Louisville, KY, December 5, 2025
Louisville is set for a festive celebration on December 6, showcasing the community’s spirit through various holiday events. From the Light Up Louisville tree lighting ceremony to family-friendly activities at local venues, the day highlights collective efforts and civic engagement. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse array of holiday activities that bring joy and support to local businesses and community initiatives.
Celebrate the Holidays: A Festive Day in Louisville, KY, on December 6, 2025
Louisville is gearing up for a spectacular day of celebrations on Saturday, December 6, 2025, promising a diverse range of holiday activities for residents and visitors alike. These events reflect the city’s vibrant community spirit and showcase the remarkable efforts of local organizers committed to making the holiday season enjoyable for all.
As we embrace the season of giving and cheer, Louisville’s ability to host these festive events highlights the importance of civic engagement and community participation. By minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, local leaders foster an environment where creative partnerships and initiatives can thrive, ensuring that all citizens can partake in the joyful spirit of the holidays.
Light Up Louisville
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Jefferson Square Park, Downtown Louisville
Highlights: Kick off the celebrations with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, the arrival of Santa Claus, live entertainment across two stages, and the exciting Lots of Lights parade. This event is free and open to the public, demonstrating how collective effort transforms community spaces into festive hubs.
Yuletide at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Time: Varies by date
Location: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Highlights: Enjoy dazzling light displays, model trains, visits with Santa, and delightful holiday treats. Tickets must be purchased in advance, showcasing a blend of enjoyment and community investment.
Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Old Louisville
Highlights: This self-guided walking tour allows participants to explore historic Victorian mansions, each uniquely decorated for the season. Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door, with children 17 and under entering for free when accompanied by a family member.
Holiday Open House at Bernheim
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Bernheim Forest and Arboretum Visitor Center
Highlights: Enjoy a day of shopping for locally crafted gifts, festive music, and delicious treats. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated, which further solidifies communal ties among residents.
40th Annual Bardstown Road Aglow
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bardstown Road, Baxter and Barret Avenues, and Douglass Loop
Highlights: This long-standing tradition features special discounts at retail shops and restaurants, live holiday music, trolley rides, and a tree lighting ceremony. Event proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club, emphasizing the power of community collaboration.
4th Annual Sparkle Ball
Time: Evening
Location: Germantown Gables
Highlights: An evening filled with an open bar, seasonal snacks, and festive activities, including a Christmas tree auction. Tickets are $120 plus fees, supporting Feed Louisville and fostering collective goodwill.
Beary Happy Holiday at the Louisville Zoo
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Louisville Zoo
Highlights: The zoo will be decked out with holiday decorations, animal enrichment activities, and a month-long scavenger hunt. Check the zoo’s website for admission details, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in our local wildlife conservation efforts.
Krampus Cruise
Time: Evening
Location: Mary M. Miller Riverboat
Highlights: For adults, this unique 21+ cruise features live music and festive cocktails, alongside photo opportunities with the mischievous Krampus. Tickets are available for $39.99, encouraging a playful spin on holiday traditions.
Cookies with Captain Santa
Time: Evening
Location: Mary M. Miller Riverboat
Highlights: Families can enjoy a cruise with Santa and Mrs. Claus, complete with cookies, hot cocoa, and fun holiday activities. While children 2 and under enter free, tickets for adults are priced at $39.99, promoting family-oriented fun.
Holiday Tea at Oxmoor Farm
Time: Varies by date
Location: Oxmoor Farm
Highlights: Delight in handcrafted teas and holiday treats accompanied by festive entertainment. Different themes for each date provide unique experiences, enhancing community interaction and festive cheer.
Winter Festival at Wallitsch Garden Center
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Wallitsch Garden Center
Highlights: Participate in family-friendly activities such as photos with Santa and Mrs. Grinch, enjoy a hot cocoa bar, and support Louisville Metro Animal Services.
Breakfast with Santa at Louisville Slugger Field
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Louisville Slugger Field
Highlights: Indulge in a buffet-style breakfast, decorate cookies, and craft ornaments while capturing wonderful memories with Santa. Children in strollers enter free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
19th Annual Holiday Victorian Tea
Time: Varies by date
Location: Conrad-Caldwell House, Old Louisville
Highlights: Savor a variety of teas with sweet and savory treats while enjoying live music and tours of the decorated house museum, rich in local history.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Louisville Palace Theatre
Highlights: Experience the magic of the holiday season with this classic ballet performed by an international cast, enriching Louisville’s cultural offerings.
With so many diverse options available on December 6, Louisville’s array of holiday festivities ensures there’s something for everyone. Residents, families, and visitors can revel in the joyous spirit while supporting local businesses and community initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Light Up Louisville start?
Light Up Louisville begins at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Where is the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour held?
The Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour takes place in the Old Louisville neighborhood, showcasing historic Victorian mansions and townhouses.
Is there an admission fee for the Holiday Open House at Bernheim?
Admission to the Holiday Open House at Bernheim is free; however, donations are accepted upon entry.
What is the cost of tickets for the 4th Annual Sparkle Ball?
Tickets for the 4th Annual Sparkle Ball are $120 plus fees, with all proceeds benefiting Feed Louisville.
Where can I purchase tickets for the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet?
Tickets for the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet are available for purchase through the Louisville Palace Theatre’s official website.
Event Overview
| Event | Time | Location | Highlights | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Up Louisville | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Jefferson Square Park, Downtown Louisville | Tree lighting ceremony, arrival of Santa, live entertainment. | Free |
| Yuletide at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | Varies by date | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | Dazzling light displays, visits with Santa. | Purchase tickets in advance |
| Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Old Louisville | Self-guided tour of decorated mansions. | $30 online, $35 at the door; free for children 17 and under. |
| Holiday Open House at Bernheim | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Bernheim Forest and Arboretum | Shopping, music, treats. | Free; donations accepted. |
| 40th Annual Bardstown Road Aglow | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Bardstown Road and surrounding area | Discounts, live music, tree lighting. | Varies |
| 4th Annual Sparkle Ball | Evening | Germantown Gables | Open bar, seasonal snacks, Christmas tree auction. | $120 plus fees. |
| Beary Happy Holiday at the Louisville Zoo | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Louisville Zoo | Holiday decorations, animal enrichment. | Varies. |
| Krampus Cruise | Evening | Mary M. Miller Riverboat | Live music, cocktails, photo opportunities. | $39.99. |
| Cookies with Captain Santa | Evening | Mary M. Miller Riverboat | Cruise with Santa, cookies, cocoa. | $39.99 for adults; free for children under 2. |
| Holiday Tea at Oxmoor Farm | Varies by date | Oxmoor Farm | Handcrafted teas, holiday treats. | Varies. |
| Winter Festival at Wallitsch Garden Center | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Wallitsch Garden Center | Photos with Santa, hot cocoa bar. | Varies. |
| Breakfast with Santa at Louisville Slugger Field | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Louisville Slugger Field | Buffet breakfast, cookie decorating. | Free for children in strollers with a ticketed adult. |
| 19th Annual Holiday Victorian Tea | Varies by date | Conrad-Caldwell House, Old Louisville | Variety of teas, live music, house tours. | $30 to $50. |
| Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | 7:00 PM | Louisville Palace Theatre | International cast performing the classic ballet. | Purchase tickets. |
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