There’s one place to kick off the holidays in Indianapolis – the Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW 481.

For 57 years, thousands spectators have gathered on Monument Circle the day after Thanksgiving to see the Circle City illuminate for the season.

Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know to make the most of your Circle of Lights Tree Lighting experience THIS FRIDAY, Nov. 29.

Circle of Lights

THE BASICS

  • 100,000 attendees
  • 4,784 LED lights
  • 52 strands of garland
  • 1 iconic night

THE LOCATION

Head to Monument Circle from South Meridian Street and Washington Street. This is the ONLY entrance to the event. The stage is located on North Meridian Street, adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral. You can stand anywhere around the Circle that is not barricaded for security aisles.

THE SCHEDULE

You’ll enjoy entertainment and programming on the Circle from 6-8 p.m. WTHR will broadcast live from the event from 7-8 p.m. Be sure to the clock for these exciting happenings:

  1. 6:05 pm: The community will pause to honor the reason behind the city’s iconic gathering space, paying tribute to those who serve our country, with Indy’s new Signature Salute
  2. 7:45 pm: Santa arrives
  3. 7:55 pm: IPL Coloring Contest winner flips the switch with Mayor Joe Hogsett to light the Monument

THE BEST VIEW

Everyone wants to be as close to the excitement as possible. Once you hear the countdown, there is not a bad spot in the house for the lights and fireworks. For those who are not next to the stage, grab a spot in one of our three viewing plaza located on the east and west sides of the Circle, as well as on South Meridian Street (Lights at the Brickyard Viewing Plaza). Each plaza has an LED screen broadcasting the entertainment to ensure all guests have the best view of the show. Interested in grabbing a beer or holiday cocktail during the event? Visit the Hard Truth Distilling Co./Quaff ON! Brewing Co. Beer and Spirit Garden in the West Viewing Plaza.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

Special guest, Frankie Moreno, host of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s IPL Yuletide Celebration, will headline the show. The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus will also perform. Local performers include En Pointe Indiana Ballet from Indianapolis; soloist Cora Kendall from Greentown; a capella group Impromptu from Indianapolis, Down to Funk band from Bloomington and One Voice choir from Indianapolis. All entertainers donate their time and talent for the Circle of Lights® shows.

THE EXTRA DETAILS

  • Share your experience using #CircleofLights on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • Check out a detailed rundown on the event including a map, prohibited items, bathrooms and more.
  • Come back throughout the season (the lights are up through January!) for Holidays on the Circle Saturday Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 4:30-7:30 pm.

We hope to see you on Monument Circle THIS Friday, Nov. 29 from 6-8 p.m. for the 57th Annual Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights presented by IBEW 481.

This content was guest written by Downtown Indy, Inc.