Canopy of Lights
Visitors gather in downtown Bloomington around the Monroe County Courthouse to watch Santa flip the switch and illuminate miles of holiday lights. The festivities feature performances by local music groups, dancing elves, and community sing-alongs. Guests can also meet costumed characters, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, and visit Santa at Fountain Square.
Fri, Nov 27, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate, cookies, and kettle corn are available around The Square.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Visit downtown businesses during the lighting ceremony, as many are open for the event.
- Bring letters for Santa to drop off in the Fountain Square atrium.
- Plan to visit Fountain Square after the lighting ceremony for Santa photos.
- Bring cash or a payment method for hot chocolate, cookies, and kettle corn; food and drinks are available around The Square.
- If you want to attend the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra performance, buy tickets for that separately scheduled event.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Monroe County History Center Holiday Open House offers free entry for holiday games, crafts, and exhibit spaces.
- Santa leads the lighting countdown, then is available for photos at Fountain Square Mall after the ceremony.
- The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra performs “Celebrate the Season” in two separately ticketed performances.
- Downtown businesses are open during the lighting ceremony.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canopy of Lights a family event?
Yes. The event invites families to downtown and includes holiday activities, performances, and a Santa visit.
What can visitors do during the festivities?
See local music performances, join Christmas sing-alongs, meet costumed characters, and drop letters to Santa in the Fountain Square atrium. The Monroe County History Center also has holiday games and crafts during its open house.
What food and drinks are available?
Hot chocolate, cookies, and kettle corn are available around The Square.
Where can children meet Santa or leave a letter?
Santa is available for photos at Fountain Square after the lighting ceremony. Letters to Santa can be dropped off in the Fountain Square atrium.
Are there other activities nearby?
The Monroe County History Center holds a free holiday open house with exhibit spaces, games, and crafts. The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra also performs at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater; tickets are required for that performance.
Browse Christmas in Bloomington
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.