Despite the pandemic, Christmas lights will still shine on Monument Circle this holiday season. The 58th annual Circle of Lights will take place virtually 7 p.m. Nov. 27.
When it became apparent having 100,000 spectators gather downtown, as they usually do, the crew responsible for turning the Soldiers and Sailors Monument into the city’s largest Christmas tree decided to use technology to their advantage. The event will be aired exclusively on WTHR Channel 13, with musical acts selected from the upcoming Tom Wood Talent Search.
In keeping with tradition, Santa will be the one to flip the switch on the nearly 5,000 lights on the tree. Presented in part by the Electrical Workers of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 481, the union members felt it was important to keep the Hoosier tradition going.
“The Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 are thrilled to be presenting the Circle of Lights again,” Jeff Wheeler, IBEW 481 business manager, said in a press release. “We know that 2020 is different in so many ways. But we wanted to make sure that the Circle of Lights would shine throughout the holiday season, no matter what.”
Nov. 28 will be the first of several nights of Shining a Light holiday light presentation. The light show will take place nightly at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
“The show must, and will, go on,” Sherry Siewert, president of Downtown Indy Inc., said in a press release. “We are so thankful for IBEW 481 and its dedication, care and craftsmanship shared year after year to install the lights and present the Circle of Lights for the entire community to enjoy. … We look forward to uniting back downtown this holiday season in small and measured ways.”
The tree will remain lit through early January, and Monument Circle will be adorned with over a dozen large soldiers and sailors figures and “candy canes” to create a festive environment for those strolling through downtown.
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
