Downtown’s seasonal glow up

Downtown Lexington’s Holiday Light Decorations

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays in downtown Lexington. | Photo courtesy of Parks and Recreation

While the rest of us have been prepping our turkeys, city employees have been busy decorating downtown for the holiday season.

We stopped by Triangle Park to chat with Heidi Lawson, the supervisor of the downtown landscaping holiday crew. She’s been decorating Lexington’s downtown lights for the last 16 years.

She was kind enough to give us a few of her pro tips for decorating for the holidays.

lex-tree-down-decorations-interview — City Editor Aaron got the opportunity to chat with Heidi and her crew while they decorated downtown. | Photo by LEXtoday

Pro Tip No. 1

“One of the first things I learned is red pops,” said Heidi. If you’re ever in doubt add a bit more red. This will help your tree stand out from afar.

Pro Tip No. 2

Plan ahead — decorations are always cheaper after the holidays, even the city’s large-scale industrial ornaments. “Whenever we’re done decorating, I go ahead and start thinking about what colors, themes, or sizes I want for next year,” said Heidi.

lex-holiday-ornaments-decorations — Were your eyes naturally drawn to the red ornaments on the tree first? | Photo by LEXtoday

Pro Tip No. 3

Make it a team effort. “I need at least three or four people here downtown to get this done and it’s the same at home,” said Heidi.

Pro Tip No. 4

Whenever you’re hosting, watch out for rival sports fans. “We have found Tennessee and Louisville ornaments placed in the tree before,” said Heidi. “It’s all in good fun.”

Try this

The city’s annual Holiday Lighting Festival will take place this weekend, where the mayor + city officials will plug in the Christmas tree and menorah lights for the first time.

Luminate Lexington Holiday Lighting Festival | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 3-7 p.m. | Triangle Park, 400 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Head downtown for the annual holiday lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree + Hanukkah Menorah along with live music, vendors and a visit from Santa.

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Nov. 24

Bluegrass Runners Thoroughbred Classic 5K | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 9 a.m. | Keeneland, 4201 Versailles Rd., Lexington | $30 | This local Thanksgiving Day running tradition is fun for the whole family providing a morning of movement along the picturesque grounds of our historic racetrack.

Friday, Nov. 25

Santa Photos | Friday, Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Summit at Fritz Farm, 120 Summit at Fritz Farm, Ste. 155 | $21.99 | Santa has returned to take photos + listen to the wish lists of your little ones.
Scrooge In Rouge: An English Music Hall Christmas Carol | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 8 p.m. | Carriage House Theatre, 154 W. Bell Court, Lexington | $25 | Done in the style of British Music Hall, Scrooge in Rouge abounds in bad puns, naughty double-entendres, witty songs, and quick changes.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $20-$25 | Venture to the island of misfit toys in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special — suitable for all ages.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Kentucky Wildcats Football vs. Louisville Cardinals Football | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 3 p.m. | Kroger Field, 1540 University Dr, Lexington | $47-$95 | The Wildcats are taking on the Cardinals at home in one of the most anticipated rivalry games of the year.

Sunday, Nov. 27

Winter Tree I.D. | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 2 p.m. | McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln. | Free, registration required | Learn how to identify trees during the winter season and how they survive the frigid temperatures.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Weather

66º | Mostly cloudy | 3% chance of rain

Regional

Sazerac, the parent company to Buffalo Trace Distillery, announced plans for a $600 million expansion. This will be the largest spirits industry expansion in Kentucky’s history, which includes 20 new bourbon barrel warehouses + a cooperage expansion. 🥃 (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving. However you celebrate, make today a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at LEXtoday are thankful for our city, and the fact that there’s always plenty to talk about. Check out this story about the history of Big Lex.

Sports

The Lexington Legends are seeking public input for the upcoming 2023 season. Take this survey to let the new owner know what the Legends mean to you. Additionally, sign up for a listening session to let them know what you want to see next season. ⚾️
Coach John Calipari’s weekly radio show has returned to the airwaves. The “UK HealthCare John Calipari Show” airs on Monday nights at 7 p.m. on the UK Sports Network, 630 WLAP. Tune in to hear our coach + Tom Leach answer questions from Big Blue Nation fans across the country. The show will air at 6 p.m. starting on Mon., Dec. 5. 🎙

Plan Ahead

We’re just under a week away from the 2022 Good Giving Challenge kick-off, which takes place Tues., Nov. 29-Fri., Dec. 2. This annual event encourages citizens to donate to a nonprofit of their choice. Since its inception in 2011, this giving challenge has raised $17 million for 100+ local nonprofits.

Shop

The annual Downtown Lexington Shop and Celebrate event will be taking place this year from Fri., Nov. 25 to Sun., Dec. 25. Citizens who shop at these local participating businesses during this time will have the chance to earn weekly gift cards + a $500 cash prize. 🛍

Drink

Ethereal Brewing is celebrating its 8th anniversary all weekend long. Swing by its Distillery District location between Fri., Nov. 25 and Sun., Nov. 27 to wish them a happy birthday and sample new + unique beer releases — don’t forget to try Chef Sherman’s smoked barbecue. 🍺

Announced

If you love this newsletter (and supporting local) as much as we love strolls in Woodland Park, morning lattes from Leestown Coffee House + Saturdays spent hiking Raven Run Nature Sanctuary (which is a lot) — we’ve got something for you: LEXtoday just launched a membership program. Learn more + sign up. 🎉

Shop

Amazon’s best deals of the year begin today and last just 48 hours. Snag gifts now for everyone on your list — like this portable waterproof speaker and this Bluetooth movie projector. Plus, select Amazon Fire TV devices are up to 50% off for a limited time.*

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Aaron.

Editor’s pick: Happy Thanksgiving, Lexington. My go-to Thanksgiving side dish that I always prepare is collard greens.

To be honest, I always improvise the recipe a little bit.

I do, however, follow this recipe loosely as I go, replacing the chicken stock with tomato juice and substituting bacon for the ham.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read what other Lexingtonians are thankful for this year.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Aaron Mikel, Molly Thompson, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

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