Indianapolis Circle of Lights "Tree" Lighting

The event is always held the day after Thanksgiving — Friday, November 27, this year — and attracts more than 100,000 spectators to the event.

The lighting has been a tradition since 1962. The 284′ 6″ tower is lit by 4,784 lights and 52 garland strands. They’re hung by volunteers from the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481.

Each year, the Circle is decorated with giant toys, peppermint sticks, gorgeous lights strung throughout the trees along the sidewalks, and even a mailbox for Santa. Last year, we took our two youngest kids to the Circle so they could drop the letter in Santa’s mailbox. They were so excited because this mail was a special delivery being taken directly to the North Pole.

There will be live entertainment that starts at 6:00 p.m., and the television coverage will start at 7:00 and run for an hour. The giant switch will be thrown around 7:45.

(from site)