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I was at the Venture Connectors luncheon this week where I met some new friends and heard a fun panel on AI. I finally made it to Zach Wardlaw’s Cool People Lunch and it lived up to the name. I also got my first look at Mashup Hall and will share more on that soon.

Two quick shout outs. Congrats to Ben Reno-Weber for winning the 5 Across pitch contest. A well deserved win.

And a big thanks to Lance Mann for stepping in as interim CEO of GLI. Strong collaboration between GLI and economic development matters and this is an encouraging move. He’s the dude that can figure this out.

The first holiday party of the season pushed me straight into holiday mode, and before I knew it I was deep in research and uncovering more than 40 great things happening around Louisville this month.

Let’s jump in.

Hot job 💼: Sr. Operations Manager at Amazon ($121K–$200K).
Lead large fulfillment operations, oversee team performance, and manage the systems that keep orders moving. A strong fit for operators who coach teams, improve processes, and deliver consistent results in a high-volume environment.

📈 Number: 0.8 is the average number of days per year Louisville sees at least one inch of snow on the ground. This December has already far outpaced that average, so who knows what we’ll end up with this year.

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Cheers to JT Henderson, a public-sector communications leader whose career started in college basketball coaching. He’s navigated two very different worlds with ease, and he’s also a proud and devoted dad.

-Todd

Your shortcut to the best lights, markets, pop-ups, and holiday magic… see the full ultimate guide here.

It's December.

We opened the month with sub-freezing temps, an NTI day, and a city that snapped straight into holiday mode.

Louisville moves fast once the cold hits, and this year feels bigger, brighter, and more playful than anything we've seen in a while.

The season is here whether you're ready or not.

Six years ago to the day, I visited Wolf's German Restaurant in New York City, a famous spot that celebrates Christmas year-round.

The walls are packed with decorations, and there was a line in the freezing cold just to get inside.

Now Louisville has that same energy in our own backyard, and it's one of my favorite things about December here.

Galaxie leads the pack again with Miracle on Market.

The entire space turns into a wall-to-wall holiday world with lights, themed mugs, and crowds that lean all the way in. Every December they pull off a full identity shift that keeps people coming back.

Across the city, Sippin Santa brings its tropical spin to One Fourteen Bar with tiki energy, bright colors, and warm cocktails that feel like a joke on the freezing weather.

Tinsel Tavern at Fourth Street Live adds bold décor, photo moments, and a lively crowd that treats the holiday season as a contact sport.

These pop-ups have become one of Louisville's most fun traditions.

They're temporary, over the top, and exactly what people want this time of year. See the full infographic here!

Lights Under Louisville continues to be the easiest family win.

You stay warm, you stay in your car, and you still get millions of lights that feel bigger every year. No stress. No crowds.

Paristown's Fête de Noël brings a different feel with an outdoor village full of skaters, musicians, small shops, and seasonal food. It's festive in a way that feels like a Louisville postcard.

Yew Dell's Yuletide goes quieter with glowing garden paths, cocoa, fire pits, and a peaceful atmosphere that works well for early December.

These anchor events alone could fill a weekend.

Holiday markets are popping up across the city.

Brent Street Holiday Market remains a favorite with curated vendors and handmade gifts that feel personal. Several other pop-ups fill the calendar with art, vintage goods, small batch food, and winter-themed creations.

If you want to shop local, this is the best month of the year to do it.

The Nutcracker returns with full audiences and families who make it a yearly ritual.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live brings a softer, more nostalgic tone that lands perfectly for parents with younger kids.

The rest of the calendar is packed with concerts, choral nights, and touring shows that keep December busy from week to week.

Flame Run's ornament making continues to be one of Louisville's most underrated holiday activities.

Watching molten glass become your own ornament feels like real holiday magic.

Several wreath workshops, cookie decorating sessions, and hands-on craft events round out the options for people looking to create something instead of just buying it.

Holiday runs bring a playful energy to cold mornings.

Santa Hustle, Jingle Bell Run, and the Reindeer Run are packed with costumes, jingles, cookies, and families who treat running as part of the season.

There's a lot happening and we pulled every bit of it into one place.

All 40+ events plus every holiday pop-up bar are organized by category so you can plan your season without the guesswork.

Explore the full Spark Holiday Guide here.

Light Up Louisville transforms downtown into a glowing kickoff to the holiday season, drawing thousands for lights, music, and that first spark of December magic. Families line the streets for the Lots of Lights Parade, kids stop by Santa’s Workshop at Metro Hall, and everyone gathers at Jefferson Square for the big countdown as the Mayor lights the city. With food trucks, local vendors, and a festive, hometown vibe, it’s a simple, joyful reminder of what Louisville does best.

🗓 Date: Saturday, December 6
📍 Location: Jefferson Square Park & Downtown Louisville
🎟 Cost: Free and open to the public
🎄 Highlights: Lots of Lights Parade, tree lighting, Santa’s Workshop, live entertainment, food trucks

👉️ Learn more and see the full schedule here

Site Leader, Distribution Operations at Grainger ($145K–$242K).
Oversee daily operations, safety, and team performance at a major distribution site. Strong fit for leaders who excel in logistics, coaching teams, and optimizing large-scale workflows.

Director of Food and Nutrition at Metz Culinary Management ($100K–$120K).
Lead food service and nutrition programs across healthcare or education settings. Responsible for menu planning, service quality, compliance, and customer relationships.

Tax Manager at Distinct ($105K–$135K).
Advise clients on tax strategy, planning, and filings. Ideal for a CPA-level pro who brings strong judgment and can lead engagements across industries.

Medicaid Planning Attorney at Triplett & Carothers ($90K–$140K).
Help families navigate long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection. A client-focused legal role requiring clear communication and expertise.

Facility Manager at CGB Enterprises, Inc. ($71.7K–$105K).
Run day-to-day facility operations, overseeing safety, maintenance, staffing, and equipment performance. Great for hands-on leaders who keep operations moving smoothly.

We found the fun, so you don’t have to.

🎁 Made Market – Holiday 2025
Louisville’s favorite maker market takes over Mellwood Arts Center with dozens of handmade vendors, gifts, home goods, and seasonal finds. It’s an easy win for holiday shopping… or grabbing something special for yourself.

🎄 Bardstown Road Aglow
One of the city’s most beloved neighborhood traditions returns with live music, festive shop specials, street performances, and holiday lights all along Bardstown Road. Stroll, sip, shop, and soak up the energy from noon to 10 p.m.

🎤 Yung Gravy at Paristown Hall
The internet’s favorite rapper brings his offbeat humor and high-energy set to Paristown for an 8 p.m. show. Expect a crowd ready to dance, laugh, and live their best ironic-pop-rap life. Tickets start at $44.

🎶 Chris Renzema at Mercury Ballroom
A soulful, intimate night with the singer-songwriter known for heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down honesty. Perfect Sunday energy for fans who want something uplifting heading into the week. Tickets: $35.

🎭 Kimberly Akimbo at The Kentucky Center
The Tony-winning musical lands in Louisville with its mix of humor, heart, and coming-of-age chaos. A clever, offbeat story with real emotional punch. Tickets start at just $10 for adults and kids.

👻 Nightmare on Main Street at Caufield’s
Caufield’s leans into spooky holiday mashup mode with a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed walkthrough full of décor, surprises, and photo ops. A quirky, family-friendly stop for fans of all things Jack Skellington.