LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It's a sure sign of the holiday season; Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the plans for the 43rd annual Light Up Louisville celebration.
The celebration moved to Saturday, Dec. 2 this year.
The event's producer, Wayne Hettinger, said they had to work around their guest of honor's schedule.
"I've had the privilege of having a main contact at North Pole Operations," he said. "His name is Gunther and we've got him back this year. So, I got the call. And he said, 'okay, the mayor and Santa are set, we're coming.' And they we discussed the date. So what we're busy doing now is getting all the logistics straightened out."
Hettinger said the date change would be great for families who want a break from the rush of Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
The fun will kick off at 4 p.m. with holiday crafts and treats on 6th and Jefferson Streets according to Louisville Metro's website.
Then at 6 p.m. the Lots of Lights parade begins on Jefferson Street, with Frosty the Snowman as the grand marshal.
Santa Claus and Greenberg will officially light the 45 foot tall city Christmas tree and Light Up Louisville around 7:45 p.m.
The Downtown Holiday Market will take place at 4th and Jefferson Streets, and takes place from 2 to 9 p.m. as well according to Louisville Metro's website.
There are going to be two stages at the event: the Main Stage and the Jingle Stage.
Main Stage:
4:05 p.m. -- Cheryl Price & Dave Seely
4:30 p.m. -- Sunflight
4:55 p.m. -- Classic Melodies
5:20 p.m. -- Visions of Life Outreach Ministries & Music 4 the Culture
5:40 p.m. -- Olivia Henken & John Logan
7 p.m. -- Classic Melodies
8:15 p.m. -- Soul Circus
Jingle Stage:
4:25 p.m. -- Dancensation Showbiz Kids
4:50 p.m. -- Envy Danceteam
5:15 p.m. -- Mark Barns
5:40 p.m. -- Ariana Roshae & Band
Street Closures
Louisville Metro Police announced these street closures on Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 11:30 p.m.
- West Jefferson Street from South 3rd Street to South 8th Street
- West Liberty Street from South 3rd Street to South 8th Street
- South 4th Street from West Market to West Ali
- South 5th Street from West Ali to West Market
- South 6th Street from West Market to Cedar Street
- South 7th Street from West Market to West Ali
- South 7th Street Cedar Street to West Jefferson
- South 8th Street from West Jefferson to West Liberty
- Armory Place from West Ali to West Liberty
- Congress Alley from South 6th Street to South 8th Street
- Court Place from South 5th Street to South 6th Street
Visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the event for the "Toys for Tots Toy Drive." Drop off areas will be at the Children's Winter Wonderland, Vendor Village and parade assembly area.
Here's what they're looking for:
- Boys, 10 to 12: Legos Sets, Action Figures, Star Wars, Science Kits, STEM Toys (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Race Cars – remote controlled, Board Games for 10&up
- Girls, 10 to 12: Barbie Dolls & Accessories, Tie Dye / Jewelry Kits, Arts and Crafts Sets/Kits, Science Kits, STEM Toys (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Karaoke System, Board Games for 10&up
- Boys, 13 to 16: AXE Sets, Basketballs (Regulation Boxed), Cologne Sets, Dart Boards, Ear Buds, Electronic Table Games, Headphones, Skateboards, Scooters, Tablets, Watches
- Girls, 13 to 16: Bath Gift Baskets / Sets, Blow Dryers, Curling Irons / Flat Irons, Ear Buds, Headphones, Makeup Gift Sets, Perfume Sets, Skateboards, Scooters, Tablets, Watches
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