Illustration of a snowy street at dusk with glowing string lights on houses and trees and a family and snowman by a fence (Downtown Indy's Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW 481)

Downtown Indy's Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW 481

Thousands gather at Monument Circle to celebrate the illumination of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument with festive décor and bright bulbs. Visitors can enjoy live music, explore local vendors, and grab bites from food trucks. The celebration also features holiday activities, talented artists, Santa, and the ceremonial flipping of the switch.

Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

downtownindy.org

When

Tickets

Free.

Hours

Festivities 5PM-8PM; switch before 7PM; broadcast 6 to 7PM.

Food & Drink

Food trucks will be serving food at the event.

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive near the 5 p.m. start to enjoy the live music, vendors, and holiday activities before the switch ceremony.
  • Bundle up for an evening outdoors on Monument Circle, where festivities continue until 8 p.m.
  • Children interested in flipping the switch must submit a coloring contest entry by November 16 at noon; entries are accepted starting November 1.
  • If you cannot attend, watch WTHR Channel 13’s exclusive lighting ceremony broadcast from 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Use the event’s volunteer sign-up if you want to help support the celebration on site.

Special Events & Promotions

  • A child selected through the AES Indiana Coloring Contest flips the switch during the ceremony.
  • The lighting ceremony is broadcast on WTHR Channel 13 for those unable to attend in person.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Circle of Lights for?

It is a family tradition with activities for everyone.

What can visitors see and do during the celebration?

There is live music, vendors, holiday activities, Santa, artists, food trucks, and the monument lighting ceremony.

Can I watch the lighting ceremony if I cannot attend in person?

WTHR Channel 13 broadcasts the ceremony.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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