What to expect at the 2023 Circle of Lights in Indianapolis

Monument Circle celebrates the holiday season with “Circle of Lights”

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It’s that time of year: The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument got its yearly winter makeover on Friday night.

Monument Circle as seen looking from East Market Street. (WISH Photo/Drew Narsutis)

Standing at an impressive 284 feet tall, the monument has been a beacon of honor and remembrance in Indianapolis for over a century, but it is during this festive season that this beacon truly comes alive.

People flock together at the base of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument for friendly conversations or a good selfie. (WISH Photo/Drew Narsutis)

For the past 61 years, the Circle of Lights celebration has been a cherished tradition, captivating both locals and visitors alike. The day after Thanksgiving, the monument’s towering structure is adorned with 52 strands of sparkling garland and nearly 5,000 LED lights, creating a breathtaking symphony of color against the ink-stained evening sky.

Monument Circle becomes a hub of holiday cheer as soon as Thanksgiving is over. (WISH Photo/Drew Narsutis)

The Circle also offers plenty of fun at ground level for those who visit, with amazing photo opportunities, horse-drawn carriages, and some of the best hot chocolate I’ve had in a long, long time. There is plenty of fun nearby as well if you want to tack on a family dinner downtown or some nearby late-night shopping.

The Circle of Lights celebration not only brings joy to our community, but also serves as a reminder of the spirit of unity and hope that shines brightly during this time of year. The Circle on these crisp winter evenings is a place where all Hoosiers come together to celebrate the light in that shines in their life as well.

View along Monument Circle looking south toward Christ Church Cathedral. (WISH Photo/Drew Narsutis)

As we approach the holiday season, be sure to visit the Circle of Lights to witness this extraordinary spectacle firsthand.