LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The free, annual Light Up Louisville event kicked off the city's holiday season. Everyone downtown was filled with Christmas cheer.

"It's great. We are really excited to see Santa," Joe Merchanthouse said.

Merchanthouse brought his daughter to Light Up Louisville for the first time Saturday. Volunteers flipped West Jefferson Street into Santa Claus Lane this past week.

From the Christmas Tree lighting countdown to the Jingle Stage and venders, everyone took pictures and made memories.

"It was really cute. I think it was a good family event," Holly Bramblett, who attended with her family, said. 

"We wanted to start a nice family tradition," Jordan Bramblett said.

"It is just fantastic being out here," Dalton King, who brought her grandson, said. "Making memories with family and seeing the city come out just by thousands. It's just awesome to have a great time with the city."

Some families amazed with the fireworks, and others, enjoyed donating to the city's Toys for Tots Toy Drive.

Light Up Louisville 2023

FILE -- This image dated Dec. 2, 2023, shows the Light Up Louisville ceremonies in downtown Louisville, Ky. (WDRB/archive)

"Seeing everybody come out for the same thing is nice," Khalil Skipwith, who attended with his sons, said.

"I enjoyed it all. I think for us, as long as we got to see our daughter smile and it wasn't too cold. I think the city did a good job, venders, safety. I think it was a great performance," Jordan Bramblett, said.

"It makes me feel proud to live in a city that does fun things like this, so she can be apart of it and we can be together," Merchanthouse said.

Dozens of volunteers helped the city make it happen. The festivities started at 4 p.m. and ended just after 9 p.m. The Jefferson Square Park Christmas tree will be up through the New Year.

For more information about Light Up Louisville, click here.

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