We spend so much of the year talking up the incredible warm-weather outdoor activities in Louisville—from catching the Kentucky Derby races at Churchill Downs, to shopping and dining in funky neighborhoods like NuLu, to hiking around our impressive parks. Sometimes I feel like we’ve been neglecting the many things to do in Louisville in winter.
Don’t let cooler temperatures deter you from your next Louisville vacation! Kentucky’s largest city has a lot more to offer than Churchill Downs.
Here’s our list of our favorite things to do in Louisville in winter. From fun things to do inside on a rainy day to adventurous outdoor options, you’ll see that Louisville is worth a visit even on our coldest days.
Plus, we’ve included a bourbon-infused hot beverage recipe below so that you have something nice to fill your thermos while you explore.
What is Louisville like in the winter?
Winter in Louisville is mild, with the average temperature during the day rarely dipping below freezing. The brisk (but not freezing) daytime temperatures mean that there are still ample winter events and activities that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
You can see temperature and rainfall averages below from Weather and Climate:
| Avg. Low Temp | Avg. High Temp | Avg. Rain days | |
| December | 32°F | 48°F | 14 |
| January | 25°F | 43°F | 12 |
| February | 27°F | 45°F | 11 |
Note that a “rain day” just means that there’s some precipitation, and not that it rains all day (not that a rainy day stops the fun in Louisville).
Louisville Events For The Holiday Season
If you’re feeling in the Christmas spirit, then we have two must-see spots for some holiday fun on your next Louisville vacation this winter.
1. Louisville Fête de Noël
Location: Historic Paristown neighborhood
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
The first is the Fête de Noël, which runs from November through early January. Enjoy the classic Kentucky Christmas experience with Louisville’s only outdoor skating rink and a concession stand selling Maker’s Mark Kentucky hot cocoa, because bourbon will almost certainly make you a better skater.
Fête de Noël is decked out in plenty of holiday lights and décor and features a holiday market for some unique gift shopping and delicious food sampling. It’s like a slice of Europe here in the US.
2. Lights Under Louisville
Location: Poplar Level neighborhood
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
If you’d rather see something out of this world, you’ll need to go underground. Lights Under Louisville at Mega Cavern is the only underground holiday light show in the world and it is easily one of our favorite holiday experiences!
Underground = a dazzling light show day or night, by the way. Drive your own vehicle through underground caves as you experience over 40 themed displays, 900 characters, and 6.5 million points of light. It’s one of those holiday events you and your family will remember for the rest of your life.
Want to leave the driving to someone else? Grab your tickets for their Christmas Express, an annual event that lets you enjoy the full viewing experience while you relax in an open-top trailer. The Cavern is open daily for tours, with shortened hours on Christmas Day.
Louisville Food For Cold Days
Who doesn’t love a hot and satisfying food or beverage on a chilly winter day? We have two recommendations that rank high on our lists for the local Louisville experience.
3. Hot Brown Sandwich
Location: Downtown Louisville
Drive time from Inn: 20 minutes
First, swing by the J. Graham’s Café in The Brown Hotel for Kentucky’s iconic Hot Brown sandwich. Created by Fred K. Schmidt in the 1920’s, this hot piece of Louisville history was originally made to feed weary guests after hours of dancing.
This dish of Texas Toast layered with hot sliced turkey, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and Mornay sauce is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out… no dancing required!
4. Taste Award-Winning Chocolate Chip Cookies
Location: Clifton neighborhood
Drive time from Inn: 10 minutes
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then making a trip to one of Louisville’s three Please & Thank You locations is a MUST! Please & Thank You is the 2023 winner of “The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie in the U.S.A.” according to USA Today’s Reader’s Choice (plus other accolades). Plus, each Please & Thank You location has its own funky vibe and eclectic décor.
Throw off your mittens, grab a steamy mug of hot coffee (just not decaf), pile on a cookie or three, and pull up a chair for the perfect winter snack break experience. If it’s love at first bite and you’re sad to say goodbye, don’t worry. They deliver across the country!
Enjoy The Many Louisville Museums
Louisville has no shortage of museums to explore on chilly days. Whether you are into contemporary art, US history, or are a sports fanatic — Louisville has a museum for you.
While visiting a museum is a great choice on any winter trip, both of these recommended museums can be easily combined. They’re both conveniently located on Louisville’s exciting Museum Row, where you can find more museums, all within walking distance.
5. The Louisville Slugger Museum
Location: Downtown Louisville
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Baseball fans cannot skip town without a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Open seven days a week, you could spend hours strolling through the many areas of this museum, including touring the factory and marveling at the collection of baseball bats in the Bat Vault.
Do you consider yourself a player? Those who are more than just fans can show your skills in the batting cage!
Finally, there’s a cool option for the true superfans out there. If you are a serious baseball fan, then sign up for their All-Star Experience, which includes a private tour of the facility, access to behind-the-scenes areas, and your very own personalized bat. The All-Star Experience requires you to plan ahead with reservations made at least two weeks in advance.
Considering an autumn visit? Get our autumn Louisville guide.
6. Speed Art Museum
Location: Old Louisville
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
If art is more your speed, then hurry over to the Speed Art Museum.
Founded in 1925, it is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum with an impressive collection of pieces that spans over 6,000 years of human history, cultural identity, and artistic expression.
Known by locals as the Speed, it’s worth visiting this museum even if you’ve visited before, as it’s always getting new exhibitions. Check their events calendars for unique museum experiences, including Pilates and movie nights.
Hop On The Bourbon Trail
Winter in Louisville is chilly. Thankfully, Kentucky has found the perfect, liquid answer to freezing temperatures. Here are our favorite ways to sample some of Kentucky’s finest for that warm inner glow.
7. Do A Bourbon Tasting At The Inn At Woodhaven
Location: St. Matthews area
Travel time: Just a few footsteps
They don’t call Louisville, Kentucky the Bourbon City for nothing! Even in winter, the Bourbon Trail offers plenty of amazing places and opportunities for warming yourself back up, like the Inn at Woodhaven.
Here at the inn, we have an extensive collection of bourbons that you can try right at our bar. Jeremy will help you pick out a bourbon for a tasting fleet, and you can enjoy it by the fire or sitting down to a game of chess in the living room.
8. Visit the Bourbon Distilleries
Location: Downtown Louisville
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
In the heart of Downtown Louisville, you can find the collection of bourbon distilleries known as Whiskey Row. While the distilleries offer tours year-round, visiting one is especially recommended in winter.
Take a guided tour and let an enthusiastic tour guide teach you about the distilling process as well as the often fascinating history of bourbon. Besides the history lesson, you will of course taste plenty of bourbon on your visit and enjoy exploring the beloved downtown area.
Whether you choose to visit a single distillery or step on the Kentucky Urban Bourbon Trail, sampling a glass of Kentucky’s finest spirit is by far our favorite way to shake off the winter cold!
For the bourbon-oriented visitor:
Fun Things Outdoors
Not all of your winter trip happens indoors and Louisville has plenty to offer for those looking for some outdoor options.
9. Polar Plunge In The Ohio River
Location: Jeffersontown area (J-Town)
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Jumping into the freezing cold Ohio River with a group of like-minded enthusiasts is an event you’ll never forget!
The Louisville Polar Plunge is more than a (good) shock to your senses; it’s also a fundraiser that supports the Special Olympics. When you plunge into the icy cold depths of the Ohio River, your heart is warmed knowing that you’re contributing to an important local cause.
Or, as they say on their website: you’re freezin’ for a reason.
If you find the idea of jumping in a river a bit chilling, the nice people from Waterfront Park set out a pool every year for the less impulsive among us. The 2026 plunge date has yet to be released.
10. Tour Victorian Homes in Old Louisville
Location: Old Louisville neighborhood
Drive time from Inn: 27 minutes
Fun fact: Old Louisville is home to the largest collection of Victorian homes in the entire country! Throughout Louisville, tours let visitors peek inside some of the most charming homes on the block.
If you’re lucky, you will find that most of the houses are decorated in style for the holiday season! There’s enough charm to cut through the chill of winter. Here are a few quick suggestions from our Old Louisville guide:
- Historic Central Park
- Visitors Center
- The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
- University of Louisville
Your Cozy Home Away from Home
We would love to welcome you at the Inn at Woodhaven as your home-away-from-home on your next Louisville vacation. From our plush bedding to our crackling fireplaces, private bathrooms for a nice hot shower to our curated bourbon tastings — we’re here as your warm and cozy place to chill out.
But while you’re perusing our various rooms to choose the one that is right for you, why not whip yourself up a quick batch of our Winter Bourbon Hot Chocolate to get you in the spirit? We hope to see you soon.
Inn at Woodhaven’s Winter Bourbon Hot Chocolate
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups whole milk (though non-dairy milk works too)
- 2 oz bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup
- 1/8 cup or more Evan Williams flavored bourbon (we like honey, cherry, or fire)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Directions:
- Heat milk in a small pot over medium heat until hot but not boiling. (If bubbles start to form around the side of the pot, you’ve reached the right temperature).
- Whisk in your chocolate chips, sweetener, and vanilla until the chocolate has completely melted and everything is well-blended.
- Remove from heat and add in your bourbon. Divide between two mugs and top with whipped cream and/or more bourbon. We won’t judge.
Save it for later! ↓
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Louisville winter trip or you’re just a snowbird passing through on your drive south, I know these tips will help you make the most of your visit. Don’t forget to stop by the inn and say hi! We’d love nothing more than to host you on your stay.
