LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The weekend is upon us, and there are plenty of things to do and see across Kentuckiana.
Here are a selection of events, markets, concerts and more happening the weekend of Friday, Dec 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14.
With winter weather in the area Thursday night into the weekend, be sure to check each event's website or event page to make sure it hasn't been canceled due to weather.
Click here for the latest forecasts and weather blogs from WDRB's team of meteorologists.
Louisville Christmas Gift & Decor Show
The 37th annual Louisville Christmas & Decor Show is this weekend at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Phillips Lane.
The free event runs Friday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore over 700 Booths of Christmas crafts, gifts, and more.
Santa will also be on hand for free photos. The Christmas Show has been a Louisville holiday tradition for more than 30 years.
To learn more, click here.
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
For the first time since 2022, the Louisville Ballet is bringing live music back to its annual holiday production of the Brown-Forman Nutcracker, which kicks off this weekend.
The ballet runs Dec. 12 through 22 at the Kentucky Performing Art Center's Whitney Hall.
The Ballet has been performing the full-length production of Tchaikovsky’s classic since 2009.
The performance features lavish sets with nods to Louisville, inventive costumes and choreography, and live music by the Louisville Orchestra.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana's A Very Green Holiday
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana is getting into the festive spirit with a variety of holiday events across the area.
The Girl Scouts will host two of its "A Very Green Holiday" events this weekend.
On Friday, Dec. 12, from 5-7 p.m., the scouts will be set up at the Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Ln. in Louisville.
The showcase proves an opportunity for those interested in joining the Girl Scouts to explore what it's like to be a scout.
There will be a holiday photo booth, balloon animals, face painting, holiday crafts, take-home crafts, food and drinks, games, puzzles and prizes.
Another showcase will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1-4 p.m. at the Berrytown Recreation Center, 1300 Heafer Road in Louisville.
Jefferson County Public Schools will also be on hand for both events to provide information and answer questions about the district's School Choice application process.
To learn more about joining Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, click here.
14th annual SantaCon Louisville
Lousiville's annual SantaCon is set for its 14th year this weekend.
The annual convention raises funds for Blessings in a Backpack, which provides bags of food for Jefferson County Public Schools students who depend on school meals and may otherwise go hungry over the weekend.
The event brings together dressed as Santa Claus and other holiday characters for a day of "shenanigans and reindeer games" and parading around the city.
SantaCon is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2-8 p.m., with a "North Pole Extravaganza" scheduled for 8 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets cost $21 and registration begins promptly at 2 p.m. Saturday at a "secret, undisclosed location" that Santa will announce the night before, according to organizers.
After registration, Santa will lead the group on a mystery tour leading to the "North Pole Extravaganza," the SantaCon afterparty with drink specials and more.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
6th annual Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
The Waterfront Botanical Gardens comes to life with a dazzling display of sparkling lights and holiday music.
The 6th annual “Gardens Aglimmer continues this weekend and runs through Dec. 30.
Make lasting holiday memories this December at Louisville's Loveliest Holiday Tradition as you take a magical stroll through the Gardens' festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, glistening deer, and twinkling archways.
Write a letter to Santa, create a festive craft, and even meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
New this year - Holiday Specs 3D glasses will be for sale to add more fun to your Gardens Aglimmer experience.
Expect warm drinks and sweet treats on sale at the outdoor Jingle All the Way Café. Frosty’s Tinsel Tavern, a new bar inside the Graeser Family Education Center will offer beer, wine, and festive signature cocktails for purchase.
2025 Ticket Prices:
$17 Nonmember Adults | $12 Member Adults
$10 Nonmembers ages 3 – 12 | $8 Members ages 3 – 12
All children ages 2 and under are free.
Advanced registration is required. Admission is not available at the door.
Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Holiday season ongoing events
Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville
- Nov. 14 to Jan. 3, 2026
- Opening Day: November 14, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Daily Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Christmas Day: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Christmas Express: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
A beloved holiday tradition for 17 years, is back and bolder, bigger and brighter than ever! Presented by Fifth Third Bank, Lights Under Louisville is a drive through the 30-minute illuminated wonderland! Featuring 40+ themed displays, nearly 1,000 illuminated characters, new projections and more than 7 million points of light. Beginning at $42.99 per vehicle and $49.99 on select Saturdays, tickets are available online at lightsunderlouisville.com.
- Runs on select days from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3, 2025
Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the season among dazzling displays of over 1.5 MILLION lights, over 300 Christmas trees and holiday decor as far as the eye can see. Take your experience to new heights on the LARGEST snow tubing hill in Kentucky, racing down a 175-foot-long hill covered in real snow. Create family memories, including meeting the Most Famous Reindeer of all and SO much more! For tickets and more information, KentuckyKingdom.com.
- Nov. 25 through Jan. 4
- Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main Street, Louisville
Enjoy the museum's three floors decorated in holiday cheer, including nearly 100 decorated trees, included in museum admission. For tickets or more information, FrazierMuseum.org.
- Runs from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4
- Paristown
- 731 Brent Street, Louisville Ky. 40204
Experience the magic of the season at Paristown’s 7th annual Fête De Noël (“Festival of Christmas”) Winter Holiday Festival. Over six festive weeks, enjoy Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink, photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides, and more. Embrace the spirit of tradition as you skate, shop, and celebrate in the heart of Paristown. For more information, click here.
- Runs Nov. 28-Dec 20 on Fridays and Saturdays at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old Lagrange Rd., Crestwood, Kentucky.
- Explore lighting displays, a model train village and the Community Partner Tree Display and enjoy hot cocoa and festive music and seasonal snacks.
- Ticketed time blocks for 5-7 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.
These are just a handful of events scheduled for this weekend. Click here to look at what else is happening across Kentuckiana this weekend.
Click here for WDRB's guide to Christmas and holiday events around Louisville and southern Indiana.
Related Stories:
2025 Christmas and holiday events around Louisville and southern Indiana
Gardens Aglimmer returns for its 6th year at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
The community helps Home of the Innocents through Jude's Jingle Tree
Westport Village helps you during the gift giving season with Rockin' Around the Village
A Christmas Carol at Actors Theatre of Louisville is back
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