Circle of Lights Display in Indianapolis, Indiana

Every year during the Christmas Season the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana is transformed into a fairyland of lights, decorations, and holiday ambiance that is second to none. The centerpiece of the visual aspects of holiday cheer is the center of Monument Circle: the Soldier's and Sailor's Monument. The monument itself was completed in 1901, and at the time towered over every other building in downtown. The monument is a neoclassical oolitic limestone and bronze obelisk 284 feet tall. It was built to honor Hoosier war veterans from the Revolutionary War through the Spanish American War.

Since 1962 the monument has been transformed into what was once called 'The World's Largest Christmas Tree". Apparently political correctness has now entered the scene, as the "Christmas" tree tag has been replaced with the moniker "Circle of Lights".

The process of this remarkable urban display starts with the refurbishing and repair of the 52 light strands each October. Retired members of Local 481 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) lay out the thousands of feet of wiring, check the fusing, and make any needed repairs. Then all 4,784 individual light bulbs are replaced. Once the rework is complete, members of Local 481 and Members of the Contractors of Quality Connection have the daunting task of stringing the light and garland strands on the monument itself. This "work of love" is completed in preparation for the annual lighting of the tree.

The lighting always takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and what an event it is! Thousands of people flock to the downtown area, and the actual moment of the lighting is accompanied by a grand fireworks display and festive music provided by local bands and choral groups. The lights stay on until the first week of January.

In addition to the lights of the monument, other buildings on the traffic circle also have their festive displays in space. The home of Indianapolis Power and Light Company always has their windows illuminated with green lights in the shape of a Christmas tree. Even the concrete pipe bollards used to keep traffic from pedestrian areas are decorated to look like huge candy canes. Horse drawn carriages provide romantic transportation, and one of the two large fountains are prepared for ice skating.

By far, though, the striking views of the 250 plus feet tall light strands coursing up to near the top of the monument steal the show. It is not truly Christmas in central Indiana until you have made a trip to downtown Indianapolis.