Circle of Lights set for 61st lighting this week

Indianapolis will kick off the holiday season Friday on Monument Circle with the 61st annual Circle of Lights.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to pack the circle for the event, which includes musical performances and the illumination of lights surrounding the Soliders and Sailors Monument.

Circle of Lights is presented by IBEW Local Union 481 in partnership with Downtown Indy, Inc.

Downtown Indy’s President and CEO Taylor Schaffer said continued federal funding for downtown beautification will be apararent.

“To strategically invest in cleanliness, beautification and public safety, you'll see crews out working all this week and every week,” Schaffer said.

Public safety plans are in place, and special operations will help monitor crowd control. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Major Josh Gisi said recent city investment in downtown public safety technology and infrastructure also helps with issues like pedestrian safety.

“Whether it comes down to the public safety cameras, or just things that reduce the potential for a traffic accident, or increased pedestrian visibility,” Gisi said. “Those are awesome for us.”

Construction on Monument Circle may shift the crowds, but the main stage will not be impacted on the south side of the circle.

This year, much like 2022, the event expects to welcome back pre-pandemic level crowds.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.