Head to Christmas in the Park.

Freeman Lake Park Road, Freeman Lake Park Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, USA
Facebook/Elizabethtown Tourism
Enjoy a beautiful light display as you drive through Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown. This is a free event (donations are welcome) and has become an area tradition. For more details, visit Elizabethtown's Facebook page.

4. Take a holiday stroll across the Big Four Bridge.

Big Four Bridge, 1101 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Flickr/Jayanta Debnath
A walk across Louisville's most popular bridge is a fun activity any time of year, but it's especially festive during the holidays. Bundle up and enjoy the stunning lights as you cross the 1/4-mile pedestrian bridge. For more details, visit Waterfront Park's website.

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5. See a performance of The Nutcracker.

Louisville Ballet, 315 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Facebook/Louisville Ballet
We are lucky in Louisville to have the incredible Louisville Ballet that always gives a memorable performance of The Nutcracker every holiday season. For more details on how you can take in one of these magical performances, visit the Louisville Ballet's website.

6. Visit Santa at the Louisville Zoo.

Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Facebook/Louisville Zoo
Santa's Safari takes place at the zoo during the second and third weekends of December. Make a craft, enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa, and a festive safari throughout the zoo. Recently this event has not been held, so please be sure to check the Louisville Zoo's website to help plan your visit.

7. Go on a day trip to Bardstown.

Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Facebook/My Old Kentucky Home
Bardstown is a lovely day trip from Louisville and during the month of December is especially enchanting. Visit My Old Kentucky Home for a number of Christmas activities and stroll along Main Street for a magical experience. For more details on all of these festive Christmas activities in Kentucky, visit the event page on Bardstown's tourism website.

8. Say hello to Santa!

Flickr/Carol VanHook
It's not Christmas without a visit with the man in red. There are a number of places throughout Louisville to visit with Santa, and one of the best spots is Fourth Street Live's Winter Wonderland. Before your visit, please confirm the event details by visiting Fourth Street Live's Facebook page.

Christmas in Louisville, Kentucky is a magical time filled with festive fun. Did your favorite holiday tradition make the list? Anything to add? Let us know in the comments!

If you are feeling up for a holiday adventure but want to stick to just Christmas lights, check out our holiday display road trip around Louisville. We know you will love taking in all the sights (and sometimes sounds!) of these dazzling displays! It’s a short drive but you may still want to check out our road trip packing list to make sure you have everything you could need for the best possible holiday adventure.

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More to Explore

Christmas in Louisville, Kentucky

Katie Feldkamp | October 27, 2022

Are there any Christmas train rides near Louisville?

The short answer to this question is yes!

  • Beginning in December, the Louisville Railway Museum has two Christmas train rides in Kentucky you can take known as the Santa Express and the North Pole Express.
    • The Santa Express is a daytime excursion where riders can meet Santa and experience all the fun of a Christmas train ride.
    • The North Pole Express is an evening expedition in which riders journey to pick up Santa and then he travels back to the depot with you, all while snacking on what else? Milk and cookies! To put you in the festive spirit, riders are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas!

Where are the best places for Christmas in Kentucky?

There is something magical about strolling along city streets that are lined with Christmas lights.

  • To help with your holiday strolling, we have compiled a list of the best main streets in Kentucky that shine brightly this holiday season.
    • From La Grange to Pikeville, there is no shortage of main street Christmas charm.
  • If you are looking to go beyond a main street for Christmas spirit, we have also gathered a list of some of the most magical Christmas towns in Kentucky. You’ll want to visit them all!

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