Ancient Chinese Art Form Brings Color and Light to Galt House This Christmas
Louisville’s famed Galt House Hotel is introducing an ancient Chinese art form to bring vibrant color and light to its holiday celebration – literally. The Galt House will host the first KaLightoscope Christmas from Nov. 13-Jan. 3, featuring a special holiday shopping gallery, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and huge holiday sculptures inspired by the ancient Chinese Lantern Festival.
KaLightoscope’s main attraction will undoubtedly be the lighted holiday sculptures, set amidst a temperature-controlled, 16,000-square-foot pavilion. These towering lanterns – some reach as high as 24 feet -- were hand-crafted by more than 30 artists from the China Zigong Lantern & Trade Company.
Each sculpture incorporates more than six miles of sheer satin and printed vinyl, four miles of rope and metal wire, and hundreds of lights. The displays were created in China and assembled by Chinese artisans here in Louisville. These colorful displays include popular scenes from Christmas like a Nativity scene, gingerbread house, reindeer flying around a shiny silver globe and Santa’s toy land.
After exploring the lanterns, take a stroll through the Mistletoe Marketplace to pick up any last-minute gifts. The marketplace will feature souvenirs, an arts and crafts show, the Galt House’s multitude of specialty boutiques, and live music performed by several choirs, strolling carolers, bands and orchestras.
Because no Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, the jolly old elf himself will be available on Saturday and Sundays from Nov. 27-Dec. 19 from 11 am-3pm. Kids can also experience a face-to-face breakfast with Santa in the Gingerbread Village while dining on holiday-shaped pancakes. Breakfast with Santa will take place on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 10 am-noon ($30 for kids 12 and under, and parents are $15, reservations required).
HelloLouisville Tip: Tickets can be purchased at the Kentucky Center or at the KaLightoscope box office at the Galt House. Tickets are $14.95 for kids age 5-12, $17.95 for adults, and $13.95 for available upon request. For more information or reservations for any Santa event, call 502-568-4216.
Posted by Jenn McGuire
