Local Guide to Indy's Circle of Lights (2024) | Indy Luxury Rentals

Local Guide to Indy's Circle of Lights

8/30/2024

The image shows an aerial view of a tall monument or tower in the center of a large city square, illuminated with festive lights. The monument is decorated with strings of lights cascading down from its peak, creating a bright, tree-like appearance. The surrounding area features beautifully lit buildings and streets, along with what appears to be a water feature at the base of the monument, reflecting the lights.

The holiday season in downtown Indy isn't complete without the Circle of Lights, a beloved tradition that turns the city into a winter wonderland.

Every year, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, downtown Indy kicks off the holidays with this spectacular event. This year, the Circle of Lights is happening on November 29th, 2024, and while we're still waiting on all the details, we've got plenty to share about what makes this night so special. Plus, if you're staying at Villa on Meridian, you're just six blocks away from all the action—perfect for enjoying the free event without any of the hassle!

A Time-Honored Holiday Tradition

The Circle of Lights has been lighting up Monument Circle since 1962, and it's only gotten bigger and brighter over the years. What started as a simple ceremony has become the Midwest's most spectacular holiday display, drawing more than 100,000 people every single year!

Celebrating the Holiday Season

The image shows a festive city street at night, adorned with holiday lights. In the foreground, trees lining the street are wrapped with small, glowing white lights. The street is illuminated, with pedestrians and a few cars visible. In the background, a large, conical structure resembling a Christmas tree is brightly lit with colorful lights, dominating the scene.

At the center of the Circle of Lights is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a 284-foot-tall icon that's transformed into a giant Christmas tree with 52 strands of garland and nearly 5,000 LED lights.

This festive transformation of Monument Circle is a sight that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

And with the more recent addition of the "Shining A Light" display, the entire Monument Circle turns into a life-size snow globe, making the experience even more magical.

What's Happening This Year at the Indy Circle of Lights?

The image shows a person standing on a street, dressed in a festive holiday sweater featuring red reindeer and Christmas tree patterns. The person is wearing novelty Santa accessories, including a Santa hat, white beard, and sunglasses, adding a playful touch to their appearance. They are holding a plate with what looks like a stack of pancakes or cookies in one hand and a glass of milk or coffee in the other. The background features red brick buildings and parked cars, giving the scene a casual, urban feel.

While we don't have all the details for the 2024 event yet, we can still get excited about what's likely to happen this year in and around Monument Circle in downtown Indy!

The time-honored holiday tradition typically kicks off around 5:00 PM with a live DJ playing the best holiday tunes to get everyone in the holiday mood. By 5:30 PM, vendors and activities are in full swing, offering festive food and unique gifts to enjoy before the main event.

The big moment—the lighting ceremony—typically starts at 6:00 PM.

As for entertainment, previous events have featured live music and performances by talented local singers, musicians, and dancers, so you can expect a great lineup this year, too!

A Perfect Stay for the Perfect Holiday in Indianapolis

The image captures a lively holiday market scene in the evening. A person in the foreground is wearing a winter coat with a fur-lined hood, a knit beanie with reindeer antlers, and is holding a hot drink in a festive cup. They appear to be browsing the market stalls, which are adorned with glowing star-shaped lights and holiday decorations.

Staying at Villa on Meridian makes it incredibly convenient to enjoy the Circle of Lights without the hassle of traffic and parking.

Located just six blocks from Monument Circle, you can easily stroll to the event and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This proximity also means that after the event, you can return to the comfort of your luxurious accommodations without worrying about navigating the post-event crowds.

Our vacation rentals offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making your stay as enjoyable as possible. With spacious living areas, upscale amenities, and personalized service, Villa on Meridian is the ideal home base for your holiday visit to Indianapolis.

An Award Winning Holiday Event At Monument Circle

The Circle of Lights at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is more than just an event; it's a celebration of community, tradition, and the holiday spirit. As one of the nation's top public holiday light displays, it's no wonder this event has been nominated for the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award for "Best Public Holiday Lights Display."

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit to the Indianapolis Circle of Lights

The image shows a charming, narrow street in a festive downtown area, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The street is lined with small shops and boutiques, their windows glowing warmly. Christmas trees adorned with twinkling white lights are placed outside the stores, adding to the festive atmosphere. Above the street, large illuminated snowflakes and strands of lights are strung between the buildings, creating a canopy of holiday cheer.

To ensure you have the best experience at the Circle of Lights, here are some helpful tips:

Arrive Early: With over 100,000 spectators expected, arriving early will help you secure a great spot to view the lighting of the soldiers and sailors monument.
Dress Warmly: Late November can be chilly in Indianapolis, so bundle up in warm layers to stay comfortable throughout the evening.
Capture the Moment: Don't forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the spectacular holiday display and the merry atmosphere.

Holiday Activities in Downtown Indianapolis

The image shows two people walking away from the camera on a city street. The person in the foreground is wearing a cozy red coat and a gray knit beanie with a pom-pom. They are carrying a white bag over their shoulder, which is filled with several rolls of colorful wrapping paper, suggesting they have been shopping for holiday gifts. The person beside them is dressed in darker clothing, with a hooded sweatshirt under a jacket.

While the Circle of Lights is the centerpiece of the downtown Indy holiday season, there's plenty more to enjoy in downtown Indianapolis.
Make the most of your holiday weekend with these nearby activities:

Holiday Shopping: Explore the unique shops and boutiques around Monument Circle and the nearby areas. You'll find plenty of opportunities to pick up gifts or holiday treats.
Holiday Shows: Discover the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration at Hilbert Circle Theatre in the downtown circle.
Winterlights: A little further from downtown, Winterlights at Newfields is another must-see holiday light display, perfect for a family outing.
Dining and Drinks: Warm up with a festive meal or drink at one of the many restaurants and bars near Monument Circle. From cozy cafes to fine dining, there's something for everyone.

Stay Tuned for More Details

As we get closer to the event, more details about this year’s Circle of Lights will become available. Be sure to check the Downtown Indy website to stay informed. They’ll keep you posted on everything you need to know to make the most of your holiday experience in downtown Indy. Plus, if you are planning a trip to downtown Indy don't miss our guide to Indianapolis historical sites in the area.

A Season of Magic Awaits

By staying at Villa on Meridian, you'll be perfectly positioned to enjoy this time-honored holiday tradition and all that downtown Indy has to offer during the holiday season. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, the Circle of Lights is an experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
For more information on accommodations and to book your stay, visit Villa on Meridian. We look forward to welcoming you for a holiday season to remember!

0 Comments

Villa Blog