The region’s largest and brightest nighttime Christmas parade will roll through downtown London with Santa Claus and his sleigh this Friday night during the annual Randy Smith Christmas on Main parade. According to Southern Living Magazine, London is ranked second as the best Christmas town in Kentucky to visit this holiday season. With a giant Christmas tree at Town Center as the centerpiece and lights strung throughout downtown, people who attend Christmas on Main will see why. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with carols sung by local school and church groups in front of the Laurel County Courthouse. The Children’s Christmas Book Walk also starts at 5:30 p.m. at 14 downtown locations, and will continue every half hour until the parade at 7 p.m. The theme this year is “Candy Canes & Carols.” After the parade, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree will be held at the London-Laurel County Farmers Market. Kids will be able to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and other characters. There will be hot chocolate and other items given away. The forecasts for Friday vary, but organizers remain hopeful that any rain will subside earlier in the afternoon. If the forecast worsens, a rain date will be announced, but that call will not be made until late Thursday or early Friday. Parade registration and other information can be found at www.VisitLondonKY.com/Christmas
Menu