DRIVE THROUGH LIGHT SHOWS
Christmas in the Park
November 26th to January 1st
6 pm to 11 pm
Free to enter; donations appreciated
Light Up Jeffersontown
December 6th
3:00-6:30pm
Free Family-Friendly Event. Start the holiday season with Santa and the mayor as they flip the switch to light up the historic Gaslight Square! Have your picture made with Santa, listen to carols by local choirs, take a carriage ride, and enjoy an array of activities and refreshments.
Spirited Nights at Buffalo Trace
Select Dates in December
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (entry times every 30 minutes)
New in 2024, a 12-night complimentary event featuring a self-guided walk-through light experience with numerous stops with snacks and beverages (for purchase). The drive-thru will be significantly reduced to accommodate the new walking experience. As always, the drive-thru experience is free to the public and does not require registration. However, those who are not registered for Spirited Nights may not be granted entry if complimentary tickets are sold out. Those planning to attend both need to reserve their Spirited Nights spot
Lights Under Louisville
November 14th to January 3rd (see full calendar on their site)
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. Explore themed displays, encounter some of your favorite characters, holiday music, lasers and so much more… Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Lights Under Louisville is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Tickets are required in advance. Start at $42.99 for standard vehicles.
Southern Lights
November 28th to December 31st (Closed Christmas Day)
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Named one of Kentucky’s Top 10 Winter/Holiday Festivals and Events by Kentucky Travel and Tourism, Southern Lights is a favorite holiday tradition throughout the Bluegrass and beyond. Southern Lights is a three-mile driving tour of lights that is a joy for the whole family! At the end of the route, they invite you to park and explore the Holiday Village (included in Southern Lights ticket price). The Holiday Village features photos with Santa, Santa’s North Pole Mailbox (where children can drop off their Christmas List), Animal Land, Mini-Train rides, a Bluegrass Miniature Train Display, and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop. Grab a quick snack and hot drink in the village or sit down for dinner at Tootie’s Peppermint Café to complete your visit. $35 per car (cash or card)
WALK THROUGH LIGHT SHOWS
Light Up Charlestown {Christmas in Charlestown}
November 28th
Starts at 5:00 pm
Gather for sounds of holiday music, food trucks and the flipping of the light switch at 6 pm. From that moment forward, the City of Charlestown will glow with lights throughout the holiday season. Doug Coyne Pavilion at Greenway Park is the spot for the entertainment for Light Up Charlestown!
Christmas At Kentucky Kingdom
Select Dates November 22nd through January 3rd
Kentucky Kingdom, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209
We’re dreaming of a white, bright, and glowing Christmas this season at Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville’s Family Theme & Water Park! Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the season among dazzling displays of over 1.5 MILLION lights, over 300 Christmas trees, and holiday decor as far as the eye can see. Take your experience to new heights on the LARGEST snow tubing hill in Kentucky, racing down a 175-foot-long hill covered in real snow. There is an interactive Santa Meet & Greet! Included with General Admission or your Season Pass.
Festival of Trees & Lights
November 14th to 16th
Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Make holiday memories at the 36th annual Festival of Trees & Lights. Walk through an indoor winter wonderland and marvel at the hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and décor — all for sale to raise funds for Norton Children’s Hospital. Photos with Santa, outdoor Elf Town activities, children’s crafts, ride-on train and Hanukkah activities are free with admission.
Gardens Aglimmer
November 28th to December 30th
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Gardens Aglimmer, Louisville’s favorite winter tradition! Now in its sixth year, this enchanting event transforms the Waterfront Botanical Gardens into a dazzling display of festive lights and holiday cheer. Tickets required. Exclusive Nights: Date Night (Ages 21+) on December 17 – Enjoy a romantic evening surrounded by holiday magic and Sensory-Friendly Night on December 15 – A calm and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.
Light Up St. Matthews at Brown Park
Saturday, December 6th
3-6pm
Free event with Free cookies and hot chocolate! 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. Free Parking available at 4007 and 4003 Kresge Way.
Lights on Main
November 25th to January 4th
Step into a magical winter wonderland at the sixth annual Lights on Main, a special exhibition the Frazier is hosting in partnership with the nonprofit I Would Rather be Reading (IWRBR). The Frazier will be transformed into an enchanted holiday forest with three floors of trees beautifully decorated by local schools, organizations, families, and individuals. Admission included with Frazier Museum membership.
Light-Up Shively
December 11th at 6:00 pm
The Heritage, 1901 Park Rd, Louisville, KY 40216-4290
The whole community is invited to kick off the holiday season with city representatives as they flip the switch and light up the night. Guess who’s coming to town? Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself! Parents, bring the kiddos and your camera for a magical photo op and enjoy some holiday fun & festivities!
Light Up La Grange | La Grange KY Main Street Program
December 6th from 3 pm to 9 pm
Downtown La Grange, KY
Breakfast with Santa Claus: 7 am to 10am
Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus: 6:30 pm to 9 pm at Dahlgren Pioneer Barn
Official 2025 Schedule to be announced on their Facebook.
Light Up Bardstown
November 28th from 6 pm to 8 pm
1 Court Square Bardstown Bardstown, KY 40004
Kick off the Christmas Season with the official lighting of the City of Bardstown’s Christmas tree brought to you by The Bardstown Main Street Program, as well as the lighting of lampposts, wreaths, stars and frolicking deer. Music, refreshments, and pictures with Santa! Don’t forget to drop your Santa letters off in the big red mailbox on Court Square!
Don’t forget to check out our Santa Sightings roundup for more holiday events!
