5 Things to do This Weekend_Christmas.png

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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 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7.


Light Up Louisville

The annual ceremony to light the city's Christmas tree is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3-9 p.m.

Light Up Louisville turns Jefferson Square Park, at the corner of Sixth and West Jefferson streets downtown, into a winter wonderland for the holidays. 

Festivities include family-friendly activities such as shopping at the Mistletoe Market, holiday food, cocktails, live entertainment on two stages, photos with Santa, a trackless train ride, the Lots of Lights parade and free activities for kids. 

Santa will be on hand and flip the switch, launching the start of Light Up Louisville and the lighting of the famous downtown tree. The festivities end with a light projection show.

The city began looking for the perfect tree for this year's event in early October. The massive Norway spruce made its way through Louisville Nov. 19 from a family on Silver Oaks Court. Louisville Parks will decorate the tree for Saturday's lighting.

Light Up Louisville is free to attend.

To learn more, click here.


Made Market Louisville - Holiday 2025

The twice annual Made Market is bringing its holiday edition back to Louisville this weekend. 

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, the Mellwood Art Center will fill with shoppers looking for the perfect unique gifts for the holidays.

Made Market features more than 90 local and regional vendors, offering handmade food, jewelry, clothing, homewares, personal care, pet items and much more.

Tickets for Saturday's market are $5 and can be purchased online by clicking here. They can also be purchased at the doors. Kids 15 and under do not need a ticket. Parking is free.

Made Market runs until 5 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Road, in Louisville.

To learn more about Made Market, or to look at a list of vendors, click here.


Bardstown Road Aglow

Bardstown Road Aglow will celebrate its 40th year this Saturday from 12-10 p.m. in the Highlands neighborhood.

Organized by the Highlands Commerce Guild, the annual event has traditionally been the largest night of commerce of the year for businesses, according to organizers. 

Support local businesses with exclusive shopping and dining deals throughout the day, as well as free hot chocolate courtesy of Wendy's and a tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the corner of Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive.

Thanks to the Louisville Federation of Musicians, live music will take place at several pop-up locations along Bardstown Road from 6-8 p.m.

There will also be free trolley rides from Trolley de 'Ville along Douglass Loop and Bardstown Road to Baxter Ave.  

To learn more, click here.


35th annual WinterFair

All Peoples (formerly Thomas Unitarian Church) will host its annual WinterFair for the 35th year this Friday and Saturday.

The event advertises "Uncommon gifts for uncommon people" from more than 70 artists with handcrafted goods, jewelry, textiles, pottery, art glass, paintings and more. 

In addition to shopping, the WinterFair café will offer delicious food, including vegetarian options, plus hearty soups, chili, and homemade desserts. There will also be an art raffle, a gallery and gift shop to explore.

WinterFair is scheduled from 1-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at All Peoples, 4936 Brownsboro Rd. in Louisville.

The family-friendly event is free to attend.

To learn more, click here.


LouisvilleCon - Pop Culture Show

LouisvilleCon is back this weekend, bringing a full day of comics, collectibles, and pop-culture fun to fans in Kentuckiana.

Organizers say this year’s event will feature a wide mix of exhibitors offering everything from comic books and toys to video games, anime, cosplay gear, artwork, and sports cards. Fans can also meet several industry guests, including voice actors from the classic cartoon "Ed, Edd 'n' Eddy."

The convention — now in its fifth year — takes place Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Triple Crown Pavilion in Jeffersontown. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the show runs until 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 online or at the door, and kids get in free. Parking is also free.

LouisvilleCon describes itself as a "collectors’ mecca," aiming to bring together fans of all genres — from sci-fi and wrestling to manga and movies.

More details, tickets and guest announcements are available online by clicking here.


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.  

Christmas Tree Lane 

  • Opens Friday, Nov. 21 at Waterfront Park, 231 E. Witherspoon St.
  • Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Nov. 21 until inventory is gone

A beloved holiday tradition at Louisville's Waterfront Park with Book's Christmas Trees offering a variety of trees, wreaths and seasonal greenery.

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom

  • 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.

Lights On Main

  • 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.

Fête de Noël 

  • 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.

6th annual Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens

  • Runs Nov. 28-Dec. 30 on select days at Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.
  • Tickets: adults 13 or older - $17 for nonmembers and $12 for members; children 3-12 - $10 for nonmembers and $8 for members; children 0-2 - free

Stroll through pathways illuminated with giant glowing flowers, shimmering snowflakes, twinkling archways, and sparkling deer. There will be lots of children's activities like writing a letter to Santa, crafts and meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be warm drinks and sweat treats with beer, wine and festive signature cocktails to choose from.

Yuletide 2025

  • 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.

Related Stories: 

Paristown's Fête de Noël spreads some holiday cheer with fun for the whole family

LouisvilleCon returns this weekend with comics, collectibles, and celebrity guests

Holiday Open House at Norton Commons helps you make dent in Christmas list

2025 Christmas and holiday events around Louisville and southern Indiana

Welcome the holiday season at annual Light Up Louisville event

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