LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The pandemic outside is frightful, but the holidays are so delightful. Citing dangers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisville Metro Government announced revised plans for the annual Light Up Louisville celebration.

While this year's Light Up Louisville will be a time of cheer and joy, it won't look like it did in years past. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area" pose the highest COVID-19 transmission risk.

With Louisville maintaining a "red-alert" status for COVID-19, a traditional downtown gathering is not appropriate, according to city leaders including Mayor Greg Fischer (D).

“In a normal year, bringing thousands of people to celebrate this annual kickoff of the holiday season is a wonderful thing,” Fischer said. “But this is not a normal year, and at a time when we see the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths rising steadily, our usual celebration is simply not safe."

"I am pleased, though, to announce alternative plans that spread the festivities around our community," he added.

Light Up Louisville 2020 is partnering with LG&E, 106.9 Play, and AT&T for this year's festivities which include the city's traditional display of holiday lights and "Here Comes Santa Claus!"

Holiday Lights

Metro Hall and City Hall will be lit up with a vibrant display of lights, including a Christmas tree on the ground of Metro Hall. The light display will reflect the diversity of Louisville's community, including colors celebrating Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukah.

Fischer also encourages residents and businesses to decorate with their own diverse rainbow of colors at their homes and workplaces.

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Instead of confining the celebration to downtown Louisville, the city is sending Santa himself out into the community. Partnering with 106.9 Play and Neil Huffman Subaru, Santa and his caravan will travel through dozens of neighborhoods, selected through nominations from area residents. Interested residents can nominate their neighborhood here.

Saint Nicholas is making his rounds a handful of times, so residents have several opportunities to see him and send cookies his way. Santa will travel from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 27-28, as well as Dec. 5, 12, and 19.

Santa's sleigh will be playing plenty of Christmas music as he travels through Louisville. He'll also have a large video screen that will play highlights from previous Light Up Louisville celebrations.

“While we can’t come together as we always have, this creative approach to our holiday festivities enables us to celebrate safely while still experiencing the joy that comes with the season," LG&E President Paul W. Thompson said. "We’re proud to be a part of it and to once again help our community shine brightly this holiday season."

Fischer urges people to share their photos from Light Up Louisville 2020 on social media using the hashtag #AroundLou.

The cheer doesn't end there — Louisville residents can partake in several other local holiday traditions, including Toys for Tots, the Winter Woods Spectacular, Fête de Noël, and Lights Under Louisville.