Grab some gifts from the Brent Street Holiday Market in Paristown after a skate session. | Photo by Michael Getz
Ariana Grande said it best: It’s the time of year to do winter things — like head to the ice skating rink downtown.
Here’s where you can lace up your skates and hit the ice in Derby City.
Crystal Ice Skating Rink at Fête de Noël in Paristown
This ~5,000-sqft rink is the only outdoor ice skating facility in Louisville — so you can make the most of those wintry vibes. The rink is open to the public during the Fête de Noël festival, Wednesday-Sunday through Saturday, Jan. 5.
Apline Ice Arena
This indoor rink in the Hayfield-Dundee neighborhood off Bardstown Road is open seasonally, six days per week.
Iceland Sports Complex
Open since 2000, this year-round facility in Lyndon has two rinks, and hosts UofL’s club hockey team. Public skating is open daily in the afternoons + in the evenings on weekends.
Party like it’s 1933: A Repeal Day Celebration | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Hell or High Water | $50 | Celebrate the day that Prohibition was repealed with live music, cocktails, and a costume contest.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Kentucky Christmas, Y’all | 5-8 p.m. | The Frazier History Museum | $12 | Sip bourbon cocktails, see specially decorated holiday trees, hear bluegrass music from local bands, and meet local authors as you celebrate the holidays the Kentucky way.
A Progress Park Christmas | 6-10:30 p.m. | Progress Park Airstream Resort & Event Center | $50 | Bid on bourbon bottles, dance to a DJ, and enjoy holiday food + spirits at this party which supports the fight against Parkinson’s Disease.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Crescent Hill Friends of the Library Book Sale | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Crescent Hill Branch Library | Free | Shop books, CDs, DVDs — or a grab bag of them all — benefiting the local library.
Made Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mellwood Art Center | $5 | Start knocking out that holiday shopping list with 90+ makers, and stop for local snacks and drinks.
Shahar will host a grand opening on Friday, Dec. 6 at its new dine-in location on Logan Street in the former Keswick space. A ribbon cutting will be held at 12 p.m., accompanied by a mariachi band. In the meantime, you can pickup vegan + plant-based food from Shahar’s takeout window.
Derby
The Kentucky Derby Festival has unveiled the design for the 2025 Pegasus Pin. The pink pin features a Pegasus and the phrase, “Happy Derby.” It’s the 53rd edition of the pin, which offers free admission to Derby Festival events. Pre-order one for $7.
The University of Louisville’s Urban Design Studio has updated its progress on the Trager Microforest project in downtown Louisville. Spoiler alert: It’s growing. Workers recently planted 11 more trees, while other plants and shrubs have been delivered to the site on W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard near the Louisville Gardens.
Talk
It’s cold out there, LOU. You can warm up by hearing about a classic Louisville summer activity — swimming at Lakeside Swim Club — from local author Brigid Kaelin. She’ll be speaking about her book, “Lakeside” tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Matthews Branch Library.
Sports
Still basking in the afterglow of Louisville’s 41-14 Governor’s Cup win? Same. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
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Home
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Travel
Planning to take your RV on the open road in 2025? Buy coverage online in minutes with Roamly, rated five stars by thousands of RV owners.*
Tech
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Wellness
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History
History
Put LOU on the map
LOU has lots of history. | Map via Proxi
You’ve submitted your favorites, now it’s time for us to reveal the finalists for the LOUtoday historical marker contest.
Birdie and Vi’s
Reader Susan O. submitted the two buildings that remain from what was once a thriving African-American community on W. Magnolia Avenue in what is now Old Louisville.
Victor Mature Childhood Home
Readers Chip R. + Pam C. both recalled that one of Hollywood’s leading men from the 1940s + 1950s was born in Shelby Park.
Vendome Copper and Brass Works
Reader Ken P. thinks this 101-year-old Butchertown manufacturing facility is worthy of recognition.
Hunter S. Thompson’s Boyhood Home
Sumbitted by reader Tim M., this Highlands home is where the acclaimed journalist + author grew up.
It doesn’t stop there — we got more submissions than these. Just check out our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor.
🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates.
🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial.
🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking.
🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
Speaking of history... The Filson Historical Society turned 140 in May, but is celebrating the milestone this month with a special bourbon. I’ll drink to that.
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