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
Use the following links to easily navigate to event details and schedule of events:

Event Details
Date & Time
Friday, November 25, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 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: 5:00-8:00 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: 5:30 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.
Bloomington Chamber Singers Performance and other
Location: Around The Square
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Details: Enjoy a holiday performance by the Bloomington Chamber Singers, the Peace Choir and Music Makers.
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: 6:45 pm
Details:
- Welcome by emcee, Jim Inman, and local officials
- Light up a Life with IU Health Hospice Tree lighting
- Constellation Stage & Screen presents a song from their holiday show, Elf the Musical.
- Windfall Dancers, Inc. perform as dancing holiday elves
- 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: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Details: Santa will be at the Fountain Square Mall for photos after the lighting ceremony.