The Speed Museum has a rotating collection of art from all time periods. | Photo via Louisville Tourism
If you have friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no need to break the bank entertaining them — just look at these free activities.
Arts
Speed Museum (Sundays only) | Louisville’s biggest art museum is free once a week, which includes access to the entire main collection.
History
St. Boniface | The oldest operating Catholic Church in Louisville is open for self-guided tours, but guided tours are also available upon request. Bonus: It’s not the only historical church in Louisville you can tour.
For Kids
Library events | Story hours, craft days, and guest speakers are all on the schedule at your local library. Check in at your nearest branch, or take a trip to a new neighborhood for something fresh.
The rich wooden millwork + elegant floral wallpaper of this eight-bedroom, five-bathroom home on Upper River Road are ready to welcome you home. Our favorite part? The radial hedge garden surrounding the fountain, right by the backyard pool.
Travel
The approaching New Year is befitting a time as any for a healthy dose of wanderlust. That’s what we’re doing with Condé Nast Traveler’s 26 hottest travel destinations for 2026. Whether you’re after natural wonder, buzzy cities, or a vibrant food scene, you’ll get there quicker by starting at the Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).
On This Day
On December 15, 2001, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened after an ambitious 11-year project to reduce its tilt. Initially an architectural mishap, the tower is now one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but LOU’s got some pretty iconic landmarks of its own, too. (History.com)
Seasonal
Looking to spruce up your Christmas tree this year? Here’s one idea: You could recreate some classic styles from the 1950s and 1960s to add some vintage flair to your living room. It could be tough to find some of this stuff — Louisville’s thrift stores might be able to help. (Country Living)
Number
$7.1 billion. That’s how much philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated to nonprofits this year. Here in Louisville, you don’t need deep pockets to do your part. You can give your time, kindness, or a few hours of hard work to one of these deserving volunteer opportunities instead. (ABC News)
Eat
You donut want to miss this. Krispy Kreme was just named the most popular donut chain in Kentucky, edging out Dunkin’ Donuts, Shipley Do-Nuts, and Daylight Donuts. Want to branch out? Grab a pastry from a local brunch restaurant.
Sports
The Louisville Cardinals have swapped the marquee Georgia series for a high-stakes matchup against Ole Miss in Nashville. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
Jobs
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
The Buy
Fresh, small-batch coffee from Trade. Take the quiz + get matched with coffee blends that align with your tastes and preferences. Bonus: Our readers get an exclusive 50% off their first month subscription — no code necessary.
If “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is on your watchlist this December, you’re in good company. The 1989 film is the most popular holiday film in Kentucky, per a new PixlParade report. Pro tip: AMC Stonybrook is screening this and other holiday favorites all month long.
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