The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Louisville – 2019 Edition

At Thomas Law Offices, we love the holiday season. We’re proud of all our city has to offer, especially around this time of year. Whether you’re looking for to visit Santa, hit up a new restaurant, find the perfect gift, or decorate your home for the season, you’ll find it all in Louisville.

Taking time to enjoy the holidays can seem impossible sometimes—especially when there’s so much to do. In order to help you make the most of your holiday season, we’ve once again compiled a list of the most popular holiday events, shops, restaurants, and tree farms in the area.

Louisville’s Top Holidays Events and Attractions

There’s something festive to do nearly every weekend this holiday season. Visit one of our spectacular light shows or check out a holiday festival. Even if you only have a smidge of free time this year, make sure you spend it doing something fun in the city.

• Waverly Hills Laser Light Show. At this year’s light show, visitors can see historic buildings, various light displays, and an animated Christmas laser show set to holiday animations and songs.
• Elf the Musical at Derby Dinner Playhouse. From November 13 to December 31, the Derby Dinner Playhouse presents Elf the Musical. Families can also enjoy Christmas in Candyland from November 16 to December 23.
• Lights Under Louisville. From November 15 to January 4, 2020, Lights Under Louisville is a one-of-a kind underground light show. Visitors can drive through the MEGA Cavern through part of the 17 miles of underground passageways, with more than 850 lit characters and 3,000,000 points of light.
• Southern Lights Holiday Festival. Every year, over 120,000 visitors come from all over the state and country to see the Southern Lights Holiday Festival at Kentucky Horse Park. This year the lights run from November 29 to December 31.
• Winter Woods Spectacular. From November 30 to December 31, Iroquois Park will transform into a beautiful winter wonderland that incorporates art, lights, and sound to create a magical experience. Get your tickets to the Winter Woods Spectacular ahead of time! The proceeds benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation.
• Home for the Holidays Pops Concert. This variety show is fun for the whole family. Vocalist Ben Gulley will deliver Yuletide favorites on November 30 at 8:00 p.m.
• Elfapalooza. Throughout December at The Galt House Hotel, families can enjoy snacks, hot chocolate, and a ride on the Peppermint Express.
• North Pole Express. On various dates in December, you and your family can take a magical train ride to meet Santa. This 1.5 hour-train ride journeys to the North Pole and back. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
• Festival of Nativities. From December 5-7, this nightly celebration focuses on the history and beauty of the nativity scene. Attractions include music, treats, activities for all ages, and over 500 nativities from around the world.
• WinterFair. The 29^th Annual WinterFair kicks off on December 6 and runs through December 7. This year’s festival features 80 artists in two church buildings. Shoppers will find gifts of various art medias, food, an art raffle, and more.
• Light Up St. Take part in this annual celebration on December 7, where you can visit with Santa, enjoy reindeer games and holiday treats, and watch the lighting of Brown Park.
• University of Louisville’s Holiday Party. On December 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the U of L hosts a festive holiday party, where guests can enjoy games, treats, and a Laser Holiday Music Show.
• Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour. Returning for the first full weekend in December, the Holiday Home Tour gives visitors a glimpse inside the area’s beautifully decorated Victorian mansions and townhouses. Proceeds support the efforts of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council.
• Maker’s Mark Distillery’s Holiday Open House. This holiday open house, which takes place from 5-8 p.m. December 7-14, features bright lights, holiday décor, seasonal cocktails, and sweet treats.
• Santa’s Safari. Santa is stopping by the Louisville Zoo this year for crafts, treats, sing-alongs, and photos on December 7, 8, 14, and 15.
• The Nutcracker on Ice. The Nutcrackers on Ice is presented by Louisville Skating Academy. Get tickers for December 21 or 22.
• Holiday Ornament Glazing Workshop. Participate in this ornament glazing workshop on November 29 at Metro Arts Community Center. You have the option of making two ornaments or one mug.
• Holiday Brite Nite. On November 23, visitors at the Paddock Shops can enjoy carolers, magicians, jugglers, face painting, and more.

Best Holiday Dining Options in Louisville

Homecooked meals are often the best, but at the best restaurants in Louisville you can get quality food without the cleanup. There are so many dining options to choose from, so we’ve limited the list to some of our favorites.

• Sway. Sway combines southern fare with the rich heritage of the region to produce delicious seasonal menus.
• Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge. With the dining room and food inspired by bourbon, Charr’d has a menu that features local and regional ingredients harvested in Bourbon Country.
• Eddie Merlot’s. Featuring prime aged beef and seafood, Eddie Merlot’s is an upscale contemporary American steakhouse that sources the highest quality ingredients for their menu.
• Porcini. Specializing in fine Northern Italian cuisine, Porcini is an award-wining restaurant.
• Commonwealth Tap. Located in the Norton Commons Neighborhood, this whiskey bar is the perfect place for a night out with friends.
• Bourbons Bistro. Locally known and internationally owned, Bourbons Bistro is located in historic Clifton. Their bourbon-inspired menu changes seasonally and is locally sourced.
• Mercato Italiano Trattoria & Market. This open, airy restaurant is a favorite of Thomas Law Offices. It features upscale Italian dishes.
• English Grill. For one of the city’s most elegant dining experiences, head to the English Grill. Located in The Brown’s Hotel, this restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine.
• Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. Recognized as Louisville’s Best Upscale Steakhouse, Jeff Ruby’s is a favorite among locals and visitors.

Local Shopping in Louisville for Holiday Gifts

When you shop local, you’re not only finding one-of-a-kind gifts, but you’re supporting your community and its businesses. Find something for everyone on your list at these locations:

• Carmichael’s Book Store. This is the area’s largest independent book retailer. You’ll find popular bestsellers, books from local writers, and a large children’s section.  
• Quest Outdoors. Located in Shelbyville Road Plaza, this shop is full of all the gear an outdoor enthusiast could need.
• 5-0-Lou. This shop carries locally-made wares and art. You’ll find t-shirts, food, beauty products, and more.
• Playthings Toy Shoppe. This is a great place to buy gifts for the young ones in your life. They even offer free giftwrapping.
• Schimpff’s Confectionary. If you’re looking for treats for stockings or parties, you’ll find them here.
• The Flea Off Market. This monthly pop-up market in Louisville brings unique gifts and wares from all over. Their Holiday Bazaar and Gift Sale takes place on December 7 and 8.
• Stoneware & Co. Here you’ll find all matter of gifts for the kitchen, dining room, and home. They also offer pottery workshops and gift certificates.

Where to Find Christmas Trees in and Around Louisville

Finding the perfect Christmas tree in Louisville is the most exciting part of the holidays for some. There’s nothing like decorating the tree with the family, as the kids eagerly await the gifts that Santa will place underneath.

• Christmas Tree Lane. Christmas Tree Lane is located at Waterfront Park. Not only can you find the perfect Christmas tree, but you’ll also find wreaths, greenery, and other decorations.
• Baldwin Farms. Located in Richmond, Kentucky, you can choose and cut your own tree at Baldwin Farms. Pre-cut trees are also available.
• Goebel Farms. If you’re looking to take a trip to get your Christmas tree, head to Goebel Farms in Evansville, Indiana. You’ll find trees like Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Fraser Fur.
• Werkmeister’s Christmas Tree Farm. Only 20 miles outside Louisville in Bullitt County, this location offers trees and wreaths.
• Neiman Tree Farm. Located in Lexington, you’ll find a variety of Christmas trees at Neiman’s. You can also enjoy free cookies, hot chocolate, and cinnamon cider. Homemade wreaths and garlands are also for sale.

Happy Holidays from Thomas Law Offices

We hope this list helps you make the most of your 2019 holiday season. All of us at Thomas Law Offices wish you and yours happy holidays and a healthy new year.