Circle of Lights 2026
Venue: Monument Circle
Expected Attendance: 100,000+
Official Website →Indianapolis's beloved holiday kickoff. Circle of Lights transforms Monument Circle into a winter wonderland with over 4,700 lights strung across the Soldiers and Sailors Monument — the largest Christmas tree in the world. The free lighting ceremony draws 100,000+ spectators and marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in central Indiana. Live entertainment, local performances, and a countdown to the big switch-on.
Schedule, expo tips, dining, hotels, parking, and what to expect.
Insider Tips
Where to Eat & Drink
Our picks for Circle of Lights 2026 attendees
Sports Bar / American
“Open until 3 AM with cold beer and solid bar food — the go-to late-night spot on Meridian”
255 S Meridian St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Buca di Beppo
Italian
“Family-style Italian that feeds the whole group — huge portions meant to share”
35 N Illinois St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Harry & Izzy's
Steakhouse / American
“St. Elmo's more casual sister restaurant — same ownership, same famous shrimp cocktail, easier to get a table”
153 S Illinois St
🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center
American / Bar Food
“Massive menu, strong drinks, open late — the go-to post-event hangout for convention crowds”
201 S Meridian St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
St. Elmo Steak House
Steakhouse
“World-famous shrimp cocktail that'll clear your sinuses — an Indianapolis institution since 1902”
127 S Illinois St
🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center
Yard House
American / Craft Beer
“Over 100 beers on tap and a massive menu — connected to Circle Centre Mall near the Convention Center”
15 W Maryland St
🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center
Neighborhoods to Explore
Where to Stay
Convention hotels with skywalk access to downtown venues
Aloft Indianapolis Downtown
“Trendy Marriott lifestyle hotel opened 2025 — WXYZ bar, splash pool, and steps from Monument Circle and Gainbridge Fieldhouse”
136 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 12 min walk from Convention Center
Bottleworks Hotel
“Stunning boutique hotel in the restored 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant — rated #1 boutique hotel in the US”
850 Massachusetts Ave
🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center
Conrad Indianapolis
“Hilton's luxury flag with a full-service spa, Capital Grille steakhouse, and skywalk access to the Convention Center”
50 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 8 min walk (skywalk) from Convention Center
“Quiet Courtyard adjacent to the Indiana State Capitol with an indoor pool and outdoor sun patio”
320 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 14 min walk from Convention Center
Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown
“Skywalk connected to both the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium — part of the six-hotel Marriott IndyPlace complex”
601 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center
Crowne Plaza Union Station
“Sleep in a converted Pullman train car inside historic Union Station — connected to Convention Center via skybridge”
123 W Louisiana St
🚶 Connected via skybridge from Convention Center
Embassy Suites Downtown
“All-suite hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception — great value for families”
110 W Washington St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
“Free breakfast with skywalk access to the Convention Center — the budget-friendly entry point into the Marriott IndyPlace complex”
501 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center
Hampton Inn Downtown — Circle Centre
“Free hot breakfast in the historic 1929 Chesapeake Building — 5-minute walk to the Convention Center, across from Circle Centre”
105 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
“Free breakfast on the Central Canal Walk — built around a preserved 1869 historic church, dual-brand with Homewood Suites”
414 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center
“Steps from Monument Circle with 12-foot ceilings, city skyline views, full restaurant and bar, and a heated indoor pool”
10 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
“On the corner of Illinois and Market — walking distance to everything downtown”
120 W Market St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
“Free breakfast one block from the Convention Center — the closest budget-tier hotel to the main convention hall”
410 S Missouri St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 2 min walk from Convention Center
Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown
“Full-service mid-tier hotel with on-site restaurant and indoor pool — adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium”
515 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
“Extended-stay suites with full kitchens, free breakfast, and a saline indoor pool near Monument Circle”
115 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
“All-suite extended stay with full kitchens, free hot breakfast, and skywalk access to Circle Centre and the Convention Center”
211 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center
“Full kitchen suites and free breakfast on the Canal Walk — shares a historic church building with Hampton Inn IUPUI”
414 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center
Hotel Indy (Tribute Portfolio)
“Racing-themed Marriott boutique with a rooftop Cannon Ball Lounge and one of the few downtown hotels with complimentary parking”
141 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown
“Extended-stay Hyatt with full kitchen suites, free breakfast, and 15th-floor indoor pool — shares building with Hyatt Place”
130 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
“Free hot breakfast and a 15th-floor indoor pool directly across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse”
130 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
“Connected to Convention Center via skywalk — revolving rooftop restaurant with city views”
1 S Capitol Ave
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
“Solid convention hotel adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium and connected to the Convention Center”
350 W Maryland St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
InterContinental Indianapolis
“Opened 2025 in the restored 1926 Illinois Building — rooftop bar with Monument Circle views and the city's only Penthouse Suite”
17 W Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
JW Marriott Indianapolis
“Largest hotel in Indiana — connected to the Convention Center via skywalk”
10 S West St
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
Kimpton Hotel Indianapolis
“Boutique lifestyle hotel coming to downtown Indianapolis in late 2026”
Downtown Indianapolis
🚶 Walking distance (exact TBD) from Convention Center
“Free parking and free breakfast near Monument Circle — one of the only budget downtown hotels with on-site parking”
401 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Le Méridien Indianapolis
“Boutique Marriott in the historic Canterbury building — skywalk connected to the Convention Center with Spoke & Steele restaurant”
123 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center
Omni Severin Hotel
“Historic luxury hotel across the street from Union Station — a downtown Indy landmark since 1913”
40 W Jackson Pl
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
“All-suite Marriott hotel steps from the Indianapolis Canal Walk — a comfortable extended-stay option near the Convention Center”
350 W New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre
“The only downtown hotel with a rooftop outdoor pool — Monument Circle views, bowling alley, and 378 rooms”
31 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Signia by Hilton Indianapolis
“Downtown Indianapolis's newest major convention hotel — 800 rooms, skywalk-connected to the ICC, opening Fall 2026”
200 S Illinois St
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
“All-suite hotel with free breakfast and skywalk access to the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium — part of Marriott IndyPlace”
601 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 Skywalk connected from Convention Center
“Extended-stay suites with free breakfast and Mon–Wed evening social adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium”
535 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
The Alexander
“Boutique art hotel in the Autograph Collection — modern design, walkable to everything downtown”
333 S Delaware St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
“Extended-stay Marriott near Lucas Oil Stadium with full kitchen suites, rooftop garden, and BBQ grills”
629 Russell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 12 min walk from Convention Center
“Budget-modern Hilton near Lucas Oil Stadium — free breakfast, game room lobby, and the lowest Hilton Honors rate downtown”
601 Russell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
The Westin Indianapolis
“Connected to Convention Center and 200+ venues via the downtown skywalk system”
241 W Washington St
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
Parking
28 E South St Parking Lot
“Surface lot just south of Lucas Oil Stadium — a solid option for stadium and Convention Center events”
28 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
31 E South St Parking Lot
“Surface lot on East South Street — convenient for Lucas Oil Stadium and Convention Center events”
31 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
45 E South St Parking Lot
“24-hour surface lot on East South Street near Lucas Oil Stadium”
45 E South St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
501 S Meridian St Parking Lot
“24-hour surface lot on S Meridian — convenient for Lucas Oil Stadium events”
501-549 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Block Building Garage
“One of the closest garages to the Convention Center on Illinois Street — steps from the skywalk entrance”
50 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 4 min walk from Convention Center
Blue Garage (Circle Centre)
“South entrance to Circle Centre — escalator access to the mall and skywalk system”
26 W Georgia St
🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center
BMO Plaza Garage
“Mid-block Pennsylvania Street garage between Monument Circle and the north downtown corridor”
135 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Capital Center Garage
“Underground garage near Monument Circle with ~517 spaces — a quieter alternative to the Convention Center garages”
251 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Capitol Commons Garage
“Closest garage to the Convention Center — but you'll pay for the convenience”
20 N Capitol Ave
🚶 Adjacent from Convention Center
Circle Centre Mall Garage
“Best value downtown parking — $2 for up to 3 hours, connected to Circle Centre Mall and skywalk system”
48 W Maryland St
🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center
City Park Garage
“Pay-on-foot automated system near Gainbridge Fieldhouse — cameras on every floor”
120 E Washington St
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
CityWay North Garage
“CityWay mixed-use development garage — between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium on Delaware Street”
301 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 6 min walk from Convention Center
CityWay South Garage
“CityWay south parking structure — convenient for Lucas Oil Stadium and Convention Center overflow”
357 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Convention Center Lot 3
“Surface lot directly adjacent to the Convention Center south entrance — ~380 spaces”
327 S Missouri St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 Adjacent (south entrance) from Convention Center
Court Street Garage
“Connected to Claypool Court and the Indiana Repertory Theatre — one of the closest garages to the Convention Center”
33 N Capitol Ave
🚶 4 min walk from Convention Center
Express Park Garage
“24/7 garage right on Pennsylvania Street — early bird rate $15 if you enter before 9 AM”
20 N Pennsylvania St
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Gainbridge Fieldhouse Northeast Lot
“Official Pacers game-day lot directly northeast of Gainbridge Fieldhouse”
126 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Government Center Garage
“State government garage near the Statehouse — public access available, moderate rates”
100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Indiana Government Center North Garage
“North government garage at Senate & Ohio — public access, 10 min walk to Convention Center”
100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Huntington Plaza Garage
“Monument Circle-area garage on Pennsylvania Street — central location for downtown dining and events”
35 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 6 min walk from Convention Center
Hyatt Regency Garage
“Attached garage for the Hyatt Regency — 2 min walk to Convention Center, publicly accessible”
1 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 2 min walk from Convention Center
JW Marriott Garage
“Attached to the JW Marriott — connected to Convention Center via skywalk, publicly accessible”
10 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
Lucas Oil Stadium South Lot
“Largest surface lot adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium — 1,499 spaces, $20-40 on event days”
601 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Market District Garage
“One of the cheapest garages downtown — $8 max daily rate”
101 N New Jersey St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Market Tower Garage
“Central downtown garage steps from Monument Circle — $24 max daily”
139 N Illinois St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Marriott Place Garage
“Attached to the Courtyard and Residence Inn near the Convention Center — west-side convention parking”
501 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Merchants Garage
“Downtown garage steps from Monument Circle on South Meridian — good value for evening events”
31 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Omni Severin Garage
“Omni Severin's attached garage near Union Station — 7 min walk to Convention Center”
40 W Jackson Pl, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Pan Am Plaza Garage
“Large garage between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil — entrances on Capitol Ave and Illinois St”
201 S Capitol Ave
🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center
Plaza Park Garage
“Good value for Convention Center and Lucas Oil events — cheaper than Capitol Commons”
30 S Missouri St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Regions Tower Garage
“Best evening deal downtown — just $4 after 4 PM and on weekends”
150 E Ohio St
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
Sheraton Hotel Garage
“Sheraton Indianapolis hotel garage near Monument Circle — publicly accessible”
55 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Union Station Garage
“Best daily rates near the Convention Center — max $18 for 24 hours”
301 S Meridian St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Victory Field Lot
“Official Victory Field parking lot — also useful for Convention Center's west entrance and Lucas Oil events”
501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
🚶 6 min walk from Convention Center
Virginia Avenue Garage
“Skywalk-connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse — solid option for Pacers games and events”
155 S Delaware St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Washington Street Garage
“Skybridge to JW Marriott — great for Victory Field and Convention Center west side”
401 W Washington St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Westin Indianapolis Garage
“Attached garage for the Westin Indianapolis — connected to Convention Center, publicly accessible”
241 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 5 min walk / skywalk access from Convention Center
White River State Park Garage
“Main parking garage for White River State Park — serves the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, and Canal Walk”
650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 10 min walk from Convention Center
White River State Park Parking Lot
“Primary parking for the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, and White River State Park — ~10 min walk to Convention Center”
801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
🚶 10 min walk via Washington St from Convention Center