NOTE:  I received the following excerpt from a newsletter… it sounded like tons of fun and I wanted to share it here in case Louisville is within driving distance.  I’m thinking we’ll be planning a trip there for next December- looks like FUN!!  We certainly loved our summer trip to the Louisville area.

“Snow” Much Holiday Fun in Louisville

Louisville’s your ultimate year-end destination with loads of merry and bright activities under way now throughout the city. Whether you enjoy live theater, holiday music, light shows, ballet or shopping, there really is something for everyone to get you in the holiday spirit.

Here’s a handful of holiday events that are still under way to mark on your calendar.

Louisville’s newest event, Holiday in the City, made its debut this year and transforms the plaza at Fourth and Jefferson streets downtown into a Holiday Square. Take a spin on the outdoor ice-skating rink, shop at the world market and sip on America’s native spirit at the Bourbon village.

If you enjoy going to the theater, you can see Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future during Actors Theatre of Louisville’s performance of A Christmas Carol. The timeless classic, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, is on stage at Derby Dinner Playhouse.

Or, the Louisville Ballet is performing the magical tale of the journey of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.

Louisville’s only hotel overlooking the Ohio River has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Christmas at the Galt House features KaLightoscope: A Christmas Carol (270 luminaries illustrate the classic Charles Dickens’ holiday tale during a walkable journey), the popular dancing bellmen and the new Winter WonderLane, a fairytale gazebo featuring magical mistletoe, whimsical trees and dancing lights.

Load up the car for an underground light show during Lights Under Louisville at Louisville Mega Cavern. It’s the only light show of its kind in the world and takes visitors on a glowing journey through part of 17 miles of underground passageways.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman are making a special trip from the North Pole to the Louisville Zoo during Santa’s Safari. Children are invited to be part of Santa’s workshop where elves help families create a holiday craft. Enjoy treats and refreshments courtesy of Mrs. Claus, holiday sing-alongs and a complimentary photo with Santa.

If you’re still making those lists and checking them twice, Louisville has loads of locally-owned shops to find the perfect present. Stop by Butchertown Market, a one-stop shop for a little retail therapy. Cellar Door Chocolates is famous for its Bourbon truffles. Moss Hill makes handcrafted lotions, soaps and candles with specialty scents like Bourbon and Mint Julep. At Bourbon Barrel Foods, you can pick up bourbon barrel smoked spices, small batch soy sauce aged in Bourbon barrels and more. You’ll also find locally crafted artwork and jewelry at Work the Metal, along with clothing, handbags, home décor and other one-of-a-kind gifts.

Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood and South Fourth Street (Sou4th) downtown are also both home to a slew of locally-owned shops filled with great gifts.

For more information on these and all of the events in Louisville, along with hotel information, visit www.gotolouisville.com.

Want more advice?

Call us at 888-Louisville Monday through Friday 9AM–5PM to speak to a knowledgeable local who can help you book your room. Or visit us online 24/7 to book discounts rates via aRes Travel.

Didn’t have time to request the official Visitors Guide before hitting the road? Stop at the Louisville Visitors Center at 4th and Jefferson in downtown. Check out the brochures, ask for dinner suggestions, grab a downtown walking tour brochure and take your picture with a life-sized Colonel Sanders…all for free.