The Louisville area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville on December 2 to Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville, on December 28. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Kentucky, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Louisville for 2026, in Louisville, Clarksville and New Albany
- First: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet, Louisville, December 2. Runs latest: Milk and Cookies Family Storytime, Louisville, through December 28
- Free: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet, Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet, Gingerbread Extraveganza, Polar Express, Toddler Storytime: Christmas, Cookies & Cocoa, Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim!, Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George!, Winter Holiday Crafts, Storytime with Santa Pat, Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party and Milk and Cookies Family Storytime
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Kentucky Christmas train rides page.
Louisville Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Louisville, Clarksville and New Albany
- Season
- December 2 to December 28, 2026
- Free events
- 12
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday crafts, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Santa visit
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Louisville Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville on December 2; the last runs to December 28. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville BalletLouisville · Dec 2
- Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville BalletLouisville · Dec 3
- Beary Happy HolidaysLouisville · Dec 5 to Dec 20
- Gingerbread ExtraveganzaNew Albany · Dec 12
- Polar ExpressLouisville · Dec 12
- Toddler Storytime: ChristmasClarksville · Dec 17
- Cookies & CocoaLouisville · Dec 19
- Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim!Louisville · Dec 19
- Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George!Louisville · Dec 19
- Winter Holiday CraftsLouisville · Dec 19
- Storytime with Santa PatLouisville · Dec 21
- Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament PartyLouisville · Dec 22
- Milk and Cookies Family StorytimeLouisville · Dec 28
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Louisville? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Louisville
11 confirmed events for kids in Louisville, soonest first.
Louisville: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet
Holiday story timeFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Ave, Louisville, KY 40207
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children of all ages and their families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Louisville Ballet partners with the library for a series of Nutcracker Family Storytimes. At each one, a ballet dancer reads the classic holiday story The Nutcracker aloud, then leads children in Nutcracker inspired dancing and a craft. Children of all ages and their families are welcome.
One lucky family at each storytime receives four tickets to Louisville Ballet's production of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. St. Matthews Library is running three short sessions this evening, at 6, 6:30 and 7 pm, so pick the time that suits bedtime. Other branches host the same program on different nights in late November and early December. To plan your trip, St. Matthews Library is at 3940 Grandview Ave in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Wed, Dec 2, sessions at 6, 6:30 and 7 pm.
Parent tip: Choose the 6, 6:30 or 7 pm session. Dress kids in something they can twirl in.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet
Holiday story timeFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Iroquois Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave, Louisville, KY 40215
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children of all ages and their families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Iroquois Library is one of the stops for Louisville Ballet's Nutcracker Family Storytimes. A dancer from the company reads the classic holiday story The Nutcracker, then children get up and move with Nutcracker inspired dancing before settling in for a related craft.
One family at each storytime wins four tickets to Louisville Ballet's production of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. The program is open to children of all ages with their families and runs one hour on a Thursday evening. It is a gentle first taste of ballet for kids who have never seen a live performance. To plan your trip, Iroquois Library is at 601 W Woodlawn Ave in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Thu, Dec 3, 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Parent tip: No registration is listed. One family at each storytime wins four ballet tickets.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Beary Happy Holidays
Santa and Mrs. ClausLouisville Zoo · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
- When
- Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free with zoo admission or membership
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Throughout December, the Louisville Zoo turns parts of the park into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations and special animal enrichment. Families can play a month-long scavenger hunt, and anyone who completes at least half of it is entered to win zoo-themed prizes. On three festive weekends, December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, grizzly bears, polar bears and other animals receive holiday enrichment treats.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the zoo on December 19 and 20 from 10 am to 2 pm. Everything is free with regular zoo admission or membership. The zoo says the enrichment schedule will be posted closer to the dates. The zoo is open regular daytime hours on these weekends, 10 am to 5 pm.
Parent tip: Plan for December 19 or 20 if meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus is the goal, and arrive by late morning since they leave at 2 pm.
See dates and details from Louisville Zoo (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Polar Express
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40272
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Southwest Regional Library hosts its own Polar Express themed morning, set up as a pretend train ride through stations along a track inside the library. Stops include a cookie and hot chocolate break, crafts, music, face painting and photos with Santa, plus a book giveaway for kids.
Mrs. Claus, the Polar Express conductor and the North Pole elves are also expected to make appearances. The event runs for three hours on a Saturday and is listed for ages 0 to 12, so families can drop in and move through the stations at their own pace. This is a library program, not an actual train ride. To plan your trip, Southwest Regional Library is at 9725 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 1 pm.
Parent tip: Come early in the three hour window for the shortest lines at the Santa photo station.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Cookies & Cocoa
Holiday craftsFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Newburg Library, 4800 Exeter Ave, Louisville, KY 40218
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 12 with caregivers and siblings
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Newburg Library hosts a cookie decorating afternoon the Saturday before Christmas. Kids get to decorate their own cookies and then stop by a hot chocolate bar.
The program is aimed at ages 3 to 12, and caregivers and siblings are welcome to come along. It runs one hour, a good length for younger children, and no registration is shown on the library calendar. It makes a simple, sweet holiday outing that pairs well with picking out a stack of winter books before you leave. To plan your trip, Newburg Library is at 4800 Exeter Ave in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 19, 2 to 3 pm.
Parent tip: Mention any food allergies to staff, since cookies and cocoa are served.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim!
Story time with SantaFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Baxter Community Center, 1125 Liberty St, Louisville, KY 40203
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 12:30 to 2:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Louisville Free Public Library's youth team takes its holiday fun offsite to Baxter Community Center for the Merry and Bright Book Bash. Families can expect storytime, crafts and festive activities, with Santa Jim as the special guest.
The program is designed for children ages 0 to 5 and runs for two hours on the Saturday before Christmas. The library notes it is made possible by a PNC grant. Because it is held at a community center rather than a library branch, double check the address before you head out. To plan your trip, Baxter Community Center is at 1125 Liberty St in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 19, 12:30 to 2:30 pm.
Parent tip: This one is at Baxter Community Center, not a library branch. Geared to ages 0 to 5.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George!
Santa visitFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Shawnee Library, 3912 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40211
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Shawnee Library's annual holiday celebration, Ornamentality, gets a special guest this year. Santa George takes a break from his holiday preparations to spend time with children at the library.
Kids can visit with Santa, make ornament crafts and enjoy hot chocolate. The event is listed for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children and runs for two hours on the Saturday before Christmas, so families can drop in at any point. No registration is shown on the library calendar. To plan your trip, Shawnee Library is at 3912 W Broadway in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to 1 pm.
Parent tip: Drop in any time during the two hour window; no registration is listed.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Winter Holiday Crafts
Holiday craftsFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Portland Library, 3305 Northwestern Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40212
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Portland Library invites kids to an hour of holiday crafting on the Saturday before Christmas. Projects include ornaments, garlands, paper plate wreaths, stars and other seasonal crafts.
The program runs from 1 to 2 pm in the library auditorium, and no registration is shown on the library calendar. Kids can take home what they make to decorate a room or give as small handmade gifts. It is an easy, low cost way to fill a winter Saturday afternoon. To plan your trip, Portland Library is at 3305 Northwestern Pkwy in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 2 pm.
Parent tip: No registration is listed; kids take their crafts home.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Storytime with Santa Pat
Story time with SantaFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Western Library, 604 S Tenth St, Louisville, KY 40203
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Western Library welcomes Santa Pat for a Christmas themed story time a few days before the holiday. Santa will read classic Christmas stories, lead a few familiar songs and take photos with children and families. The library lists the program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school age kids.
The visit runs one hour on a Monday evening in the library's basement meeting room, which makes it an easy after-work outing during winter break. No registration is shown on the library calendar. Bring a phone or camera if you want your own picture with Santa. To plan your trip, Western Library is at 604 S Tenth St in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Mon, Dec 21, 6 to 7 pm.
Parent tip: No registration is listed. Bring your own camera or phone for photos with Santa.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party
Holiday craftsFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40272
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Southwest Regional Library's Family Art Day turns into a Grinch themed ornament party during winter break. Kids decorate homemade ornaments to take home for the tree while the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas plays in the room.
The program is listed for ages 3 to 12 and runs one hour on a weekday afternoon, which makes it a handy outing once school is out. No registration is shown on the library calendar. It is a relaxed, low pressure craft session that works for siblings of different ages. To plan your trip, Southwest Regional Library is at 9725 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 3 pm.
Parent tip: Scheduled during winter break; no registration is listed.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Milk and Cookies Family Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeLouisville Free Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40272
- When
- Monday, December 28, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 8
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Southwest Regional Library hosts a cozy family storytime in the quiet days after Christmas. Families share stories, songs and movement, then make a cookie themed craft and explore the library's pretend play kitchen.
Milk and cookies are served from the library's Charlie Cart mobile kitchen. The library's family storytimes are designed for ages 0 to 8. The program runs one hour on a Monday afternoon during winter break, a good option when kids need an outing between the holidays. To plan your trip, Southwest Regional Library is at 9725 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, KY, and this listing comes from the Louisville Free Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Mon, Dec 28, 2 to 3 pm.
Parent tip: Mention any food allergies to staff, since milk and cookies are served.
See dates and details from Louisville Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Clarksville
1 confirmed event for kids in Clarksville, soonest first.
Clarksville: Toddler Storytime: Christmas
Holiday story timeFreeJeffersonville Township Public Library · Clarksville
- Host
- Jeffersonville Township Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Clarksville Library, 1312 Eastern Blvd, Clarksville, IN 47129 (near Louisville)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 4 with caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Jeffersonville Township Public Library's Clarksville branch hosts a Christmas edition of its toddler storytime. Ms. Monica leads a very merry session with holiday books, songs and a festive craft to take home.
The storytime is meant for children ages 0 to 4 and their caregivers and lasts about 45 minutes on a Thursday morning. Clarksville sits just across the Ohio River from downtown Louisville, near Jeffersonville. The same branch also offers a Hanukkah toddler storytime on December 3. To plan your trip, Clarksville Library is at 1312 Eastern Blvd in Clarksville, IN, and this listing comes from the Jeffersonville Township Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Thu, Dec 17, 10:30 to 11:15 am.
Parent tip: Geared to ages 0 to 4; a caregiver stays with the child.
See dates and details from Jeffersonville Township Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in New Albany
1 confirmed event for kids in New Albany, soonest first.
New Albany: Gingerbread Extraveganza
Santa visitFreeNew Albany-Floyd County Public Library · New Albany
- Host
- New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- New Albany Main Library, 180 W Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150 (near Louisville)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The New Albany-Floyd County Public Library fills its main library with holiday activities for the Gingerbread Extraveganza. Santa and his reindeer are scheduled to visit from the North Pole, and crafts and games are set up throughout the building.
Every child receives a free gingerbread house kit made by the library elves, according to the listing. The event runs from 10 am to noon on a Saturday and is aimed at families. New Albany is on the Indiana side of the Ohio River, a short drive from downtown Louisville. To plan your trip, New Albany Main Library is at 180 W Spring St in New Albany, IN, and this listing comes from the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to noon.
Parent tip: Each child gets a gingerbread house kit to take home, so plan space in the car.
See dates and details from New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Kentucky Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Lexington, KY. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonLouisville Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Louisville in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Louisville for 2026 on each host’s own page: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville (December 2), Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville (December 3), Beary Happy Holidays in Louisville (December 5), Gingerbread Extraveganza in New Albany (December 12), Polar Express in Louisville (December 12), Toddler Storytime: Christmas in Clarksville (December 17), Cookies & Cocoa in Louisville (December 19), Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! in Louisville (December 19), Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! in Louisville (December 19), Winter Holiday Crafts in Louisville (December 19), Storytime with Santa Pat in Louisville (December 21), Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party in Louisville (December 22) and Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville (December 28). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Louisville, Kentucky?
For families in and around Louisville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet (Wed, Dec 2, sessions at 6, 6:30 and 7 pm, free); Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet (Thu, Dec 3, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Beary Happy Holidays (Weekends, Dec 5 to 20, 10 am to 5 pm; Santa Dec 19 and 20, free with zoo admission or membership); Polar Express (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 1 pm, free); Cookies & Cocoa (Sat, Dec 19, 2 to 3 pm, free); Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! (Sat, Dec 19, 12:30 to 2:30 pm, free); Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to 1 pm, free); Winter Holiday Crafts (Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 2 pm, free); Storytime with Santa Pat (Mon, Dec 21, 6 to 7 pm, free); Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party (Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 3 pm, free); Milk and Cookies Family Storytime (Mon, Dec 28, 2 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Louisville section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Clarksville, Kentucky?
For families in and around Clarksville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Toddler Storytime: Christmas (Thu, Dec 17, 10:30 to 11:15 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Clarksville section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in New Albany, Kentucky?
For families in and around New Albany, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Gingerbread Extraveganza (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the New Albany section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Louisville?
Yes. 12 of the 13 events here are free: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville, Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville, Gingerbread Extraveganza in New Albany, Polar Express in Louisville, Toddler Storytime: Christmas in Clarksville, Cookies & Cocoa in Louisville, Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! in Louisville, Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! in Louisville, Winter Holiday Crafts in Louisville, Storytime with Santa Pat in Louisville, Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party in Louisville and Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Louisville this December?
Santa appears at Beary Happy Holidays in Louisville (December 5), Gingerbread Extraveganza in New Albany (December 12), Polar Express in Louisville (December 12), Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! in Louisville (December 19), Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! in Louisville (December 19) and Storytime with Santa Pat in Louisville (December 21). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Louisville?
Holiday story times on this page: Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville, Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville, Toddler Storytime: Christmas in Clarksville, Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! in Louisville, Storytime with Santa Pat in Louisville and Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Louisville Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Polar Express in Louisville (Ages 0 to 12), Toddler Storytime: Christmas in Clarksville (Ages 0 to 4 with caregivers), Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! in Louisville (Ages 0 to 5), Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! in Louisville (Ages 0 to 12), Storytime with Santa Pat in Louisville (Ages 0 to 12) and Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville (Ages 0 to 8).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Louisville on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville (through December 28).
How much is Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville?
Free. Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at St. Matthews Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet in Louisville?
Free. Nutcracker Family Storytime with Louisville Ballet is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Iroquois Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Beary Happy Holidays in Louisville?
Free with zoo admission or membership. Beary Happy Holidays is on Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Louisville Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread Extraveganza in New Albany?
Free. Gingerbread Extraveganza is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon at New Albany Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Polar Express in Louisville?
Free. Polar Express is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm at Southwest Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Toddler Storytime: Christmas in Clarksville?
Free. Toddler Storytime: Christmas is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am at Clarksville Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cookies & Cocoa in Louisville?
Free. Cookies & Cocoa is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Newburg Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! in Louisville?
Free. Merry and Bright Book Bash with Special Guest Santa Jim! is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Baxter Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! in Louisville?
Free. Ornamentality with special guest, Santa George! is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm at Shawnee Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Holiday Crafts in Louisville?
Free. Winter Holiday Crafts is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Portland Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Storytime with Santa Pat in Louisville?
Free. Storytime with Santa Pat is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Western Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party in Louisville?
Free. Family Art Day: The Grinch's Ornament Party is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Southwest Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Milk and Cookies Family Storytime in Louisville?
Free. Milk and Cookies Family Storytime is on Monday, December 28, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Southwest Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Louisville?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Louisville Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
