LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A holiday tradition is back in 2021. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced Friday Light Up Louisville is returning Friday, Nov. 26 as an in-person event outside of Metro Hall at Jefferson and Sixth Streets. 

In a statement to Spectrum News 1 Fischer said, "The holidays are all about community and tradition, so we’re thrilled to welcome back Light Up Louisville this year.” The Mayor added, “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.” 

The city's largest holiday event will take place, as always the Friday after Thanksgiving and will begin at 4 p.m. The AT&T Santa's Workshop will be up for children and families to visit on Sixth Street and there will be a one-way loop so everyone can pick up cookies and holiday crafts. Visitors will also be able to write letters to Santa and to veterans through the Honor Flight program. 

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.

There will be live entertainment on the Light Up Louisville stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall. Performers include DJ Jay Campbell, Louisvill Classic Melodies, Motown Christmas, Steven Gould, Asly Toro, Made New Acapella and Eight Inch Elvis.

There will be a holiday market open from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Sixth and Jefferson Streets.

The Lots of Lights Parade starts at 6:45 p.m. at Fourth and Liberty streets, and it will be led by Grand Marshal Frosty the Snowman. From Fourth Street, the parade turns onto Jefferson Street and breaks up 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.

Santa Claus will arrive at approximately 8 p.m. and will 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. 

Light Up Louisville is once again being powered by 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.”

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. 

Mayor Fisher also announced several other events and happenings taking place in and around the city. They were:

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 communitywide 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. 19 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. 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 officially opens on Friday, Nov. 26 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, handcrafted treasures, will maintain special holiday hours in their new retail space. For more information, visit paristown.com/fetedenoel