The festivities start @ 3, but we won't be getting together until 8 PM to go down and see the tree lighting and fireworks. I'll probably go down earlier and come back to get the group. If anyone wants to join me on my earlier excursions, just call my cell [masked]) and we can hook up.

As you prepare to spend time with your friends and family over the Thanksgiving holiday, make plans to kick-off the holiday season by joining us at Light Up Louisville!

There are many activities to enjoy by one and all so come on down!

2009 Schedule

3 p.m. Light Up Louisville festivities open

• Run Run Rudolph 5K Run/Walk by Baptist Health
  
• U.S. Marines on duty at the main tree in Jefferson Square to accept gifts for “Toys for Tots”
  
• Entertainment on stage begins (holiday music)
  
• All food and craft booths open (Jefferson St. and Jefferson Square)
  
• Holiday Pub opens
  
• Holidays Around the World trees and displays opens (Metro Hall)

6 p.m. Winter Wonderland Holiday Parade

• Parade starts at Eighth and Jefferson streets and goes eastward to Santa Claus Lane (Jefferson St.) and turns left on Fourth Street going north and turns left on Main Street. The parade turns left at (6th Street) to end.
  
• Entrants featuring local bands, dance groups, holi­day-themed units, youth and civic groups

4-7 p.m. Santa’s Workshop of free children’s activities opens (Metro Hall)

8 p.m. Santa Claus arrives

8:30 p.m. LIGHT UP LOUISVILLE

8:30-10 p.m. Entertainment on main stage, food and craft vendors continue

9-10:30 p.m. Spirit of Jefferson “Light Up Louisville” cruise
All events are FREE except for purchases from food and craft ven­dors, the 5K run/walk and Spirit of Jefferson cruise. Everyone is en­couraged to bring a toy donation (unwrapped) for the United States Marines Toys for Tots. Marines will be stationed at the Jefferson Square tree to accept donations.

Inside Metro Hall, a “Holidays Around the World” display presented by Boost Mobile will feature more than 20 trees and displays that will be deco­rated to recognize Louisville’s cultural diversity. The trees will remain on display in Metro Hall during regular business hours through the holidays.

Metro Hall will also feature The Galt House Hotel Santa’s Workshop, where families and children will have an opportunity to write letters to U.S. troops serving overseas. In addition, outside of Metro Hall, families will be able to sign a large community card.

Toys for Tots
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will again be stationed at Light Up Lou­isville to accept donations of new toys for Toys for Tots. Attendees are en­couraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

Light Up Continues to “Go Green”
Almost all of the lights have been converted to LED, which are more dura­ble, longer lasting and use less electricity. LEDs will be used on the 30-plus trees in Jefferson Square Park. LG&E estimated the approximate cost of illuminating the display lights throughout the season and donated the equivalent amount in Green Energy Tags to offset the lights’ carbon emis­sions

A tree display on the steps outside Metro Hall will feature live trees do­nated by Wallitsch Garden Center. After the holidays, the trees will be planted in local Metro Parks. The main tree will also have new life at the conclusion of Light Up. The tree will be mulched and used at the Louisville Zoo for landscaping needs.

LG&E is again sponsoring recycling bins next to every garbage receptacle at Light Up Louisville.

Start your Light Up Louisville festivities early! Stop at the

Louisville Visitors Center for our Holiday Open House, featuring some of Louisville's premier attractions like Glassworks, Belle of Louisville, Louisville Science Center, Old Louisville Visitors Center, and our newest attraction Louisville Mega Cavern. Enjoy free hot beverages and giveaways, including attractions tickets and Louisville merchandise!

The Visitors Center, located at the corner of Fourth and Jefferson is open on Friday, November 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.