While many tourists flock to Louisville, Kentucky during the spring and summer for the Kentucky Derby and bourbon trail tours, there is so much to do in town through the holiday season. As innkeepers of the Inn at Woodhaven, we love to share our town’s most beloved attractions and best-kept secrets. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Louisville offers a variety of activities and places to explore during November and December that will make your holiday season truly memorable. Here’s a look at the top holiday experiences you shouldn’t miss, plus our favorite recipe for Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies!
1. Lights Under Louisville
Photo from Lights Under Louisville
One of Louisville’s most iconic holiday attractions is Lights Under Louisville, a dazzling underground light show that transforms the Mega Cavern into a winter wonderland. Visitors drive their cars through a 17-mile stretch of the cavern, which is decked out in over 4 million twinkling lights and more than 900 illuminated displays. It’s the only underground light show of its kind in the world, making it a unique must-see event during the holidays.
Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves a spectacle, Lights Under Louisville is open from mid-November through December. This awe-inspiring display is sure to leave visitors in the holiday spirit. Shows run from November 8 through January 4. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
2. Fete de Noel
Photo from Fete De Noel
Located in Paristown, Fete de Noel is an annual festive wonderland that brings together an ice skating rink, towering holiday trees, and pop-up markets filled with local artisans. The Crystal Skating Rink is a fan favorite, featuring festive holiday music, skate rentals for all ages, and a connected concession stand bar.
Visitors can also enjoy food vendors, live entertainment, and themed events throughout the season. This is a perfect activity for anyone who enjoys an urban holiday atmosphere, complete with plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and taking festive photos. Check out their events calendar for movie nights, karaoke on ice, Kentuckiana Pride’s annual “Drag Queens On Ice”, Paristown Hall concerts, and more.
3. The Frazier History Museum’s Holiday Spirit
Photo from the Frazier Museum
The Frazier History Museum on historic West Main Street offers holiday fun for the whole family, with exhibits and events celebrating local culture and history. One of its most beloved events is Lights on Main which includes three floors of trees decorated by local schools, organizations, families, and individuals.
The museum also hosts an annual Holiday Cheer: Bourbon and Beer event on December 7. It’s perfect for those who want to incorporate some local brews into their vacation. The Frazier is a great spot to soak in Louisville’s holiday traditions while learning a bit about the region’s history.
4. Santa’s Symphony with The Louisville Orchestra
Photo from the Louisville Orchestra
The Louisville Orchestra has been delighting visitors’ senses since its founding in 1937. The Louisville Orchestra features a wide variety of immersive and innovative concert performances and educational programming that continues to receive national attention. During the holiday season, they offer a variety of holiday-themed concerts.
For those who are fans of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the Louisville Orchestra offers a special themed concert in November that includes songs like “This Is Halloween,” “What’s This?,” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song.” In December you can find performances of Handel’s Messiah, Santa’s Symphony Spectacular, and Holiday Pops featuring your favorite holiday hits.
5. Historic Homes Holiday Tours
Louisville is home to several beautiful, historic mansions that go all out during the holidays with festive decorations and special tours. The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, located in Old Louisville, offers Candlelight Christmas Tours that showcase the splendor of a bygone era. The mansion is lavishly decorated with period-specific holiday décor, offering a glimpse into the holiday traditions of Louisville’s past.
This year also marks their 18th annual Holiday Victorian Tea, where you can listen to the sounds of the harp while enjoying a variety of teas, provided by the Louisville Tea Company, and a sampling of savory and sweet treats. If you’re the crafty type, sign up now for their Holiday Wreath Making Workshop, complete with wine and charcuterie!
6. Gardens Aglimmer at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Photo from Gardens Aglimmer
Take a magical stroll through the Gardens’ festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, glistening deer, and twinkling archways at Gardens Aglimmer. This event returns to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens in late November and throughout December. It is an outdoor walking event that is also wheelchair accessible, so bundle accordingly and be sure to grab a hot beverage from their Jingle All The Way Cafe. Check their website for available dates and to purchase tickets.
7. Belle of Louisville’s Holiday Cruises
The Belle of Louisville, the city’s historic steamboat, offers two festive holiday river cruises that combine holiday cheer with a unique Louisville experience. For non-traditionalists, check out their Krampus Cruise. The Krampus Cruise is described as “frightfully fun” on the Mary M. Miller ship. This 21+ cruise includes cocktails and music onboard a moonlight cruise that includes a visit from the Krampus himself.
If you’re feeling a slightly less mischievous spirit, check out their Cookies with Captain Santa cruise, which features festive decor, music, cocoa, and cookies. This cruise is an all-ages event.
Visit the Inn at Woodhaven for Your Next Louisville Vacation
Louisville offers a rich array of holiday activities and experiences, blending the city’s historic charm with modern-day festivities. Whether you’re exploring the magical lights at Mega Cavern, skating downtown, or touring a historic mansion, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
If you’re planning a visit to Louisville in November or December, we would love to host you at our bed and breakfast, the Inn at Woodhaven. From cozy fireplaces to newly renovated rooms featuring soaking tubs or steamy showers, you’ll feel right at home with us. Find the room that is perfect for you and book your stay with us today!
And now, a recipe to get your holidays underway…
Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe inspired by Half Baked Harvest.
Ingredients
¾ cup raw pecans (whole, not chopped)
2 Tbs Evan Williams bourbon (either straight or try one of their seasonal flavors like spiced apple, cherry, or fire)
¾ cup plus 1 Tbs dark brown sugar
1 cup salted butter, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups chopped chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, combine the pecans, 1 tablespoon of bourbon, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until toasted. Then remove from the oven and roughly chop the pecans.
- Add 1 stick (½ cup) of butter to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Cook until the butter begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Stick the bowl in the freezer to chill for about 10-15 minutes, but no longer.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the remaining ½ cup of butter, the cooled browned butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and the granulated sugar until combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Add 1 tablespoon of Evan Williams bourbon and the vanilla, beating until creamy.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped pecans. If your dough is sticky, add 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Roll the dough into 2 tablespoon-sized balls and space approximately 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each dough ball slightly.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookies are just beginning to set on the edges, but still doughy in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky salt (if desired). Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
