Lights Under Louisville

This Is the Most Unique Holiday Lights Show in the U.S.

"From mid-November to early January, this fully underground holiday light show lets visitors drive their cars through the Louisville Mega Cavern or hop aboard the open-top Christmas Express to wind through tunnels lit by millions of lights, lasers, and dazzling projections. Giant illuminated characters pop up around bends, and more than 40 themed scenes form a mile-long Christmas parade; last year alone featured over seven million lights and nearly a thousand sparkling figures. Set inside a 100-acre former limestone mine, the natural rock architecture reflects and amplifies the displays, turning tunnels into secret passageways and open chambers into glowing domes, while the steady 58-degree temperature makes it a cozy, weather-proof outing that doesn’t require nightfall because the cavern is always dark. Tickets start around $50 per car for a 30-minute drive-through, or $22 per adult for the open-air trailer, with children under three riding free; it’s just off I-264, less than 10 miles from downtown Louisville, with free on-site parking." - Karthika Gupta Karthika Gupta Karthika Gupta is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys writing about brands and products in the outdoor, lifestyle, beauty, and travel space. She also has experience writing about culture, global diversity, and food at the intersection of travel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines