Steven Quinn and Trisha Shepherd make their Circle of Lights singing debuts November 23rd, but they have contrasting histories with the event that marks an unofficial start to the Christmas season in Downtown Indianapolis.

Quinn -- a contemporary Christian vocalist based in Carmel -- recalls seeing the lights turned on at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument when he was a youngster.

Shepherd, meanwhile, is spending her first holiday season in Indianapolis.

She moved here in August to work as a prime-time news anchor at WRTV (Channel 6). Because WRTV broadcasts the Circle of Lights festivities, Shepherd had no trouble viewing footage of last year's event.

"It just looks magical," says Shepherd, who previously worked at television stations in Des Moines, Iowa, and Champaign, Ill.

Quinn and Shepherd are scheduled to sing a duet of seasonal standard "Baby, It's Cold Outside," plus other tunes on their own.

The Circle of Lights entertainment roster also features famed gospel vocalist Sandi Patty with the African Children's Choir, the Le Rose Dance Academy Rosettes and country band Phillip Steven & the Open Road.

Patty and the African Children's Choir will preview their upcoming Hilbert Circle Theatre engagement of "Yuletide Celebration," which is scheduled Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht will make a cameo appearance at Circle of Lights to sing a duet with Patty.

Quinn, Shepherd, the Rosettes and Steven & the Open Road auditioned for their spots in the 45th annual Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481.

More than 90 acts tried to make the cut, according to Nanci Fields, executive director of Quality Connection, which represents 80 union contractors in Central Indiana.

Singing and dancing on the south side of the monument will begin at 6.p.m. The WRTV telecast starts at 7.p.m. Tens of thousands of in-person spectators will see Santa Claus flip a switch at 7:45 p.m. to illuminate nearly 5,000 bulbs on 52 strands.

Two hundred volunteer electricians installed the lights on Nov. 10.

"(Circle of Lights is) a fantastic way to showcase their expertise while giving back to the community," Fields says.

Fields cites tradition as her favorite aspect of the Circle of Lights show.

"I have a 7-year-old daughter, so this is something that I've been able to start with her," she says.

Newscaster Shepherd will share her first Circle of Lights with 5-year-old son Calvin and 2-year-old daughter Clara.

While working in Champaign, Shepherd moonlighted with portrayals of Sandy in a production of "Grease" and Fiona in a production of "Brigadoon."

Shepherd says WRTV weather forecaster Kevin Gregory hinted at chilly conditions when making an early prediction for Circle of Lights.

Quinn, who's sung "The Star-Spangled Banner" before two Colts games at the RCA Dome, says he doesn't expect to be intimidated by the large audience at Circle of Lights -- and seasonal weather would be fine with him.

"I hope it snows," Quinn says. "I just think that would enhance the moment."

Parking for Circle of Lights?

Monument Circle will close to vehicular traffic at 11 a.m. today for the annual lighting ceremony, said Julia Watson, vice president of Indianapolis Downtown Inc.

But with more than 66,000 parking spaces Downtown, finding a place to park shouldn't be a problem. Watson said spaces can be found at meters along Downtown streets, as well as in some parking garages and lots.

Before and after the show

Whether spectators arrive early or linger after Circle of Lights, Downtown Indianapolis is filled with entertainment options today:

"Holiday Treats on the Street" at the Conrad Hotel, 50 W. Washington St. The Conrad will serve complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider to pedestrians from 4 to 6 p.m. (317) 713-5000, www!.conradhotels.com.

"A Christmas Carol" at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St. 8 p.m. $54, $49, $39. (317) 635-5252, www.irtlive.com.

"Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" at Theatre on the Square, 627 Massachusetts Ave. 8 p.m. $30, $20. (317) 685-8687, www.tots.org.

"A Very Phoenix Xmas" at the Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave. 8 p.m. $25, $15 ages 24 and younger. (317) 635-7529, www.phoenixtheatre.org.

"Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience" at the IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. 8:55.p.m. $13.50, $11 ages 60 and older, $10 ages 12 and under. (317) 233-4629, www.imax.com/indy

Comedian Mike Hessman at Crackers Comedy Club, 247 S. Meridian St. 10:30 p.m. $18 and $13. (317) 631-3536, www.crackerscomedy.com.

"A Christmas Carol Unscripted" improvisational comedy at ComedySportz Indianapolis, 721 Massachusetts Ave. 10 p.m. $12. (317) 951-8499, www.indycomedy!sportz.com.

Blues musicians Gene Deer and Gordon Bonham at the Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S. Meridian St. 9 p.m. $5. (317) 631-6974, www.slipperynoodle.com.

Conga Jazz at Chatterbox Jazz Club, 435 Massachusetts Ave. 10:30 p.m. $5. (317) 636-0584, www.chatterboxjazz.com.