38th annual Light Up Louisville returns to Jefferson Square Nov. 23

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Let the holidays begin! Plans for the city's 38th annual Light Up Louisville were unveiled on Monday.

This year's celebration begins on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. in downtown Louisville, when Santa's Workshop Chalets will be set up on Fifth and Jefferson Streets with activities for children, including decorating cookies, writing letters to Santa and writing letters to our troops.

A vendor village will be set up at Sixth and Jefferson Streets with crafts, gifts and treats for sale. And the Louisville Visitor Center on Fourth and Jefferson Streets will be open during Light Up Louisville, offering giveaways, treats and activities.

No outdoor ice rink is planned this year, but there will be a 15-passenger train that children can ride around the block from Fifth and Jefferson to Market Street at no cost.

The main Light Up Louisville stage will be on the west lawn of Metro Hall. Live entertainment begins at 4 p.m. with performances by Six Steps to Heaven, Envy Dance Team, Classic Melodies "Top Note," Motown Christmas and headliner Stephen Gould.

The Lots of Lights parade begins at Fourth and Liberty Streets at 6:30 p.m. It will turn on to Jefferson Street and end at Seventh Street. Floats, bands, carolers, car clubs, children's groups and civic organizations will be included. The parade will end with the arrival of Santa Claus. Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play! will emcee the parade announcements.

Around 8 p.m., Santa and Mayor Greg Fischer will flip the switch to illuminate the city Christmas tree located in Jefferson Square. The official Light Up moment will include Zambelli fireworks, lasers and lights downtown. The tree was donated by Christ Church United Methodist.

More entertainment is planned from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the main stage with a performance from Eight Inch Elvis. Children and families are invited to get a free picture with Santa Claus inside Santa's House on Fifth and Jefferson streets.

Mayor Fischer asks residents to get involved in this year's community-wide Toys for Tots drive a week after Light Up, on Friday, November 30. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, a special drive-thru lane will be set up in front of Metro Hall for an easy drop-off. Marines will be on site to assist.

Light Up Louisville sponsors include: LG&E, Louisville Tourism, Amazon, AT&T, Ford/UAW 862, Hyatt Regency, MetroPCS, Papa Murphy's, 106.9 Play!, Louisville Magazine and Outfront Media.

Here's a schedule of the day's events from the city's website:

Location: 6th & Jefferson Streets

4:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. - Six Steps to Heaven
- 4:30 p.m. - Envy Dance Team
- 5:00 p.m. - Classic Melodies "Top Note"
- 5:30 p.m. - Motown Christmas
- 6:00 p.m. - Midnight Noon
- 8:30 p.m. - Eight Inch Elvis
- ?Last ride at 5:45 p.m.

Children's activities Sponsored by Metro by T-Mobile - Chalets on 5th and Jefferson Streets
Vendors booths open - Sixth and Jefferson Streets
Live entertainment - Main stage
Free Train Rides - 5th and Jefferson Streets

6:30 p.m.

Lots of Lights Parade - Starts at Fourth and Liberty streets. Turns on to Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson Streets.
The Lots of Lights Parade is an evening parade of lights, bands, carolers, car clubs, floats, children's groups and civic organizations.
The Mayor's Band from Crosby Middle School and the Lincoln Elementary Elf Squad will march along with other local organizations.
Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play! will be emceeing the Lots of Lights Parade this year!

8:00 p.m.

Light Up Moment - Santa joins Mayor Fischer on the main stage at Metro Hall to light up the city Christmas tree located at Jefferson Square Park
Grab the best view of the lights, fireworks and action right in front of the stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall.