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Christmas in Lights event kicks off the season early at Liberty University

The 10th annual Christmas in Lights hosted by Student Activities ushered in the holiday season at Liberty University on Tuesday.

The event drew the student body to the Academic Lawn in front of the Montview Student Union, with many arriving in festive sweaters to share in the Christmas cheer with their friends. While waiting for the tree to be lit, students sipped hot chocolate and sang Christmas carols led by a choir and brass ensemble from Liberty University School of Music.

As they do every year, President Jerry Falwell and his wife, Becki, welcomed the students and participated in the tree lighting. They were accompanied by their two granddaughters, Virginia and Reagan. Cheers erupted as their daughter, Liberty sophomore Caroline Falwell, pushed the button to light the tree and the lampposts across the lawn. Students stuck around to snap photos with their friends in front of the tree.

“I’ve never seen a Christmas tree with that many lights — ever,” said Nicole Airesman, a freshman psychology student.

For freshman nursing student Keziah Smith, this event was a special time to spend with her new family at Liberty.

“My favorite part was being with other Liberty students and getting to celebrate Christmas together,” Smith said.

Students are out on Thanksgiving Break next week, returning on Dec. 2. Final exams run through Dec. 10. Residential classes for the spring semester begin Jan. 13.

“Our Christmas events and having campus lit up for a couple weeks helps students feel at home and gets them excited to travel and spend time with family and friends over the holidays,” said Student Activities director Stephanie Ward. “The Christmas season at Liberty is one of my favorites, and I’m so thankful that Student Activities gets to be a major part of that. We have such wonderful students on campus who showcase their talents to help kick off the Christmas season — from the choir and brass group at Christmas in Lights to the 100-plus students who will perform in Coffeehouse in just two short weeks. We provide ample spaces for students to get into the Christmas spirit.”

Student Activities’ Christmas Coffeehouse, one of the most popular events of the year, will be held Dec. 6 at 10:30 p.m. in the Vines Center.

Liberty’s Outdoor Recreation Department is also hosting two annual Christmas events. Christmas at Hydaway will be held on Dec. 5, 6, and 7 from 6-9 p.m. at the Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center. This Christmas tradition features a walk-through of beautiful light displays, build-your-own ornaments, bonfires, and Christmas treats. The annual Reindeer Run 2 Miler trail race will take place at 9 a.m. Dec. 7. This year, the race is sponsoring a local organization, Urban Mountain Adventures, to help promote their mission to create meaningful wilderness experiences for youth in the city of Lynchburg.

The School of Music will hold its annual Christmas on the Boulevard performances Dec. 3, Dec. 5, and Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall and will wrap up the semester with Amahl & the Night Visitors, in partnership with Opera on the James, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Academy Center of the Arts.

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