There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Louisville for the Holidays

While I love traveling to bigger cities like New York City or Chicago during the holiday season, there's nothing like the holiday attractions and traditions in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Revisiting the places I enjoyed as a child and sharing them with my own family is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. Many associate Louisville with the Kentucky Derby, which runs on the first Saturday of May. However, there are obvious reasons to visit Louisville any time of year, especially in November and December. Here's a rundown of some of the best things to do and see during the holiday season in Louisville.

Lights Under Louisville at the Louisville Mega Cavern is one of Kentucky's most unique holiday attractions. A huge cavern is right underneath the city, close to the Louisville Zoo. From mid-November to early January, cars can drive through the cavern and enjoy a holiday light display. It's a great experience for any age. The 30-minute tour features 900 light displays and over 7 million lights. Because it's underground, you don't have to wait until after dark to see the lights; consider touring in the morning to beat the crowds. For more details, visit the Lights Under Louisville website.

Every year, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker lights up the city with holiday spirit. In more than a dozen December performances, the ballet stuns its audience with fantastic choreography, music, and costumes. The two-act performance takes place at the Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall, located at 501 West Main Street downtown. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Brown-Forman Nutcracker's website.

The Waterfront Botanical Gardens hosts an incredible light display called Gardens Aglimmer. Visitors can walk through the light display and enjoy its glowing archways, flowers, trees, and more. The paths are wheelchair accessible, and visits with Santa and crafts are part of the event. The garden sells drinks and desserts at its Jingle All the Way Cafe. Visit the Waterfront Botanical Garden's website for more details and ticket sales.

Throughout the holiday season, there are several awesome events to attend. Bardstown Road Aglow includes a tree-lighting ceremony and holiday lights displays along the popular, walkable street. The Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour allows visitors to tour stunning Victorian homes decorated for the holidays. It's a self-paced walking tour, with guides at each home.

Louisville is an excellent place for a getaway this holiday season. Consider staying at The Brown Hotel, one of the city's best-known historical hotels. It's on the National Register of Historic Places and is beautifully decorated during the holiday season.