Lights Under Louisville, the city’s long‑standing holiday drive‑through light show, is back for its 18th season at the Louisville Mega Cavern. Organizers say the display now includes more than 7 million lights and a new themed “New Year’s Bash” experience beginning Dec. 27, with the attraction running through Jan. 2.
Because the event draws thousands of visitors from across Kentucky and beyond, city leaders and police have coordinated a revised traffic plan to address the congestion that frustrated neighbors last year. According to Spectrum News 1, tickets must be purchased and paid for online ahead of time, and the Mega Cavern has added a side parking lot that can queue up to 300 vehicles—up from 200 previously.
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Josie Raymond, who is working with the Mega Cavern and the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Sixth Division, said the plan adds up to 22 off‑duty officers to direct traffic during peak times, compared with 17 officers last season. “Lights Under Louisville gets bigger and bigger every year, and we want it to be hugely successful,” Raymond said, adding that the goal is to protect the quality of life for nearby residents.
Residents will also have a dedicated neighborhood hotline (502‑755‑7131) that can be called or texted on peak days to reach an on‑duty traffic captain for assistance accessing streets or driveways. Green flags on resident vehicles will help officers identify locals quickly.
Neighbors voiced concerns about last year’s traffic backups. Molly King, a local resident, described how the congestion made it difficult to receive mail, medical deliveries, and even threatened emergency access for a pregnant neighbor. She suggested capping weekend ticket sales as a safety measure, though organizers have not confirmed such a cap.
WLKY reported that the Mega Cavern will test a timed‑entry ticket process on one Saturday this season, and that the attraction opens as early as 8:30 a.m. on select days, offering families a chance to enjoy the lights while potentially avoiding longer evening lines.
What’s next: Visitors can purchase tickets online and plan to arrive early—anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.—to experience the lights with shorter wait times. The “New Year’s Bash” begins Dec. 27, and the holiday display continues through Jan. 2. Residents with traffic concerns can use the hotline or display the green flag on their vehicles for priority assistance.
Sources: wlky.com, spectrumnews1.com
