Christmas in Lights kicks off campus holiday celebrations

Liberty University’s Student Activities Department hosted its annual Christmas in Lights on Monday, where students, faculty and staff, and the Lynchburg community gathered on the Academic Lawn to kickstart the holiday season.

The event featured live Christmas music, free hot chocolate and cookies, a tree lighting ceremony, and a live nativity with a camel and donkeys that students could pet, feed, and take pictures with.

“I look forward to this every year,” said junior Leah Pepe, a digital marketing and advertising student. “I love that even though we don’t get to spend Christmas all together, we can gather right before it and celebrate early as a college family.”

Liberty’s Thanksgiving Break is Nov. 24-28. Final exams begin on Dec. 8, and Winter Break is Dec. 13-Jan. 11.

A student choir led the crowd in classic carols like “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas.”

During a talk at the beginning of the night, Student Activities event staff and biblical studies student Ty Justice said that Christians should use this season to go out and share the Good News with unbelievers. He said a great thing about the holiday season is that many unbelievers are singing songs and hearing stories about Jesus.

Later, Liberty President Dondi E. Costin and his wife, Vickey, stood on the Montview Student Union steps and led a10-second countdown before yelling “Light em’ up” and illuminating the tree in the center of the Academic Lawn.

“I think the fact that we were able to sing Christmas carols and see the lights in the cold is just so incredible,” said sophomore Drew Wallworth, who is studying finance and financial planning. “I’m from Florida, so anytime we do a Christmas tree lighting it’s never cold. Being able to do it here is a special experience; it truly feels like Christmas now.”

The night ended with a performance by senior Chapman Lee Peugh, who sang “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” and other holiday classics.

As the days continue to count down to Christmas, Liberty students have several other opportunities to join in on the holiday festivities before they head home to spend time with their families. On Thursday, the Student Activities Department will host Bingo, Did You Know? at 8 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space. The last Convocation of the year will be a special Advent Convocation on Dec. 5. On Dec. 6, Liberty will hold its annual Christmas Coffeehouse, this year titled “Under the Tree” in the Vines Center at 11:30 p.m. (See the full schedule of activities). There will be two Christmas on the Boulevard concerts, with the Classic concert on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and the Pop concert on Dec. 9 also at 7:30 p.m.

Pepe said she can’t wait for the other holiday events, noting that Christmas Coffeehouse, one of the largest Student Activities events, is always a favorite.

“This is what college is all about, making fun memories with friends.”