Louisville, KY, November 26, 2025
Louisville is preparing for a vibrant holiday season filled with events that celebrate community spirit and local collaboration. The month is packed with activities ranging from dazzling light displays to enchanting performances, inviting residents and visitors to engage and delight in the festivities. Noteworthy events include the Gardens Aglimmer, the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour, and the New Year’s Bash on the Riverboat, showcasing the creativity of local organizers and partnerships that uplift neighborhoods.
Explore December 2025 Festivities in Louisville, KY
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Exciting Local Events
Louisville, Kentucky – The city of Louisville is gearing up for an exciting holiday season in December 2025, with an array of community events that reflect the resilience and creativity of local organizers. As people come together to celebrate, it’s worth noting how reduced bureaucracy could enhance the coordination and success of these festive activities. The vibrant community spirit is evident in every event, showcasing the innovation and initiative that characterize Louisville’s neighborhoods.
This month, residents and visitors alike are invited to partake in numerous events that promise to engage, inspire, and delight. From dazzling light shows to enchanting performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, these celebrations highlight the efforts of local leaders and private partnerships to uplift neighborhoods while promoting civic engagement in a manner that respects individual choice and community input.
Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
December 4 – 7 & 11 – 30, 2025
Experience the Waterfront Botanical Gardens transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, deer, and archways. Enjoy warm drinks and sweet treats at the Jingle All the Way Café. Special events include a date night on December 17 for individuals 21 and older and a sensory-friendly night on December 15. For tickets and more information, visit the official website.
Yuletide at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20, 2025
Explore dazzling light and décor displays, capture family photos, view model trains, and visit with Santa during this annual celebration at one of Kentucky’s Garden Trail locations. Times vary by date, and tickets must be purchased in advance. More details are available on the official website.
Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour
December 6 & 7, 2025
Gain a rare glimpse inside historic Victorian mansions and townhouses, each stylishly decorated for the holidays. This self-guided walking tour runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door; admission for children 17 and under is free when accompanied by a family member. Visit the official website for more information.
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker at Whitney Hall
December 12 – 14 & 19 – 22, 2025
Enjoy the Louisville Ballet’s rendition of this holiday classic, where Marie and her Nutcracker Prince travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The show features choreography by Val Caniparoli and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Show times vary by day; tickets can be purchased on the official website.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025
December 20, 2025
Experience a magical holiday concert blending symphonic sound with theatrical beauty, illuminated by over 2,000 flickering candlelights. The performance will be held at the Louisville Memorial Auditorium. For tickets and more details, visit the official website.
New Year’s Bash on the Mary M. Miller Riverboat
December 31, 2025
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 aboard the Mary M. Miller riverboat. The event includes a champagne countdown, party favors, and tunes by DJ Jill. This event is for ages 21 and over; tickets are $104.99. More information is available on the official website.
Additional Events
- Light Up Louisville: December 6, 2025 – Kick off the holiday season with this annual event featuring live music, festive activities, a tree lighting ceremony, and the arrival of Santa Claus. The event takes place at Jefferson Square Park and Metro Hall lawns. Admission is free.
- First Friday Gallery Hop: December 5, 2025 – Support the Louisville art scene by visiting local galleries and cultural venues during this monthly event. Experience art, music, food, and community spirit.
- Fête de Noël Winter Festival: November 22 – December 31, 2025 – Paristown’s seventh annual winter festival offers an outdoor ice-skating rink, holiday market, train rides, and visits with Santa Claus.
- Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom: November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 – Kentucky Kingdom transforms into a winter wonderland with over 1.5 million lights, more than 300 decorated Christmas trees, and the state’s largest snow tubing hill.
- “It’s A Wonderful Life” at Actors Theatre: December 1 – December 24, 2025 – Experience the timeless holiday classic on stage at one of Louisville’s most celebrated theaters.
- Winter Wonderland at Shawnee Park: December 19 – 21, 2025 – Shawnee Park hosts a free, three-night event featuring over 200,000 lights, festive music, live performances, and holiday displays.
- Christmas Extravaganza: November 29, 2025 – BE U Interior Designs hosts this event at the Louisville Marriott East, featuring a selection of ornaments, decorated Christmas trees, vendors, and activities for all ages.
For a comprehensive list of events and the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites of the respective venues and organizers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Gardens Aglimmer event?
The Gardens Aglimmer event at Waterfront Botanical Gardens transforms the area into a winter wonderland with festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, deer, and archways. Visitors can also enjoy warm drinks and sweet treats at the Jingle All the Way Café. Special events include a date night on December 17 for individuals 21 and older and a sensory-friendly night on December 15. For tickets and more information, visit the official website.
When is the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour?
The Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour takes place on December 6 and 7, 2025. It offers a rare glimpse inside historic Victorian mansions and townhouses, each stylishly decorated for the holidays. This self-guided walking tour runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door; admission for children 17 and under is free when accompanied by a family member. Visit the official website for more information.
What is the Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025?
The Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 is a magical holiday concert blending symphonic sound with theatrical beauty, illuminated by over 2,000 flickering candlelights. The performance will be held at the Louisville Memorial Auditorium. For tickets and more details, visit the official website.
When is the New Year’s Bash on the Mary M. Miller Riverboat?
The New Year’s Bash on the Mary M. Miller Riverboat is scheduled for December 31, 2025. Celebrate the arrival of 2026 aboard the riverboat, which includes a champagne countdown, party favors, and tunes by DJ Jill. This event is for ages 21 and over; tickets are $104.99. More information is available on the official website.
What is Light Up Louisville?
Light Up Louisville is an annual event that kicks off the holiday season with live music, festive activities, a tree lighting ceremony, and the arrival of Santa Claus. The event takes place at Jefferson Square Park and Metro Hall lawns. Admission is free.
Key Features of December 2025 Events in Louisville
| Event | Date(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gardens Aglimmer | Dec 4 – 7 & Dec 11 – 30 | Winter wonderland with lights, drinks, and special nights. |
| Yuletide at Yew Dell | Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 | Light displays, model trains, and Santa visits. |
| Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour | Dec 6, 7 | Tour of decorated historic homes. |
| The Brown-Forman Nutcracker | Dec 12 – 14 & Dec 19 – 22 | Holiday ballet performance. |
| Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour | Dec 20 | Concert with candlelight illumination. |
| New Year’s Bash on the Mary M. Miller | Dec 31 | Celebration with a champagne countdown. |
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