Experience one of Bloomington's most magical winter traditions.

Bring the entire family to downtown Bloomington to witness Santa flipping the switch to transform the area into a sparkling, winter wonderland. Thousands of lights display on and around the Monroe County Courthouse, turning the area into a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie. Attendees can also enjoy:

  • Performances by several local music groups
  • Hot chocolate & festive snacks
  • Sing-along Christmas songs
  • Dropping off letters to Santa in the atrium of Fountain Square Mall

 

Be sure to visit the many downtown businesses open during the lighting ceremony.

 

 
 
Canopy of Lights Santa In Bloomington, IN
 


Event Details

Date & Time

Friday, November 24, 2023, 6:00 pm

Location

Various locations around The Square and on Kirkwood Avenue

Admission

Admission is free for the Canopy of Lights! The City of Bloomington also provides free metered parking throughout downtown all weekend in celebration of the event and holiday season.


Schedule of Events

Monroe County History Center Holiday Open House

Location: Monroe County History Center
Time: 5:00-9:00 pm 
Details: Explore the History Center's new holiday exhibit, play holiday games, and create holiday crafts!

Bloomington Symphony Orchestra Presents: Celebrate the Season

Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Time: 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Details: Enjoy a seasonal performance by the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Buy tickets here.

Holiday Activities Around The Square

Location: The Square
Time: 6:00 pm
Details: Meet costumed characters, listen to B97 & Hoosier Country 105's live radio broadcasts, and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and kettle corn. 

Monroe County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with the Hoosier Hills Food Bank, is sponsoring a food drive at the Canopy of Lights. They will have a drop-off point for non-perishable food and monetary donations at the event and will continue to have donation barrels inside the Courthouse Rotunda through Giving Tuesday, November 28th.

Bloomington Brass Band Performance

Location: Kirkwood Avenue Stage 
Time: 6:15 pm
Details: Enjoy a holiday performance by the Bloomington Brass Band. 

Lighting Ceremony Events

Location: Kirkwood Avenue Stage 
Time: 7:00 pm
Details: 

  • Welcome by emcee, Jim Inman and local officials
  • Light up a Life with IU Health Hospice Tree lighting  
  • Windfall Dancers
  • Constellation Stage + Screen musical performances from Matilda
  • Community sing-along, "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
  • Santa arrives to lead the countdown to the official lighting of the Canopy of Lights

Location: Fountain Square Mall
Time: TBD
Details:  Santa will be at the Fountain Square Mall for photos after the lighting ceremony.

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