Kathryn Harrington's Society - Dec 2025

By: Kathryn Harrington

As the great Merle Haggard once sang, “If we make it through December, we’ll be fine.” If any of you get a touch of the winter blues like myself, Louisville sure is a great place to find yourself. The whole city sparkles! Bakers, decorators, and party planners are all racing to outdo each other in holiday cheer. Luckily, Louisville’s event scene knows how to keep the merry momentum going enough to surely keep us out of the doldrums.

First up, Light Up Louisville turns downtown into a glowing wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive displays that could make even the Grinch crack a smile. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa or trying to beat the crowds for that perfect Instagram shot, this event is Louisville’s official bright spot, literally.

For a touch of sparkle and a great party, the Sparkle Ball, hosted by none other than culinary star Damaris Phillips and My Morning Jacket’s Patrick Hallahan, will bring a touch of glitz and glamour to the season for a great cause. Event proceeds from the Sparkle Ball benefit Feed Louisville, a local non profit on a mission to rescue surplus food and turn it into nutritious meals for the unhoused and food insecure.

If you’re into bold, fabulous, and slightly over-the-top, the Kentucky Pride Foundation’s Drag Queens on Ice at Paristown is always a holiday highlight. You can catch sight of fabulous glitter-laden queens on ice skates, serving looks and lip-syncing to holiday hits.

And for those still hunting for unique gifts or vintage treasures, the Flea Off Market’s 14th Annual Indoor Holiday Bazaar at Mellwood Art Center is a sure fire spot to find what you’re looking for, and most likely things you didn’t know you needed! With dozens of vendors offering handmade crafts, antique finds, and holiday décor, it’s the perfect place to stock up on one-of-a-kind gifts—and maybe find that perfect “something” to hang on your tree. 

Whether it’s twinkling lights, glitzy galas, ice-skating queens, or funky holiday bazaars, Louisville’s December scene proves there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with style, humor, and a whole lot of heart. So get out there, embrace the chaos, and let Louisville’s holiday magic work its charm.