LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville, it's time to get in the Christmas spirit!
Mayor Greg Fischer announced that 'Light Up Louisville' is returning Friday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. outside of Metro Hall.
"It's our 42nd 'Light Up Louisville,' and it's my twelfth and final one as mayor. I feel like I'm on a farewell tour and it's kind of bitter sweet, but we're going to lean into this light up Louisville and enjoy it," Fischer said.
Officials say children and families are invited to visit Santa’s Workshop, where children can participate in holiday crafts such as cookie decorating and writing letters to Santa and veterans through the Honor Flight program. They can also get a free photo with Santa.
In addition, there will be a Holiday Vendor Market open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. offering treats, holiday crafts and decorations for purchase.
Officials say a stage will be set up on the west lawn of Metro Hall with live performances from DJ Jay Campbell, Made New, JD Shelburne and The Louisville Crashers.
The Lots of Lights Parade starts at 7 p.m., at Seventh and Jefferson, led by Frosty the Snowman as Grand Marshal. The parade will move down Jefferson Street to Fourth Street, where it will turn and pass through Fourth Street Live!
Around 8:30 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive and make his way to the entertainment stage to help Fischer officially 'Light Up Louisville' by turning on thousands of lights, including the city Christmas tree. A Zambelli fireworks show will follow.
"Everything's in place. I've been back and forth in negotiations and straightening everything out with North Pole operations so everything's a plus go," Producer of 'Light Up Louisville," Wayne Hettinger said.
Hettinger expects more visitors than previous years if the weather permits. He and special events director, Monica Sheckles are working on a security plan with Louisville Metro Police Department.
"We have visible officers that are in uniform, we have them undercover, we have extra patrolling. Can't give too many details but that's what we do," she said.
Sheckles and Hettinger assures that everyone will be safe as they ring in the holiday.
"It is indeed a safe place there's no question in my mind about that. If there was any question, we would have big resolve about bringing somebody in as big as Santa Claus and families within the community. Everything is going to be fine," Hettinger said.
Road closures, restricted access and no parking areas:
There will be road closures taking effect on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 9:30 a.m. These areas of closures are Jefferson St. from 5th to 7th Streets and 6th St. from Market to Liberty Streets. These closures will remain until Saturday morning.
NOTE: The closures listed below will be in effect from noon until 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.
- W. Jefferson St. from S. 3rd St. to S. 8th St.
- W Liberty St. from S. 4th St. to S. 9th St.
- S. 4th St. from W. Market to W. Ali
- S. 5th St. from W. Ali to W. Market
- S. 6th St. from W. Market to Cedar St.
- S. 7th St. from W. Market to W. Ali
- S. 7th St. from Cedar to W. Jefferson
- S. 8th St. from W. Market to W. Liberty
- Armory Place from W. Ali to W. Liberty
- Congress Alley from S. 6th St. to S. 8th St.
- Court Place from S. 5th St. to S 6th St.
For more information about Light Up Louisville, please click visit their website.
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