20+ Christmas events taking place around Louisville in 2022

This holiday season, there's no shortage of festive events taking place around Louisville. From Lights Under Louisville and the 4th Annual Fête de Noël at Paristown to multiple Christmas teas and wreath-making workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So take a look at the events in date order below and plan your next holiday adventure. It will be sure to add a little holly, jolly to your life.

Happy Holidays!

WHAT: The Design Your Own ornament is almost exactly the same as the old favorite. It has been altered to a design-your-own interactive activity. Design your own ornament, snowman, pumpkin, stemless wine glass, bourbon glass, ornament bowl or vase.

WHERE:Flame Run Gallery, 828 E. Market St.

WHEN: Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. by appointment.

MORE INFORMATION: 502-584-5353, 502-502-584-5332; flamerun.com.

WHAT: The 30-minute drive through the winding cavern includes over 40 themed displays, multiple projections area, approximately 900 Christmas light displays, multiple light tunnels, holiday music, and over 6 million points of light. On the Christmas Express, visitors will be driven through the holiday adventure in the open-air tram.

WHERE: Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave.

WHEN: Through Jan. 1. Lights Under Louisville hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Thanksgiving and Christmas, 5:30-10 p.m. Christmas Express hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Admission: car, truck, SUV and minivan: $34; full-size van/limo/RV/small school bus: $79.99; full-size school bus, $149.99; motor coach, $349.99; Christmas Express, $19.99. Skip the waiting areas and get a Priority Pass (must be purchased online, in advance by 2 p.m. on the date of attendance), $79.99. Christmas Express: $19.99. louisvillemegacavern.com.

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WHAT: Start the holiday season at Paristown's annual Fête De Noël (Festival of Christmas) Winter Holiday Festival, a six-week winter wonderland featuring an outdoor ice-skating rink, photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides and so much more. Skate, shop, eat and drink in the heart of Paristown. The Café will offer breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

WHERE: Christy's Garden, 720 Brent St.

WHEN: Skating rink now open; Holiday Market and Paristown Express open Nov. 25.

MORE INFORMATION: Presented by Stock Yards Bank & Trust. paristown.com/fetedenoel.

WHAT: Danger Run will present a Christmas version of its classic Halloween scavenger-hunt-style game played 100% in the car. Participants will go on an adventure solving clues, exploring decorated homes and Christmas light displays around town. The object of the game is to complete Santa's Christmas List, which has been destroyed. If you beat the game and save Christmas, you will be entered for prizes. The game ends near Paristwon's Fete de Noel an outdoor holiday market and skating rink.

WHERE: Start by logging in on CluePortal.com

WHEN: Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Start your adventure at any time, but it is recommended you attempt to start between 6-10 Sunday-Thursday and 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday when the live helpline is open.

MORE INFORMATION: Your tickets must be purchased online. Once purchased, you will be instructed on how to begin your game (follow the instructions). Everyone that accurately completes the list will get a prize. $15 per person. Admission to Rudolph's Run must be purchased online. dangerrun.com/christmas.

WHAT: I Would Rather Be Reading is partnering with local nonprofits and schools for "Lights on Main," a free community-wide event that will include an anticipated display of 100 Christmas trees decorated for the holiday season by each participating organization. The event is intended to promote community and togetherness. Each Saturday, enjoy food trucks, photo opportunities, letters to the North Pole, and pictures with Santa Claus. Proceeds to benefit I Would Rather Be Reading programs.

WHERE: the ReSurfaced lot, 615 W. Main St.

WHEN: Nov. 25 through Dec. 11. Wednesday and Thursday, 4-8 p.m.; Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, 2-9 p.m.; Sunday, 4-8 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Cast your vote for your favorite tree, best branding, judges' favorite, most unique, most festive, and most Lou spirit for $1. The winners will be announced on Dec. 11. Admission is free. iwouldratherbereading.org/lights-on-main.

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WHAT: Tour the dazzling garden of lights, reflect on the true meaning of the season at the live nativity, enjoy a special holiday dinner (available until 7 p.m.), see the Encounter the Wonder 4D show and The Christmas Star Panetarium Show ($9, $6 for ages 5-10).

WHERE: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Kentucky

WHEN: Nov. 25 through Dec. 13, 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; Dec. 14-30, daily 5-8:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day).

MORE INFORMATION: Admission is free unless noted. Parking is $15. creationmuseum.org.

WHAT: The historic mansion will be decorated for the holiday season by local floral designers and vendors. There will be light refreshments and sweet treats.

WHERE: 3110 Lexington Road

WHEN: Nov. 25, 6-8 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Whitehall will be selling timed admissions in advance and at the door. Proceeds to benefit Whitehall. $15, $5 for ages 6 to 12, free for ages 5 and younger. 502-897-2944 or historicwhitehall.org.

WHAT: The Ark will be decorated with constantly changing colorful lights that will illuminate the life-size 510-foot-long Ark. Enjoy the stunning "Encounter the Wonder" animated show on a 70-foot LED screen, Christmas concerts, camel rides ($10), live animal encounters, dining (available until 7 p.m.), carousel rides, virtual reality experience ($9.99-$14.99), exhibits and more.

WHERE: 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, Kentucky

WHEN: Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 25 through Dec. 18; daily 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 19 through 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day).

MORE INFORMATION: Admission is free. Parking $15. arkencounter.com/christmas.

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WHAT: A drive through a three-mile dazzling holiday light display with more than a million lights. Also, the Holiday Village features visits with Santa, Animal Land, model trains, and more. Presented by Friends of Coal.

WHERE: Kentucky Horse Park, 4075 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington

WHEN: Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. Daily 5:30-10 p.m. (closed Christmas day)

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $30 per carload online; $35 at the festival. For more information and tickets: khpfoundation.org/southern-lights.

WHAT: Walk through this Winter Wonderland that has millions of twinkling lights integrated into dazzling holiday displays set to music. Proceeds to benefit the Parks Alliance of Louisville.

WHERE: Iroquois Park, 1080 Amphitheater Road

WHEN: Nov. 25-Jan. 1. Nightly, 6-10 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets can be purchased online or at the event or at the event with a credit card or cash. $15, $12 seniors, $10, free for ages 2 and younger. winterwoodsspectacular.org.

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WHAT: See the dazzling light and décor displays with photo opportunities on the lighted path, model rain setup, say hello to Santa and hear a story, also snacks, beverages (for kids and adults), and other surprises. Sponsored by Stock Yards Bank & Trust and Limbwalker.

WHERE: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old La Grange Road

WHEN: Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11; 4:30-6 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Children 5 and younger are free, but they require a ticket for entry. Tickets start at $12, $7 for ages 6-17 and 65 and older, free for ages 5 and younger; members, $9, $5 for ages 6-17 and 65 and older. 502-241-4788; yewdellgardens.org.

WHAT: Artists create one-of-a-kind ornaments for the Winter Wonderland Ornament Spectacular.

WHERE: Revelry Boutique Gallery, 742 E. Market St.

WHEN: Nov. 26 through Dec. 30

MORE INFORMATION: 502-414-1278, revelrygallery.com.

WHAT: Tour the festively decorated 1844 Presley Tyler House and stone cottage where they have a 60-piece illuminated 1930's Thomas Kinkade Christmas Village with a train exhibit. Learn about some of the Christmas traditions that began during the 19th century.

WHERE: Blackacre Conservancy, 3200 Tucker Station Road

WHEN: Nov. 27, 1-4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Admission is $7. blackacreconservancy.org.

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WHAT: Enjoy crafted herbal teas, miniature sandwiches, and desserts in the 1800s farmhouse.

WHERE: Main House, 10500 W. Highway 42, Goshen, Kentucky

WHEN: Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, noon and 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased online at hermitagefarm.com.

WHAT: A self-guided walking tour of the illuminated winter wonderland of swans, snowflakes, deer, Moravian stars, oversized flowers, light bursts, candles, and a multicolor tunnel of lights. Visit with Santa and his sleigh in the Graeser Family Education Center and Mrs. Claus' Cottage in the Ellen T. Leslie Botanical Classrooms. There will be holiday beverages and cookies for purchase in the Jingle All the Way Cafe. Visit with Santa (Dec. 1-23). Sponsored by Stock Yards Bank & Trust and Republic Bank, Republic Bank and Wagner Electric.

WHERE: Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.

WHEN: Dec. 1-30, select a time between 5:45-8:15 (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day). Peak dates, Dec. 3, 10, 14-23

MORE INFORMATION: Reservations must be made in advance online. No admission will be sold at the door. Admission $10, $7.50 for members, $5 for ages 7-12, and free for ages 6 and younger. Peak night admission: $15; $11.25 for members; $7.50 for ages 7-12, free for ages 6 and younger. waterfrontgardens.org.

WHAT: Lighting of the Trace will be held in person this year. The drive-through route features 100,000 lights in various displays that include Santa, elves, reindeers, and buffalos. Frankfort City Commissioner Kelly May serving as emcee, and Santa and Mrs. Claus joining the festivities. The lights will be on display until Jan. 1.

Schedule: Dec. 1

WHERE: Buffalo Trace Distillery, 113 Great Buffalo Trace, in Frankfort, Ky.

WHEN: Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (lights will not open on Dec. 1, until 7:30pm to accommodate the Lighting of the Trace)

MORE INFORMATION: Santa Nights, Dec. 8-9, 6-8 p.m. in Giants Hall, the second floor of the Visitor Center. Free. Reservations are not needed. buffalotracedistillery.com/events/upcoming.html

WHAT: KMAC Shop's signature holiday shopping event features an array of artfully curated gifts. Enjoy martinis, holiday shopping, and appearances by local artists who will be showcasing their works made from a variety of media, including glass, metal, clay and fiber. Proceeds to benefit the museums and its programming.

WHERE: 715 W. Main St.

WHEN: Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Free, KMAC members re a 15% discount. kmacmuseum.org.

WHAT: The farmhouse will be decorated inside and out with décor by Cherry House Galleries, KP Design, Hound & Hare LLC, Jason Jennings Interior, Debhelin Designs, Living Spaces, Little Mount Lavender Company, Julia Carstanjen, Mandeline Hetzel Interiors, and includes the farmhouse and the barn. Proceeds to benefit Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

WHERE: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Sanctuary Farm, Chestnut Hall, 12611 US-42, Prospect

WHEN: Dec. 2-10, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets: donorbox.org/events/375093.

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WHAT: Features more than 80 juried artists displaying jewelry, textiles, wearable art, pottery, art glass, paintings and more. WinterFair will also feature its WinterFair online.

WHERE: All Peoples (formerly Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church), 4936 Brownsboro Road

WHEN: Dec 2, 2-7 p.m.; Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: WinterFair catalog sale now open at allpeoplesuu.com. Find more details at allpeoplesuu.com/winterfair-2022.

WHAT: Explore downtown Jeffersonville's shops and restaurants as you collect a delicious cookie from participating businesses.

WHERE: Downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana

WHEN: Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Register at Jeffersonville Main Street's office, 401 Pearl St. (corner of Pearl & Maple) to receive your event map and bag. $12 per person plus a canned good that will be donated to the Center for Lay Ministries. jeffmainstreet.org.

WHAT: Blackacre State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead Old Time Christmas includes hayrides, visit (and photo) with Santa, tours of the holiday house and 60-piece Thomas Kinkade 1930s village with train exhibit, nature craft, dancing group, story with Miss Prim, wood chopping demonstration, cocoa and cookies, and the Giving shop.

WHERE: Blackacre Conservancy, 3200 Tucker Station Road

WHEN: Dec. 3, noon to 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Donations received help with conservation, preservation and education programs. $20 per car. blackacreconservancy.org.

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WHAT: The Mary M. Miller riverboat is transforming into a winter wonderland. This family-friendly event includes a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies and hot cocoa, a holiday goody bag for each child and plenty of festive activities.

WHERE: Mary M. Miller, Fourth and River Road

WHEN: Dec. 3, 10, and 17. Board at noon; cruise from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $39.99 for ages 55-64; $38.99 for ages 65 and older; $17.99 for ages 5-14; free for ages 3 and younger. belleoflouisville.org.

WHAT: KFC Yum! Center will be transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations located throughout the arena for the free screening of the holiday classic, Home Alone 2. Arrive early to enjoy other free activities including holiday-themed photo booths, pictures with Santa, center ticket giveaways, roving entertainment.

WHERE: KFC Yum! Center, One Arena Plaza

WHEN: Dec. 3, 6 p.m.; movie starts at 7 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Free but tickets are required. kfcyumcenter.com.

WHAT: Tour Victorian mansions, homes, and historic buildings in Old Louisville dressed in their holiday finest. The tour will showcase two mansions on South Third Street that have not been open to the public in decades.

WHERE: Patrons must start at will call inside the Visitors Center (1340 S. 4th St.) to receive their brochure, which will serve as an admission ticket, and will include a listing of all nine participating locations.

WHEN: Dec. 3 and 4, noon to 5 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and available at Old Louisville Visitors Center inside Central Park, 1340 S. 4th St., and online, old-louisville-neighborhood-council.square.site.

WHAT: There are two options, in person and take home. The in-person tea includes Louisville Tea Company teas, sweet and savory treats by Terri Lynn's Catering, live music and a tour of the museum. Take-home tea includes Louisville Tea Company teas, sweet, savory treats by Terri Lynn's Catering, and a voucher to visit the museum at your leisure. Proceeds to benefit the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum.

WHERE: Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court.

WHEN: Dec. 3 and 4, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets are $45, $20 for ages 18 and younger; take-home tea, $30, $12 for children's tea and treats. 502-636-5023; conrad-caldwell.org.

WHAT: Join Amy Streeter, owner of Susan's Florist to create a beautiful holiday wreath. Grapevine wreath, mixed greens, pinecones, ribbon, and other fun textures will be provided. Participants will learn how to make a festive bow for all gift-giving and get some design tips on using holiday greens throughout their homes.

WHERE: 3110 Lexington Road

WHEN: Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Reservations must be made in advance. $65. 502-897-2944 or historicwhitehall.org.

WHAT: The show features more than 700 booths with Christmas decor, crafts, jewelry, handmade items, electronics and more. Children get a free picture with Santa.

WHERE: South Wing C, Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane

WHEN: Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Admission is free. Parking $10. 502-367-5000; kyexpo.org.

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WHAT: Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks while making your own wreath, swags and table decorations from live greenery. Ribbons, gloves, and wire cutters are provided (but you can bring your own tools).

WHERE: Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave.

WHEN: Dec. 10, 9-10:30 a.m.; 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 12:30 to 2 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Wreaths, $35, $25 LNC members; swags and table decorations, $30, $20 LNC members. 502-458-1328; louisvillenaturecenter.org.

WHAT: The Christmastide event features interpretative performances, holiday crafts, refreshments and Lincoln Performing Arts School Percussion Ensemble, Choir, and Band will perform (1 p.m. in the Pavilion).

WHERE: Loust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane

WHEN: Dec. 10, noon to 7 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Some events will take place outdoors, so please come prepared for the cold weather. $8, $4 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. locustgrove.org.

WHAT: The museum will be decorated for the holiday. Light refreshments will be available for purchase and the gift shop will be open.

WHERE: Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court.

WHEN: Dec. 15 and 22, 6-9 p.m. Tour leaves every 20 minutes, last booking at 8:40 p.m.

WHAT: OneWest and community partners will transform Shawnee Park into a magical drive-thru festival featuring more than 200,000 twinkling lights, musical performances, festive tunes and holiday displays.

WHERE: Shawnee Park, 4501 W. Broadway

WHEN: Dec. 16-18, 6-10 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Free. onewest.org.

WHAT: Featuring Cody Clark magician/autism advocate as emcee, Taylor Martin, Dennis Alm and Graham Maupin.

WHERE: Highview Arts Center, 7406 Fegenbush Lane

WHEN: Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: $15. Tickets available at eventbrite.com

Reach News Clerk Gege Reed at [email protected].