Are you looking to return to the land of event-going after last weekend’s eat, sleep, and shop extravaganza? Then this weekend in the city of Louisville has much to offer you and your families as we begin the sights and sounds of the holidays.
Downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana
Friday November 30 (check websites for continuing hours of operation through the season)
Enjoy a holiday pastime that is sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit: ice skating! The ice skating rink is open at 4th Street Live for the 40 Nights of Lights events. The Jeffersonville Ice Rink also offers ice skating for families in downtown Jeffersonville, IN.
4th Street Live Rink: The fee for skating is $5 an hour for adults, $3 for children under 18; skate rental is $2. Hours are Fri/Sat 11:30am-Midnight; Sun 11:30am–8pm
Jeffersonville Ice Rink: The fee for skating is $8 per person, $6 Group Rate (10 or more)
$2 discount if you bring your own skates Hours are Fri/Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-9pm
Jeffersontown
Saturday, December 1, 6-8pm
The City of Jeffersontown hosts the annual Holiday on Gaslight Square. Activities abound for everyone at this family favorite and friendly event. Children can participate in crafts and families will enjoy free carriage rides and caroling by local school choirs. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served. Be sure to bring that wish list for Santa Claus-kids can get a free photo with the jolly old elf in a *heated*tent!
Clifton/Crescent Hill
Saturday, December 1, 6:30-8:30pm
A holiday family party and open house awaits you at The Comfy Cow on Frankfort Avenue. Activities for the kids, prizes to be won from Louisville Family Fun, and all ice cream purchases that evening go toward the fundraising efforts of the Louisville Children’s Museum. Comfy Cow will be unveiling a new ice cream flavor designed by kids and the winner will be announced this evening! Pour some hot fudge on that ice cream to stay warm!
The Summit
Saturday, December 1, 9-10:30am
Along with the carriage rides and photo opps that The Summit is hosting, this weekend families can enjoy a breakfast with Santa at Martini’s Italian Bistro. Call 502-394-9797 for ticket prices and reservations.
Highlands
Saturday, December 1, 5-10pm
The Highlands community is proud to host the 27th year of Bardstown Road Aglow covering the areas of Baxter, Barret, Bardstown, and Douglass Loop. Highlights include sampling food and beverages from the many local Highlands eateries, free trolley rides featuring holiday music, and Santa will arrive for the lighting of the holiday tree at Wendy's at 5:30pm. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at Winston's/Sullivan University.
Prospect/Oldham County
Saturday, December 1, 10-4pm
Head to Yew Dell Botanical Gardens to see the Yew Dell Express, which is a fabulous snow village and model train display. Kids of all ages will enjoy scavenger hunts and Santa will pay a visit from 12-4pm this day. Visitors are encouraged to stop in the gift shop for a unique find for the train lover on your list. Free with regular admission: $7 for Adults, $5 for seniors over 55, children under 12 are free.
Southern Indiana
Saturday, December 1
Holiday Cookie Stroll, 3-5pm
Families can stroll from shop to shop and collect one cookie from each shop before the Light Up the Holidays Parade on Spring Street. Only 250 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $2 per person and will be available for sale at the following locations:
- Sugar Maples Antiques, 109 W. Maple Street
- Schimpff's Confectionery, 347 Spring Street
- Choices/CCF Boutique, 437 Spring Street
Holiday Parade in Jeffersonville
After the cookie stroll, stay for the Light Up the Holidays Parade on Spring Street in historic downtown Jeffersonville. The floats and other parade entries will be all decked out in holiday style. The parade starts at 5pm on Spring Street.
South Louisville
Saturday, December 1, 3-7pm
Families are invited to the 1st annual Old-Fashioned Family Holiday Festival at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing. Santa is expected to arrive by carriage at 4pm and kids will have an opportunity to have their beloved picture taken with him. There will be holiday crafts available as well as holiday entertainment by area choirs. Other activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday wreath silent auction, and tours of the seasonally decorated Farnsley-Moremen house (available for a $1 discount off regular admission.) Free admission to the event with most activities free of charge; refreshments will be available for purchase. Call 502-935-6809 for more information.
