Louisville, Kentucky, the largest city in Kentucky and the 29th most populous city in the U.S., is known for numerous attractions and events. Plus, its proximity to other metropolitan areas means it draws a high number of visitors. For example, the driving time to Louisville from Nashville is just over two hours; it’s less than two hours away from Cincinnati and less than three hours away from Indianapolis.
It’s also appealing that Louisville’s attractions and events don’t end just because winter is here. Whether you are from Louisville, are close by, or are a short trip away, here are seven seasonal activities you need to check out.
Winter Illuminations
Now To January 2
New this year, Winter Illuminations is a trail walk through an illuminated Beckley Creek Park. The one-mile trail features more than 10 installations that combine lights and music with nature for an enjoyable experience. Tickets are required, and your ticket(s) can only be used on the specified day.
Please note, the trail features both paved and crushed gravel surfaces. It may be challenging to use a wheelchair or push a stroller on the gravel sections.
Holidays At The Big Bat (Louisville Slugger Museum And Factory)
Now To January 3
Any baseball fan — and even people who aren’t fans — recognize the Louisville Slugger name. Touring the museum and factory is always a treat, but it’s more special this holiday season.
All through the month, the museum is giving kids pre-packaged bat-nub ornament sets that include a pre-strung bat-nub, crayons, and holiday stickers. Sundays are a special day because that’s when limited-edition holiday mini-bats are given away to guests.
Holidays at The Big Bat offers free admission to the museum for kids 12 and under when parents, grandparents, or caregivers use a promo code FROSTY2020.
Gardens Aglimmer At Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Now To December 19
Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens allows taking a self-guided walk through illuminated outdoor gardens. Visitors are able to see swans and deer as well as Moravian stars, oversized flowers, light bursts, candles, and even a multicolor tunnel of lights.
Please note that registration must be made online in advance. No admission tickets are sold at the door. There are four timed ticket entry slots nightly.
Lights Under Louisville (Mega Cavern)
Now To January 3
Louisville’s Mega Cavern is a 4-million-square-foot underground area featuring 17 miles of underground passageways. During Lights Under Louisville for the Christmas season, the area features holiday lights.
Contactless drive-through means you can travel through the cavern safely while seeing more than 850 lit characters with more than 3 million points of light. The driving trip takes approximately 30 minutes.
Winter Woods Spectacular
Now Through January 2
The producers of the popular Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular have created Winter Woods Spectacular in Louisville’s Iroquois Park. The half-mile trail, which is drive-through, winds through the woods. It features millions of lights, artistic scenes, sounds, and the woods themselves to create a “winter wonderland.”
The purchase of Winter Woods Spectacular tickets directly supports the non-profit Louisville Parks Foundation.
Paristown’s Fete De Noel Winter Holiday Festival
Now To January 3
Paristown’s Fete De Noel (“Festival of Christmas”) Winter Holiday Festival features Louisville’s only outdoor ice skating rink. What’s more, the 100-foot-by-50-foot ice rink is made of real ice, not synthetic material.
Although ice skating is outside, masks are required, and this season the rink is operating at 50 percent capacity. All staff members wear a mask and must pass a temperature check.
Brown-Forman’s The Nutcracker
December 7 To 15
This year’s live performance may have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can still watch the Louisville Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Tickets for streaming the production, which was filmed by WDRB Louisville live last year, are available now. More about other virtual productions of The Nutcracker you can enjoy from home can be found here.
Of course, during these uncertain times, please check with venues and event staff for more details before planning your trip to any of these Louisville seasonal events.