Miracle on Market has been bringing Santa to town since 2016. | Photo by LOUtoday.
‘Tis the season to get into the holiday spirit(s) — and there are some gifts you just can’t wrap, including these fourpop-up bars happening around town through December.
Reservations are encouraged — though not required — to spin into a glittery world of snowy disco fever with groovy playlists, shimmering lights, and themed cocktails like the the Sour Nutcracker with gin, cinnamon clove brown sugar syrup, black walnut bitters, and egg white.
Open: Wednesday-Saturday at 5 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 4
This national Christmas pop-up has been decking the halls inside NuLu’s Green Building for nearly a decade with wrapping paper walls, kitschy holiday decor + over-the-top glassware. New drinks this year include the Santa Slide, a whiskey liqueur with chocolate and orange flavors.
Open: Daily at 4 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 29, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Murder Under the Mistletoe | Friday, Nov. 22-Friday, Dec. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Meet at 112 W. Washington St. | $159 | Solve a (fictional) murder + sample bites from three downtown restaurants.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Friendsgiving | 3-10 p.m. | Mile Wide Beer Co. | Price of purchase | Sip a new pumpkin pie beer + enjoy pizza and other food specials.
“Much Ado About Nothing”| 7:30-9 p.m. | Conrad Caldwell House | $20 | See a rendition of the 16th-century rom-com with a queer twist performed in the historic mansion.
Phoenix Hill Neighborhood Chili Cook-Off | 12:30-5 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing Louisville | $25| Sign up to compete for the title of “Chili Master” and bring a can of food for donation.
Explore hands-on workshops creating everything from broom-making to painting, all led by talented local artists from Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8. Psst... This is the perfect opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones.
Pro tip: Kick-start the festivities early during Shop Small Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 30, before attending the Mayor’s Merry Mingling that evening.
Representatives from Givaudan are hosting community meetings where residents can ask questions about property damage from last week’s factory explosion in Clifton. Meetings will be held at United Crescent Hill Ministries Friday, Nov. 22, 3-5 p.m. + Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Report damage from the incident online or at (800) 856-3333.
Travel
The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is partnering with a TSA PreCheck provider to offer enrollment events starting Tuesday, Dec. 3. Appointments are available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. until Friday, Dec. 20. To streamline your airport experience even further, check out our guide to SDF.
Closing
The Black Jockeys Lounge will close at the end of this month — temporarily. The upscale restaurant, located across the street from the Palace Theater, will close for renovations and reopen in April 2025 with a revamped menu + expanded bar with new signature cocktails. (Louisville Business First)
Today Is
Beaujolais Nouveau Day, a French festival held on the third Thursday of November to celebrate the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a fruity wine best enjoyed while its young. Celebrate at Canary Club tonight with flights and glass pours starting at 4 p.m. + 15% off featured bottles.
Opening
Parlor Doughnuts is opening its first local location this Saturday, Nov. 23 in Jeffersonville, IN. The chain offers 20 flavors of its signature “layered” donuts, plus coffee + breakfast items like avocado toast. Download the Parlor Perks app to get a free donut at the grand opening, 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Listen
After a surprising loss last week, Louisville football has the chance to bounce back on Saturday, Nov. 23, when they host the Pitt Panthers at L&N Stadium at 4 p.m. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
The holiday season can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Enter: A buy-one-get-one deal on all gummies from 502 Hemp and 812 Hemp, running Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Dec. 2 (or while supplies last). Shop online or in-store at either location.*†
Arts
You’re invited to join Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince on a magical journey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy during Louisville Ballet’s performance of “The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.” Experience the holiday magic from Friday, Dec. 13 through Tuesday, Dec. 24 — grab tickets.*
Outdoors
From L+A+N+D to Forest Giants and 40+ miles of trails, adventure awaits at Bernheim. Pro tip: Let the kids run wild on the 17-acre playground. Plan a visit to connect with nature.*
Sports
A sports gift your kids won’t put down: Dribbleup’s top-selling Smart Basketball. Unlock thousands of interactive drills led by real coaches — it’s 60% off for the holidays.*
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. 502 Hemp and 812 Hemp advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by LOUtoday.
Category
Seasonal
Rockin’ around
Santa Claus was on-scene to help guide the tree to its downtown home. | Photo courtesy WHAS11
‘Tis the season — officially.
A 40-foot Norway spruce tree, donated by the Louisville Airport Authority, is now in place in Jefferson Square — and the branches are quite lovely. As Louisville’s official holiday tree, it will serve as a centerpiece for the annual Light Up Louisville event, on Saturday, Dec. 7.
This year, you can rock around the tree as you visit Santa Claus + Cindy Lou Who, enjoy food from Frosty’s Food Court, and get ahead on the shopping at the Mistletoe Market. It will also feature a 200-drone light show, a video projected on Metro Hall, and a parade, which kicks things off at 6 p.m.
