Here's your complete guide to the 2023 Bardstown Road Aglow event
A sure sign the holiday season is underway is the return of the annual Bardstown Road Aglow celebration on the first Saturday of December.
A holiday tradition for nearly 40 years, Bardstown Road Aglow has become a popular outdoor social event with live holiday music at several Highlands locations, trolley rides, shopping and dining discounts and extended hours for shopping.
Organized by the Highland Commerce Guild, during this annual event small business owners pull out all the stops to create a holiday wonderland for visitors to Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. Bardstown Road Aglow is the largest night of commerce for Highlands-area merchants.
Here's what to know about this year's event.
When is the 2023 Bardstown Road Aglow?
The popular holiday event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon until 10 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and stroll Bardstown Road for holiday shopping and dining discounts in a festive and fun atmosphere.
Where is Bardstown Road Aglow?
You'll find special discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise at participating restaurants and shops along Bardstown Road, Baxter and Barret Avenues, and Douglass Loop. The Barret Avenue Adventure now extends the Aglow festivities from Breckinridge Street to Winter Avenue.
Does Bardstown Road Aglow offer free trolley rides?
Although it's lots of fun to run into friends and neighbors along Bardstown Road, you may not want to walk the entire length of the event. If you prefer to ride, there will be a free trolley offered from Bardstown Road to Baxter and Barret Avenues, and Douglass Loop.
When is the Holiday Tree Lighting at 2023 Bardstown Road Aglow?
No holiday event is complete without Santa Claus and you can bet he'll make the trip from the North Pole to assist WLKY’s Kent Taylor and Connie Leonard during the annual Wendy's Holiday Tree Lighting in Wendy's parking lot at 1108 Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive.
Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the giant spruce tree lighting at 6 p.m. The kick-off will also include holiday music from Voices of Kentuckiana. Plus, The Thirsty Pedaler is scheduled to be on-site with the Highlands' Reindeers and Safai Coffee will hand out free hot cocoa.
Organizers anticipate this will be one of the biggest years ever, with an estimated 50,000 people taking part in the holiday event. For that reason, additional security will be provided by Louisville Metro Police, Fifth Division.
Elijah Craig Bourbon will be featured in festival holiday cocktails
Elijah Craig is a part of the Heaven Hill Distilleries and the event’s title sponsor. All proceeds from the specialty holiday drink sales at participating restaurants and bars will support Gilda's Club of Kentuckiana.
Where do I find more information on the 2023 Bardstown Road Aglow?
You'll find additional information on locations for live music during the event, a photo contest, event sponsors and dining and drink specials during the 2023 Bardstown Road Aglow on the event website bardstownroadaglow.org, and on Facebook at BardstownRoadAglow.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Here's your complete guide to the 2023 Bardstown Road Aglow event
