LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville’s largest and most beloved holiday event, Light Up Louisville, is returning Friday, Nov. 26, as an in-person event outside of Metro Hall at Jefferson and Sixth streets. Several other holiday events also are planned.
“The holidays are all about community and tradition, so we’re thrilled to welcome back Light Up Louisville this year,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Light Up is one of our favorite city events and has been bringing children and families together for decades to celebrate the season. This year, we’ve adapted the event with COVID-19 safety precautions in place, to safely allow Louisvillians of all ages to enjoy this magical time of year.”
Light Up Louisville, presented by Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E), begins at 4 p.m. Children and families are invited to visit the AT&T Santa’s Workshop on Sixth Street with a one-way loop to pick up holiday crafts and cookies to decorate at home, as well as to write letters to Santa and veterans through the Honor Flight program. Visitors can also get a free holiday green screen picture in the AT&T Santa’s Workshop.
The one-way loop, as well as cancellation of photos with Santa and train rides, are part of the event’s COVID-19 precautions, Fischer said.
A Holiday Market will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. at 6th and Jefferson streets, offering treats, holiday crafts and decorations for purchase. Also starting at 4 p.m., the Light Up Louisville stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall will feature live entertainment. Performances include some of Louisville’s most talented groups including DJ Jay Campbell, Louisville Classic Melodies, Motown Christmas, Steven Gould, Asly Toro, Made New Acapella, and Eight Inch Elvis.
The Lots of Lights Parade starts at 6:45 p.m. at Fourth and Liberty streets, led by Frosty the Snowman as grand marshal. From Fourth Street, the parade turns onto Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson streets.
Around 8 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive and make his way to the entertainment stage to help Light Up Louisville by turning on tens of thousands of lights, including the city Christmas tree in Jefferson Square Park. A Zambelli fireworks show will follow. The city Christmas tree, a 45-foot Norway Spruce, was donated by the family of Jane and Chris Lindsay.
Winter Wonderland
OneWest and community partners will transform Shawnee Park into a magical drive-thru festival featuring more than 200,000 twinkling lights, musical performances, festive tunes and holiday displays. The first-of-its-kind free holiday event of unity and joy will take place over one weekend, Dec. 17 to 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. OneWest will provide free transportation for youth and families in need.
Winter Woods Spectacular
From the producers of the popular Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, Winter Woods Spectacular returns for its third year in Iroquois Park from Nov. 26 to Dec. 26. Winter Woods is a half-mile drive of lighting and artistry that will explore and celebrate the holiday season. Proceeds will benefit the Parks Alliance of Louisville.
Fête de Noël
Paristown’s 3rd Annual Fête de Noël returns on Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. with the opening of the popular, 100-foot by 40-foot real, outdoor ice-skating rink in Christy’s Garden which is filled with holiday music, movies and festive decorations. New this year and also opening on Nov. 19 is Santa’s Workshop where kids can visit with Santa and parents can take their own photos.
The Brent Street Holiday Market has expanded to 20 chalets filled with holiday gift items and artwork from local and regional vendors. The market opens the same days as the Light Up Louisville event—Friday, Nov. 26—at 5 p.m., with specials and holiday extras on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27. Also new this year is the Scrooge & Marley’s Escape Room at Fête de Noël designed and operated by the LouisvilleHalloween.com team.
Click here to learn more about Light Up Louisville.
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