Christmas in Lights marks beginning of the holiday season at Liberty

The Christmas season was officially ushered in by Liberty University’s Student Activities Office on Monday at the annual Christmas in Lights.

Students gathered on the Academic Lawn in front of the Montview Student Union and sang carols while enjoying free hot chocolate and cookies as they waited for the tree to be lit.

“My favorite part was being able to kick off Christmas time with all my friends,” said freshman Rivvyn Café.

A new addition to the celebration this year was a live nativity featuring donkeys, sheep, and a camel. The animals were in pins outside for students and visitors to pet and snap pictures with.

“For all of us, Liberty is more than a dorm or a classroom. It’s a home,” said Director of Student Activities Cort Comfort. “And in an effort to make it feel more like home, what could be more important than a Christmas tree? It is a symbol letting all know that this is a place to gather and be merry. This is a place to treat others with love and kindness.”

He said the tree lighting event has been an annual tradition for over 10 years.

“Each year the students seem to outdo themselves. We always love seeing the costumes, ugly sweaters, and winter clothes come out at this event.”

The sense of community on campus was felt as students gathered to talk and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The night came to a close with the student band Off the Record performing a collection of all-time favorite Christmas songs.