Keeping Spirits Bright

Keeping Spirits Bright: Help Us Restore the Lights That Bring Indy Together 

For more than six decades, the Circle of Lights® has illuminated not just Monument Circle, but the hearts of thousands of residents who gather each year to celebrate the start of the holiday season in Downtown Indianapolis. The iconic strands of lights and garland that transform the Soldiers & Sailors Monument into our beloved holiday centerpiece have served our community for years — and now, it’s time to give them a well-deserved retirement. 

Downtown Indy Alliance is launching Keeping Spirits Bright, a community fundraising effort to help restore and replace the aging garland and lights, while also supporting broader beautification efforts and updated holiday decor on Monument Circle.  

From refreshed greenery and lighting to enhanced seasonal decorations, your donation will directly support the next generation of holiday magic in Indianapolis. 

Help us preserve one of Indiana’s most cherished traditions — and keep the heart of Downtown shining bright for holidays to come. 

Receive an Authentic Limited-Edition Ornament 

When you give $50 or more, you'll receive a special keepsake: 
a limited-edition ornament featuring one of the actual holiday bulbs that has adorned the Soldiers & Sailors Monument during past Circle of Lights® celebrations. 

These bulbs have watched families grow, couples fall in love, children stare in wonder, and our city come together year after year. Now, as they retire, you have a chance to take a piece of that history home. 

Ornaments will be produced and shipped in Fall 2026, following the full removal and restoration of the existing garland and lighting. Donors will receive updates throughout the process. 

A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice 

Each bulb color represents a branch of the U.S. Military — honoring the monument’s purpose and the legacy of the soldiers it was built to remember: 

• Army – Green 

• Air Force – White 

• Marines – Red 

• Navy – Blue 

• Coast Guard – Yellow 

Your gift not only supports the future of Circle of Lights® — it honors the memories, stories, and veterans who stand at the heart of Monument Circle. 

Help Us Keep Spirits Bright for the Next Generation 

Help us ensure that this beloved tradition continues to shine for decades to come. Together, we can preserve the magic, the meaning, and the light that brings Indianapolis together every holiday season. 

Donate today and keep the spirit bright!