INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Enjoy the start to the Christmas season with the tradition of the Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights© presented by IBEW 481.
More than 100,000 spectators flooded Monument Circle for the annual tradition. Holiday music filled the air as Hoosier entertainers from across the state performed with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s IPL Yuletide Celebration.
Just before 8 p.m., the switch was flipped and the circle was filled with the bright lights that signify Christmas time is here.
The lighting of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument was the exclamation point on a spectacular night of entertainment.
The weather was cold and damp, but the atmosphere was warm friendly and fun. Ashley Newman and her family have been coming for 10 years.
"I see families. I see a beautiful evening with this beautiful city and I see all the joy and the people getting into the Christmas spirit," Newman said.
A crowd estimated at 100,000 people stood shoulder-to-shoulder around Monument Circle. Many of them grew up with the tradition of turning the Circle into the city's centerpiece of the holidays and wouldn't miss it.
Lana Lawson and her husband got a last-minute reminder from her friend.
"We got a text that said, 'Are you coming?' I was like, 'You have to get off the ladder and get in the shower, we have to go now' and we did," she said with a laugh.
The hour-long celebration of lights featured nationally recognized and local entertainment, including Jessie McKamic's 8-year-old budding ballerina.
Who was more nervous?
"Probably me," mom admitted. "She just looked like she was having fun."
So were Ben Lekberg, his nephew David and the people around them.
"I think it is a great way to start off the holiday season," he said.