Mayor Announces 2016 Holiday in the City
Celebration kicks off with Light Up Louisville and runs through December 23rd
Louisville, KY – Mayor Greg Fischer has announced plans for Light Up Louisville to return for its 36th year on November 25, kicking off the month-long celebration of Louisville’s Holiday in the City.
The event, the official starting point for the holiday season, brings together citizens from all over the city, along with family, friends and visitors, to enjoy a day full of excitement, entertainment and community. The festivities continue until December 23 as Holiday in the City, a gift from MainSource Bank and powered by LG&E, provides family-friendly fun with a pop-up ice skating rink at Holiday Square, and the Holiday Market and entertainment at 4th Street Live!
“We’ve been working hard to create an unforgettable experience for people who come to spend some of the holiday season with us here in downtown Louisville,” Mayor Fischer said. “And I’m certain that people will really enjoy this ever-evolving event.”
Light Up Louisville will begin at 4 p.m. with the annual Run, Run Rudolph 5K. Registration is now open at www.headfirstperformance.com. Participants are encouraged to dress in their most festive holiday attire, and reindeer antlers and ugly Christmas sweaters are highly recommended. The main stage on Jefferson Street will feature live entertainment until the start of the Lots of Lights parade at 7 p.m.
The parade will start at Fifth and Jefferson streets and proceed east on Jefferson. Guests will then watch the parade travel through Fourth Street Live! and disperse at Chestnut. The parade will feature floats, bands, carolers, car clubs, children’s groups and civic organizations. The parade will end with the arrival of Santa Claus, as he and Mayor Fischer illuminate the city Christmas tree and downtown Louisville.
“Holiday in the City is a great family-friendly event that continues to grow and offer more opportunities to enjoy all that Louisville has to offer,” said Victor A. Staffieri, Chairman, CEO and President of LG&E and KU Energy. “We are pleased to continue this long-standing partnership, and help the city shine brightly during the entire holiday season.
At Holiday Square, located at Fourth and Jefferson streets, visitors can enjoy the full-size ice skating rink, featuring real ice and skate rentals, and get a close-up view of the city’s Christmas tree. A 90-minute skating session with rentals is $10 per person. The rink will be open November 26 – January 15.
Mike Gleeson, Regional President for MainSource Bank, says, “We are honored to be part of such a great event. Our commitment to the Louisville area and all the local communities we serve is a top priority at MainSource Bank. We’re excited for a great Holiday season with the hope that many residents and visitors enjoy this incredible event.”
From Holiday Square, visitors will follow the new Gum Drop Trail to the Holiday Market, hosted by Fourth Street Live! Visitors will be able to browse through quaint vendor chalets and purchase unique hand-made gifts, while enjoying live entertainment at the main stage at Fourth Street Live! each week from Thursday to Sunday.
All Holiday in the City entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays is being programmed by Jecorey Arthur’s 1200 LLC. Guests can expect live music from Jefferson County Public Schools, some of Louisville’s most talented local bands, and art activities that range from cookie decorating to elf yourself video making. According to Arthur, “this year’s programming has been designed to appeal to everyone and attract people from all ages and interests.”
“We are excited to have the opportunity to expand our partnership with Holiday in the City, hosting the World Market and incredible on-stage entertainment,” said Ed Hartless, President of Fourth Street Live! “We are happy to collaborate with the many organizations involved and look forward to showcasing downtown Louisville during the holiday season.”
This event has truly made Louisville a holiday destination for local and regional visitors thanks to the support of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Creating a more festive and beautiful downtown throughout the holidays is not only good for those living here and family and friends from out of town, it’s great for generating new tourism,” said CVB President, Karen Williams, “which is why the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a strong partner in expanding and re-energizing this event.”
Louisville’s Holiday in the City is a gift from MainSource Bank, and powered by LG&E! Additional sponsors include: Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fourth Street Live!, Ford/UAW, Hines Management, Hyatt Hotel Louisville, the Galt House Hotel, Outfront Media, USA Images, WLKY and 106.9 Play.
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events is working in tandem with the Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) on coordinating all aspects of Holiday in the City.
Mayor Fischer urges people to share their Holiday in the City photos and experiences on social media using hashtags #HoLouDay and #AroundLou
For more information, go to: www.louisvillesholidayinthecity.com
