INDIANAPOLIS — For more than 60 years, tens of thousands of people have gathered on Monument Circle for Indy's most time-honored holiday tradition, the "Circle of Lights" celebration.
Among those who gathered downtown Friday night to help usher in the Christmas season was Dani Sales, who was there for the first time after a recent move from Florida. She said the cold temperatures didn't stop her from having a good time.
"Once you got into the Circle, it seems like it wasn't as windy as here in the streets," she said.
And the show didn't disappoint.
"It was actually spectacular," Sales said.
So spectacular, she said she was bringing the spirit home.
"I'm ready to go home and put my Christmas tree up," she said.
It was also Brandon Beatty's first time at the "Circle of Lights." He came with his family from Pathway Recovery and said there really wasn't a part of the show he didn't like.
"The concert was great. The show, all of it, was great," he said. "It had the cheerleaders, the mascots, the Grinch. The lights were fantastic."
Sales' favorite part was the singers and, of course, the lighting of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument.
"It really got me into a jolly mood, especially the songs they were singing," she said. "Their energetic mood and the ambiance was cool. The countdown, where everybody will just start counting down until the lights lit up."
Both said they can't wait to come back next year.
"They did a good job. Indy always does a good job at what they do," Beatty said.
With the help of countless volunteers and a little bit of Santa's magic, it will stay that way.
On Saturday, Downtown Indy, Inc. will debut "SPARK: Holidays on the Circle." Themed musical performances and appearances by Santa Claus will be held every Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 22 with in the bollards on the northwest side of Monument Circle.