Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW #481 is Indianapolis’s most loved holiday event. The night after Thanksgiving we all gather on the Circle to turn the Soldiers and Sailors Monument into the world’s largest Christmas tree. This is a lot of fun for families. The lights remain lit until early January, so come take a peek as you visit Downtown during the holidays. Here are my top Downtown holiday events I’m looking forward to taking my two-year-old to this year.

1. Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure at the Eiteljorg Museum
I’m not sure what it is, but kids seem to universally love trains. If your child is as obsessed as mine, Jingle Rails is a must see. Every year, the Eiteljorg recreates Downtown landmarks including Monument Circle, Union Station, Lucas Oil Stadium and others into a giant train-scape. It includes other landmarks including Mt. Rushmore, Native American villages, the Grand Canyon and Old Faithful – all tied together with 1,220-feet of model train tracks.

2. Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum also has trains on display, and a whole lot more. Starting on Nov. 28 before the Circle of Lights celebration, Santa flies in to the Museum on a helicopter and the first floor of the Museum is transformed into a Holiday Village. It will feature historic LS Ayres storefronts, craft making, rides on the Santa Claus Express train and Santa himself.

3. City Sidewalks presented by BMO Harris Bank
This is a season-long event that culminates in some fun events Dec. 19 & 20. Georgia Street will be decked out in holiday cheer complete with overhead lights, holiday music and Christmas trees. It will feature the Christkindl Village, sponsored by St. John’s Catholic Church; a tree decorating contest and more.

4. Conservatory Crossing & Christmas at Garfield Park
Did I mention my son likes trains? He also loves to go for walks in the Garfield Park Conservatory, which normally features exotic plants with beautiful waterfalls and Koi ponds throughout. For the holidays it is transformed into Conservatory Crossing with holiday decorations, a poinsettia show, model trains and villages and an appearance by Santa.

5. Monument Circle
Ok, I already mentioned Circle of Lights, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come back and check out the Circle throughout the holidays. The early evenings allow for maximum holiday light wattage and other exciting things including: horse carriage rides, IPL’s Christmas decorations, Santa’s mailbox and the elusive and historic Cherub on Carson’s clock. Make a trip Downtown for these and other holiday excitement. Best of all, looking is free!

Blog by Jim Rawlinson, Real Estate Development intern