The Story of the Circle of Lights
Indy's Most Time-honored Holiday Tradition
The Downtown Indy Inc. Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW 481 celebrates its 62nd anniversary on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving. Through January 11, holiday explorers, shoppers, and foodies will be able to enjoy Circle of Lights as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be festively lit all season long! So mark your calendar and come one, come all, to discover the magic that Downtown Indy has to offer in the 2024 holiday season. Live music, special holiday pop-ups, and festive food and beverages will be available all over Downtown Indianapolis. Take in the lights, as you immerse yourself in a show, dinner, or carriage ride and be part of the history of Downtown Indianapolis' urban core.
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A Brief Holiday History
After the end of World War II, architect Edward D. Pierre had a “bright” idea. What if we could light the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for the holiday season as a reminder of the peace and unity we’d fought so hard to protect. It was a bold vision that wasn’t fully realized until 1962, when thousands of twinkling lights were finally strung from the base of Lady Victory 284 feet down to the street below. Today, volunteers string and test 4,784 colored lights (each representing a branch of the US military) and more than two miles of garland. The display has continued to grow and evolve. Today, the “tree” is guarded by 26, 12-foot-tall toy soldiers and sailors and 26, ten-foot-tall peppermint sticks. It’s a sight to see. In fact, Travelocity named the Circle of Lights as one of the top five “must-see Christmas trees” in the nation!
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