Bloomington's Annual Canopy Of Lights Friday

Last updated on Thursday, November 24, 2016

(BLOOMINGTON) - Bloomington’s downtown square will light up this Friday to celebrate the approaching holiday season with the 31st Annual Canopy of Lights.

Downtown Bloomington Inc. puts on the Bloomington tradition in partnership with Monroe County government and CFC Properties, which provides lighting for the buildings and trees around the square.

Indiana University provides evergreen decorations, with the city of Bloomington adding twinkling snowflakes.

More than 50 downtown supporters come together to help purchase light bulbs and wiring and create special events that create lasting memories.

The main event of the celebration is the ceremonial lighting at 7 p.m. with the help of Santa Claus and Polka Dot the Clown. Other local dignitaries such as Mayor John Hamilton, the Monroe County commissioners and Keith Klein of the Monroe County Community School Corp. board also will be there.

Coppock said the crowd that gathers along the courthouse lawn and on a closed-off section of Kirkwood Avenue will come together in counting down the official lighting.

A celebration of the holiday season will not be complete without holiday music, hot cider and holiday pastries. The Jordan River carolers will be singing carols starting at 6 p.m. around the 40-foot holiday tree in the courthouse.

In addition, the Bloomington Brass Band will be performing on Kirkwood Avenue, and the Bloomington Chamber Singers will be inside the Fountain Square Mall starting at 6 p.m.

Those interested in a holiday snack can find them at the Monroe History Center Open House from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Canopy of Lights kicks off a busy holiday season for many downtown businesses and residents are encouraged to join the Holiday Window Walk to see how shops have decorated their store fronts.

Canopy of Lights schedule:

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: WonderLab activities including create a work of art with Scribble Bot.
6 p.m.: Monroe County Courthouse Open to view the 40-foot decorated tree under the Rotunda; Holiday Window Walk - Enjoy a simpler time viewing our brick and mortar shop decorated holiday windows
5-9 p.m.: Monroe History Center Open House - hot cider, pastries, music and holiday sale
5:30 p.m.: Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at Buskirk-Chumley Theater (Tickets) Kid Friendly
6 p.m.: Local First launch of Holiday Gift Guide hosted by Royale Hair Parlor- North Side of Square Cookies for Critters at Goods for Cooks
6 p.m.: Bloomington Brass Band on Kirkwood
6 p.m.: Bloomington Chamber Singers inside Fountain Square Mall
6:30 p.m.: Music Makers inside Fountain Square Mall by Stefano's Ice Cafe
7 p.m.: Lighting ceremony (free), followed by photos with Santa at Fountain Square Mall ($5)
8 p.m.: Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at Buskirk-Chumley Theater (ticketed)

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page