By Melanie Kahn

The city estimates that roughly 100,000 people showed up for this year’s Light Up Louisville events.

Santa Claus arrived in downtown Louisville just in time to help Mayor Jerry Abramson flip the switch, and light up Louisville.

But this year, he lit a real Christmas tree.

The city estimates that roughly 100,000 people showed up for this year’s Light Up Louisville events.

Santa Claus arrived in downtown Louisville just in time to help Mayor Jerry Abramson flip the switch, and light up Louisville.

But this year, he lit a real Christmas tree.

It’s the sound of the holidays, officially underway in Louisville.  On Friday night, the city celebrated with more than 100 thousand people who crowded into Jefferson Square downtown.

Lauren Bean says, “We like the festivity of it all, getting to see all the lights in Louisville, everyone’s celebrating Christmas; it’s nice to start the day after Thanksgiving.”

Paul Saro says, “We came here last year and enjoyed it, so we definitely had to come down here again.”

Everyone has a favorite part of this annual tradition:   

David Bowers says, “Fireworks and the Christmas tree lights coming on.”

Logan Maddox says, “The cotton candy.”

Kristy Maddox says, “The concerts.”

And of course...

Kaylin Bright says, “Seeing Santa!”

Announcer says, “This is a station news bulletin from North Pole operations.  Santa just arrived at Louisville International Airport.”

Mayor Abramson says, “Santa Welcome.”

Santa says, “Thank you Jerry, it’s great to be here.”

Only one thing left to do... turn on the 33,000 LED lights decorating the Christmas tree.

Mayor Abramson says, “Three, two, one....Happy Holiday... Merry Christmas Everyone!”