LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Once the sun sets on Thanksgiving Day, the holiday season in Kentucky begins in full swing. Christmas fans in the Louisville area will be able to take in all the yuletide festivities when Light Up Louisville returns on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.


What You Need To Know

  • Light Up Louisville kicks off Friday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m.

  • The free, annual tree-dition features a celebration of lights, performances and a parade welcoming Santa Claus to the 'Ville

  • Several downtown closures will be in place for the parade, starting at noon on Friday

  • Taylorsville's own J.D. Shelburne is also performing after the official Light Up late in the evening

The free, annual tree-dition welcomes visitors to downtown Louisville for a celebration of lights, performances and a parade welcoming the Man With the Bag himself—Santa Claus! You can find a full schedule of events here.

Light Up Louisville runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., with most attractions centered on Jefferson between 4th and 7th Streets.

With Santa's parade, though, comes pesky road closures. Louisville Metro Police have outlined several downtown road closures that'll take effect at noon on Friday:

  • Jefferson Street from 3rd Street to 8th Street
  • Liberty Street from 4th Street to Roy Wilkins Avenue
  • 4th Street from Market Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard
  • 5th Street from Muhammad Ali Boulevard to Market Street
  • 6th Street from Market Street to Cedar Street
  • 7th Street from Market Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard
  • 7th Street from Cedar Street to Jefferson Street
  • 8th Street from Market Street to Liberty Street
  • Armory Place from Muhammad Ali Boulevard to Liberty Street
  • Congress Alley from 6th Street to 8th Street
  • Court Place from 5th Street to 6th Street

Each closed road will also be designated a No Parking Zone. All restrictions will be lifted by 11:30 p.m. Friday, police said. For street closures, other than those manned by the Louisville Metro Police Department, click here.

Highlights of this year's Light Up Louisville include festive performances by SunflightEnvision Dance Company and Made New Acapella. Taylorsville's own J.D. Shelburne is also performing after the official Light Up late in the evening.