Get ready for a virtual snow globe on Monument Circle as two new elements are soon to be introduced as part of the spectacular Shining A Light.
Beginning November 30 and the following three Saturdays, December 7, 14 & 21, Holidays on the Circle events will take place from 4:30 – 7:30pm, programmed by Downtown Indy, Inc. Holiday performances, signature treats and festive music will fill Monument Circle. Everyone is invited to these free events.
Downtown Indy, Inc. and the Indiana War Memorials Commission will continue to recognize Indiana veterans with the Shining A Light patriotic Signature Salute nightly at 6:30pm. Additionally, from November 30 – December 31, those gathered will enjoy a brief holiday video presentation beginning at 7:00pm nightly that will conclude the Salute and return the Circle to the festive holiday atmosphere.
Themed Holidays on the Circle Saturdays include:
November 30: Circle of Lights continued
Enjoy festive entertainment from performers who auditioned for the 2019 Circle of Lights headlined by the Dan Nix Big Band.
December 7: International Night
The International Center Festival Fund will bring engaging cultural performance groups sharing music and winter traditions from around the world.
December 14: B105.7 Christmas Choir Competition
Listen to winners from B105.7’s Choir Competition live on the Circle.
December 21: Holiday Homecoming
A live band will welcome friends, family and students home for the holidays on Monument Circle.
About Shining A Light
Monument Circle has forever been transformed thanks to a Lilly Endowment-funded, multi-million-dollar infusion of technology and big ideas. “Shining A Light” premiered Nov. 9 showcasing a five-minute program basking the Circle in spectacular lighting, audio and video projections with a synchronized original score from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The Signature Salute plays nightly, 365-day-a-year at 6:30 p.m. through March. (From there, time will be adjusted in March when seasons change.) Coordinated audio, video and light projections featuring the sounds and images of historic significance unfold across the surrounding building facades and statues on the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Four beams of light soar skyward from each quadrant lighting Victory (atop the Monument), signaling Indianapolis as the Crossroads of America.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family – J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli – through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. The Endowment exists to support causes of community development, education and religion. Lilly Endowment’s community development grantmaking is designed to support efforts that enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis and Indiana. Visit www.lillyendowment.org.
In December 2018, Downtown Indy, Inc. and the Indiana War Memorials Commission were honored to be among 17 Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation grants awarded by the Lilly Endowment to make arts and culture a larger part of the lives of individuals and families; increase access to arts and cultural offerings among diverse audiences; enhance Indianapolis’ national and international reputation and foster community spirit and tourism.
About Downtown Indy, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Downtown Indy, Inc. a public/private partnership existing to improve Downtown is also known as Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. As a private, not-for-profit organization, Downtown Indy, Inc. is uniquely positioned to address issues that affect the area’s growth and well-being. Downtown Indy focuses on development, management, activation and marketing to advance Downtown as a great place to live, learn, work and play.
About the Indiana War Memorial Commission
The Indiana War Memorial Commission, whose mission is to honor Hoosier veterans, ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten and to educate citizens about the military history of our state and country. The Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument is recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments and has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. In addition to the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the commission also operates and maintains the USS Indianapolis Memorial and the Indiana War Memorial and Museum and Veterans Memorial Plaza.
