As winter settles in and the air turns crisp, Louisville transforms into a festive wonderland. From twinkling lights under the city to charming holiday markets downtown, there’s something magical for families, couples, and friends alike.
Whether you’re a local looking for new traditions or a visitor planning a holiday getaway, this ultimate guide for 2025 brings together the best seasonal events, activities, dining, and hidden gems.
Here’s everything you need—from drive-through light shows and open-air ice skating to cozy spots for hot cocoa and special holiday performances.
Christmas Tree Farms
If you’re looking for a real holiday tradition, several Christmas tree farms near Louisville offer cut-your-own trees, wreaths, and festive experiences. These farms provide a perfect mix of local tradition and convenience — great for making holiday memories and picking out a fresh, fragrant tree.
- Werkmeister’s Christmas Tree Farm
Located in Shepherdsville, about a short drive south of Louisville, Werkmeister’s Christmas Tree Farm offers choose-and-cut firs and spruces. Saws, tree shaking, and baling are provided, plus a gift shop with KY-made treats.
- Ford’s Fraser Firs (Haymarket)
Right in Louisville, this lot sells premium Fraser fir trees behind the Haymarket on River Road. They also offer wreaths and garland.
- Shelby Christmas Tree Farm & Nursery
“Enjoy the unmistakable scent in your home of a freshly cut Christmas tree, beautifully bedecked and illuminated like the starry night sky. Your tree will mean so much more when you find it growing, cut it, and bring it home. Shelby Christmas Tree Farm & Nursery offers you the opportunity to do just that. Find a tree that everybody in the family loves and bring it home for the holidays. We’ll see you soon.”
- Kentucky Christmas Tree Farms
Around the third week in November, the farmers of the KY Christmas Tree Association open their gates, barns, and fields to folks who appreciate the experience of cutting a fresh, homegrown Christmas tree. A tree grown and nurtured in Kentucky soil, with Kentucky hands.
Visit the website to find a participating farm near you.
Light Displays & Seasonal Spectacles
- Lights Under Louisville (Mega Cavern)
Louisville Mega Cavern and 5/3rd Bank present Lights Under Louisville, a beloved holiday tradition that’s not to be missed. With over 7 million points of light everywhere illuminating the cavern’s vast spaces, this underground wonderland offers a truly unique holiday experience.
- Light Up Louisville
Tree lighting ceremony, parade, entertainment stages, shopping, and food at Jefferson Square Park. Santa Claus will visit the event to plug in the lights, illuminating downtown Louisville.
Additionally, there will be shopping, food, drinks, and holiday activities for everyone.
Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2025
- Light Up St. Matthews
For decades, Light Up St. Matthews has been a cherished tradition, hosted by the Chamber St. Matthews and the City of St. Matthews, uniting thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season. This annual event is filled with festive fun, including live musical entertainment, letters to Santa, photos with Santa, train rides, and exciting activities for kids—all designed to create lasting holiday memories.
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Festive Markets, Ice Rinks & Holiday Squares
- Fête de Noël in Paristown
This five-week holiday festival offers a variety of activities for all ages, including an outdoor ice-skating rink, a holiday market, train rides, and visits with Santa Claus. The Café will host a special “Breakfast with Santa” event on December 6 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Friday, November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026
- Cavern Christmas Market
This new event, brought to you by Lights Under Louisville, will feature a variety of food, drinks, crafts, and gifts, all set to holiday music. After you’ve explored the market, you can also enjoy the spectacular Lights Under Louisville show.
Saturday, November 15, 8am – 2pm
- Downtown Holiday Events
“Join us in holiday spirit and celebrate this festive season in Downtown Louisville! Downtown offers a collection of events and activities throughout the season to spread cheer.”
Santa visits, holiday crafts, holiday ceramic workshops (e.g., at KMAC), and children’s train rides.
Holiday Performances & Concerts
- Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story – Brown Theatre
Wednesday, December 17th @ 7:00 PM
- Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
The Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 is a global concert experience that blends sweeping symphonic sound with theatrical beauty and thousands of flickering candles. Candlelit orchestral performance in Louisville Memorial Auditorium.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Nutcracker & Ballet Performances
Join Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince on a magical journey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. With world-class choreography, sets, and costumes crafted for Kentucky, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker is a must-see local tradition.
December 12 – 22 at Whitney Hall
Zoo & Animal Magic
- Beary Happy Holiday at the Louisville Zoo (2025)
Create warm memories while you watch grizzly and polar bears, and all their animal friends throughout the Louisville Zoo, enjoy three weekends of festive fun with special holiday enrichment on December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus when they celebrate the season at your Zoo on Dec. 20-21, spreading cheer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happiest of Holidays from McCoy & Hiestand, PLC
Louisville’s holiday season shines in 2025, weaving together tradition, creativity, and community warmth. This ultimate guide gives you the tools to build a festive itinerary that fits your style, whether it’s a cozy evening of theater or a walk through a winter wonderland.
So, bundle up, bring your spirit of adventure, and let Louisville wrap you in its most joyful season yet!
