The city of Louisville has been around for a long time. Buildings have gone up, buildings have come down, but some things have stayed the same for well over two hundred years. Here are some fantastic photos that show just how much Louisville has changed over the years - and how it has stayed the same.
Were you surprised by how much Louisville has changed? Which photo was your favorite, and why? Do you have fantastic photos of the city? Share them on the Only In Louisville Facebook page or on Instagram using #onlyinlouisville for a chance to see them featured!
The holidays are a busy time of year and at times it is difficult to narrow down the countless options for Christmas activities in Louisville. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the options, we've narrowed it down to eight enchanting things to do around the city that will surely put you in the holiday spirit. It's not Christmas in Louisville, Kentucky until you've done the eight best holiday attractions in the city.
Downtown Louisville is one of the most festive spots in the city, beginning the night after Thanksgiving. Holiday in the City is a family tradition with thousands of twinkling lights, ice skating, and plenty of holiday memories.
There is no other place in the entire world where you can drive through an underground light display! Louisville Mega Cavern is illuminated with over 3 million lights for the most epic light display in the city. For more details, visit the Lights Under Louisville website.
Enjoy a beautiful light display as you drive through Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown. This is a free event (donations are welcome) and has become an area tradition. For more details, visit Elizabethtown's Facebook page.
4. Take a holiday stroll across the Big Four Bridge.
A walk across Louisville's most popular bridge is a fun activity any time of year, but it's especially festive during the holidays. Bundle up and enjoy the stunning lights as you cross the 1/4-mile pedestrian bridge. For more details, visit Waterfront Park's website.
We are lucky in Louisville to have the incredible Louisville Ballet that always gives a memorable performance of The Nutcracker every holiday season. For more details on how you can take in one of these magical performances, visit the Louisville Ballet's website.
Santa's Safari takes place at the zoo during the second and third weekends of December. Make a craft, enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa, and a festive safari throughout the zoo. Recently this event has not been held, so please be sure to check the Louisville Zoo's website to help plan your visit.
Bardstown is a lovely day trip from Louisville and during the month of December is especially enchanting. Visit My Old Kentucky Home for a number of Christmas activities and stroll along Main Street for a magical experience. For more details on all of these festive Christmas activities in Kentucky, visit the event page on Bardstown's tourism website.
It's not Christmas without a visit with the man in red. There are a number of places throughout Louisville to visit with Santa, and one of the best spots is Fourth Street Live's Winter Wonderland. Before your visit, please confirm the event details by visiting Fourth Street Live's Facebook page.
Christmas in Louisville, Kentucky is a magical time filled with festive fun. Did your favorite holiday tradition make the list? Anything to add? Let us know in the comments!
If you are feeling up for a holiday adventure but want to stick to just Christmas lights, check out our holiday display road trip around Louisville. We know you will love taking in all the sights (and sometimes sounds!) of these dazzling displays! It's a short drive but you may still want to check out our road trip packing list to make sure you have everything you could need for the best possible holiday adventure.
The Winter Walk In Louisville That Will Positively Enchant You
Light Up Louisville is a beloved holiday event featuring stunning light displays, a parade, and various activities starting the day after Thanksgiving.
For the past 36 years, our beautiful city has become even more eye-catching with the epic event, Light Up Louisville. This celebration of the beginning of the holiday season is a Louisville tradition and to walk through the stunning display of lights is nothing short of enchanting. This event kicks off several weeks of events and activities in the city, so this winter walk around our town is the perfect way to spend your holiday season.
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Celebrating its 37th year, Light Up Louisville takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving and this year returns to Metro Hall and Jefferson Square Park.
This one night event, along with the ongoing Holiday in the City, make for one epic winter walk through Louisville. The streets are illuminated with festive lights and displays and there are exciting activities that take place all season long.
The event kicks off at noon on November 24th with the opening of the ice skating rink at Holiday in the City, located at Fourth and Jefferson Streets.
Enjoy ice skating, vendor booths, live entertainment, and children's activities starting at 4pm. All of this leads up to the moment the sun goes down and Louisville transforms into a winter wonderland.
The Lots of Lights Parade begins at 6:30pm and starts at Seventh and Jefferson Streets, and heads east on Jefferson Street. The parade will then turn down Fourth Street and disperse at Muhammad Ali.
The parade will end with the appearance of Santa himself, who will then join the Mayor on the stage at Metro Hall to prepare to light the tree. For the best views, head to the lawn in front of Metro Hall, but definitely expect crowds!
The fun continues through January 1st at Holiday in the City.
Talk a walk through our beautiful downtown, admire the lights, skate around the rink, and soak in the lovely holiday season in Louisville.
Light Up Louisville is a holiday tradition that shows off the true beauty of our city. Do you make plans to attend every year? Share your memories with us in the comments!
Light Up Louisville takes place the day after Thanksgiving at Metro Hall and Jefferson Square Park. The fun continues at Holiday in the City at Fourth and Jefferson Streets. For all of the details, check out the event's website here.
And for another gorgeous winter walk in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
