One of Downtown Indianapolis' most beloved holiday traditions is here again - for its 45th year. Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 will take place the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.

More than 100,000 spectators are expected for the FREE Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 ceremonial lighting and holiday kickoff on that Friday. Live entertainment, chosen from statewide auditions, begins at 6 p.m. with the televised show running from 7-8 p.m. The actual Monument light-up will occur at approximately 7:45 p.m.

The decorations on the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument will look familiar - 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights, strung from the top of the monument to its base. The larger-than-life toy soldiers and candy canes will again be on display around Monument Circle. The scene is complete with 56,700 twinkle lights in trees that add shimmer to the area's walkways.

Millions of sightseers take in this brilliant spectacle throughout the holiday season until after the first of the new year. The decoration of Monument Circle is one of central Indiana's favorite holiday traditions, drawing generations of families each year to share in the spirit of the season for this, the 45th year.

As the official presenting sponsors of Circle of Lights, Quality Connection represents 77 union contractors and more than 2,400 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 481 electrical workers committed to the partnership of labor and management working together.

"The contractors of Quality Connection and electrical workers of IBEW 481 are community leaders anxious to better our skyline and our community," said Nanci Fields, Quality Connection executive director. "The Circle of Lights celebration is a great opportunity to continue that community support."