Kentucky Kingdom’s holiday lights display has over a million bulbs. | Photo via Kentucky Kingdom
The little ones are about to be home for winter break, and while there aren’t any snowy hills to sled yet, there’s plenty else for kids to do in Derby City.
Exhibits include the award-winning Glacier Run with polar and grizzly bears, which is hosting holiday events on the weekends this season.
Indoor adventures
Puttshack One of Louisville’s newest indoor mini-golf courses, Puttshack features high-tech holes with a full menu of food and drinks. Kids will remember nearly making a hole-in-one on the air hockey hole.
Iceland Sports Complex This indoor rink is open year-round for open skating, and offers beginner- and advanced-level lessons. Kids can attend the Louisville Skating Academy to learn figure skating, or join a youth hockey team.
Ugly Sweater Party | 7 p.m. | Howl at the Moon | Cost of purchase | Wear your holiday worst best while you enjoy drink deals all night long. “Amahl and the Night Visitors” | Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Kentucky Opera | $20+ | See an opera about the Three Kings, who stop at the home of a young boy on their way to the birth of Christ.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Flea Off Market | Saturday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Mellwood Art Center | Free | Shop for some last-minute holiday gifts from local vintage vendors. Ginger Bread House Decorating | 2-3:30 p.m. | Rainbow Blossom Springhurst Wellness Center | $42.45 | Construct a confectionery cabin using vegan, allergen-friendly, and gluten-free ingredients.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Drop-In Plant Walk with Horticulture Team | 1-2 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Crestwood | $0+ | Walk the gardens + talk with a horticulturist to inspire creations in your own garden.
When one vegan door closes... A new nonprofit, VegKentucky, will start offering a weekly meal service, community dinners, and educational workshops on plant-based eating. Kristina J. Addington, the former owner of V-Grits, is the organization’s executive director. The group will debut at the Flea Off Holiday Bazaar this weekend.
Kids
LOU teens can head to their local libraries for two puzzle-related activities this winter break. The Main branch is hosting a teen jigsaw puzzle race on Saturday, Dec. 21, while the Northeast Library will hold a teen escape room on Thursday, Jan 2. Call ahead to register as a team.
Community
There’s a new mural on the block. Located on the west-facing side of the Louisville Tourism Visitor Center, the mural includes horses, fleur-de-lis, and a bourbon bottle. Seating + greenery is soon to come to the new CitySpot. Looks like we need to update our guide to LOU’s murals.
Number
139. That’s how many days until Kentuckians will need to present Real IDs at the airport. Only about 32% of Kentuckians have upgraded to a REAL ID. After May 5, 2025, a REAL ID drivers license, passport, or military ID will be required for domestic flights. (WHAS11)
Ranked
Lucky number 11. Louisville was ranked the No. 11 best city in the US in a recent survey by Clever. Participants ranked cities based on friendliness, food scenes, and natural beauty, among other criteria. Additionally, Kentucky ranked as the No. 8 best state to live in.
Sports
The Louisville Cardinals are making waves in the transfer portal, with top tight end Max Klare visiting campus. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Seasonal
Treat your loved ones(or yourself) to an unforgettable time at Monk’s Road Boiler House, a luxury-style chophouse from Log Still Distillery located on Whiskey Row. Snag a $100 gift card and get 20% off with code GCHoliday20 at checkout. Enjoy this sweet holiday deal now through Tuesday, Dec. 24.*
Travel
Seasons greetings from the Big Apple, aka one of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)'s 12 Days of Christmas destinations. Start planning your next adventure to one of SDF’s 35+ nonstop destinations this holiday season — and follow along on Instagram for more exciting updates.*
Tech
Transform your potential into prosperity with 100 innovative side hustle opportunities. HubSpot’s expertly curated database matches your unique skills with high-potential ventures, from creative enterprises to digital solutions. Get your free access to discover your next big win.*
Job
Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: Your first job posting is free! Give it a try.
Shop
These best-selling men’s flannel pajama pants are comfortable, warm, and soft to the touch. Hello, new favorite pants of the season.*
The Buy
The Buy
Pet insurance. No longer worry about surprise vet bills when you get a plan that reimburses up to 90%. See Money’s list of top providers and get covered for as little as $15 per month.
I am happily back in LOU after traveling to my sister’s college graduation — thanks to Jolly Old Saint Mitch for filling in while I was gone.
I’d like to extend a big congrats to all the Louisville students who graduated this semester, including the ~1,100 students who walked at UofL last Friday.
