Christmas in Lights kicks off the 2024 holiday season at LU

Liberty University’s Student Activities Department opened the holiday season on Monday with its annual Christmas in Lights celebration.

Students gathered on the Academic Lawn to sing Christmas carols, drink hot chocolate, and watch the official lighting of the tree.

The event featured a live nativity with sheep, a donkey, and a camel, and students could pet and take photos with the animals.

“I love getting dressed up in sweaters and celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season with everyone,” said sophomore Skyla Frank. “Seeing the tree all lit makes campus feel so much brighter and happier,”

Guests were treated to special Christmas performances by the Low Brass Ensemble and the LU Chamber Singers, followed by Dr. John Hugo, professor of vocal music and chair of the Department of Ensembles and General Music, who led the guests in classic Christmas carols accompanied by the LU Concert Choir and University Chorale.

“There is just something extra special about Christmas,” said President Dondi E. Costin before his wife, Vickey, lit the tree. “Really, it’s all about Jesus. We celebrate Him all season long.”

The night ended with a Christmas performance by singer Emma Jordan.

As the days continue to count down to Winter Break (Dec. 14-Jan. 5), Liberty students have several other opportunities to join in holiday festivities before they head home to spend time with their familieis.

On Thursday, Student Activities will host ‘Twas the Night Before Bingo at 8 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space. Liberty’s last Convocation of 2024 will be a special Advent Convocation on Dec. 6. On Dec. 7, Liberty will hold its annual Christmas Coffeehouse, this year titled “Candy Cane Lane,” in the Vines Center at 11:30 p.m.

The School of Music will be performing two Christmas on the Boulevard concerts in its Concert Hall next month, with the Pops Concert on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Classic Concert on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.