INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers know there is nothing better than welcoming in the holiday season with the Circle of Lights.
The towering Soldiers and Sailors Monument is beautifully lit as tens of thousands of people cheer on the start of the holiday season. Hoosiers have been gathering in downtown Indianapolis for the occasion for 60 years.
It was 1962 when lights were first strung on the monument.
In 1972, the celebration was called "Christmas on the Circle." In addition to the lights around the monument, small Christmas trees lit up around the circle.
The annual celebration wouldn't happen without the talent workers from IBEW 481, who string 52 garland strands with more than 4,700 lights.
The Circle of Lights is a finalist for the USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice 2023 for Best Public Holiday Lights Display.
Click here to vote. Voting ends Wednesday, Nov. 29, and you submit one vote each day.
RELATED: Enter the AES Indiana Coloring Contest for your chance to 'flip the switch' at Circle of Lights
The annual holiday tradition on Monument Circle will take place this year at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24.
You can watch it live on WTHR and WTHR+.
