Louisville, KY (November 12, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that the city’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.
“The holidays are all about community and tradition, so we’re thrilled to welcome back Light Up Louisville this year,” said the Mayor. “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), always held the Friday after Thanksgiving, 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 Mayor noted that the one-way loop, as well as cancellation of photos with Santa and train rides, are part of the event’s COVID-19 precautions, and he urged Light Up Louisville attendees to get vaccinated.
A Holiday Market will be open from 4 – 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. Jesse and MJ from Mix 106.9, Louisville’s official Christmas radio station, will emcee the parade announcements. Anyone interested in participating in the parade can sign up at LightUpLouisville.org.
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.
Mayor Fischer noted that Light Up Louisville will again be powered through the support of LG&E.
“Being able to come together safely to enjoy the festivities with our families and support our community and its businesses is important every year, but especially this one,” said LG&E and KU President John R. Crocket III. “We’re proud to once again help our community shine brightly this holiday season.”
Other sponsors include AT&T, Louisville Downtown Partnership, Paristown, Hyatt Regency, Southern Hospitality Concessions, Bob Ray Company, Mix 106.9, Outfront Media, and WDRB.
“Louisville Downtown Partnership is thrilled to support Light Up Louisville as the premier holiday event that is fun and inclusive for everyone of all ages,” said Interim Director Bill Schreck. “There will be many events over several weeks, a magical time in Downtown to spread cheer and patronage to our great restaurants and retail outlets.”
Special thanks also to Costco, Kroger #739, Budweiser, Axxis, Visual Presentations, McDonald’s Bel Family Restaurant Group, the Mower Shop, as well as Metro Parks and Recreation, Fleet and Facilities, Public Works and LMPD.
Mayor Fischer urges people to share their photos from Light Up Louisville on social media using the hashtag #AroundLou. For more information, go to: www.lightuplouisville.org.
Toys for Tots
Mayor Fischer noted that the holidays are a perfect time for our compassionate city to spread even more compassion, and he asked residents to get involved in this year’s community-wide Toys for Tots drive.
From 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, there will be a special drive-thru lane in front of Metro Hall for an easy drop-off, as part of a Mayor’s Challenge, along with drop-off sites at Paristown, Mission BBQ and all Louisville Fire Department stations.
The Mayor also reminded residents and visitors of several other holiday events in Louisville, including a new drive-thru event in Shawnee Park.
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 – 19, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. OneWest will provide free transportation for youth and families in need. Learn more at https://www.onewest.org.
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 – 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. Visit https://www.winterwoodsspectacular.org/ for more information.
Fête de Noël
Paristown’s 3rd Annual Fête de Noël returns on Nov. 19th at 4 p.m. with the opening of the popular, 100′ x 40′ 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. 19th, 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 officially opens on Friday, Nov. 26th at 5 p.m., with specials and holiday extras on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27th. Also new this year is the Scrooge & Marley’s Escape Room at Fête de Noël designed and operated by the LouisvilleHalloween.com team.
Skate, shop, eat, and drink at Paristown’s Fête de Noël where holiday visitors can enjoy food and beverage options provided by The Café. Stoneware & Co., the iconic Kentucky lifestyle brand located in Paristown and known for unique, hand-crafted treasures, will maintain special holiday hours in their new retail space. For more information, visit paristown.com/fetedenoel