INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - We're just 10 days away from the Downtown Indy, Inc.'s Circle of Lights presented by IBEW #481. It's one of the biggest holiday events in the city.
But this year's celebration will look a little different.
If you've been downtown for the Circle of Lights before, you might remember watching performances on the south side of the monument. But this year, the stage will be on the north side of the monument on Meridian Street, facing south.
That's just one of the big changes organizers announced Tuesday morning. They're expecting upwards of 100,000 people, so they wanted to make better use of all the space. There will also be viewing plazas around the circle where you can watch all the excitement.
There will be extra officers out on patrol to keep an eye on everyone. IMPD Chief Bryan Roach says they don't have any credible threats, but they just want to make sure everyone stays safe and has a good time next week.
No vehicles will be allowed into the event because it's meant for pedestrians only. Several items won't be allowed to the celebration, including chairs, pop-up tents, weapons, coolers, bicycles and animals (except for service animals).
Another big change is the lights are now all LEDs. That will save money on electric costs and now the bulbs are even brighter than before. You'll be able to see them twinkling from a long way away.
The change in lights has created a unique holiday shopping opportunity. The old bulbs that lit the monument during previous holiday seasons are available for sale at the Carson's department store in Circle Centre Mall.
If you can't come in person, make sure you watch on WTHR on November 24!