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/community/merryandbright

Merry & Bright at Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥

As we enter this season of reflection, gratitude, and joy, we extend our warmest wishes to all members of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ community. The holidays remind us of the values we cherish and of the many ways our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends embody these principles throughout the year.

We are so excited to invite you to our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 2, 2026 in the Rotunda. Join us after the tree lighting for activities, Mr. and Mrs. Clause, carolers, and more!

From our Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ family to yours,
Warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas season and a blessed New Year.

Celebrate the Season at Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥!

Christmas Tree Lighting

Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, the signature event of the season, takes place in the Rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center on Wednesday, December 2, at 4 p.m. Enjoy beautiful performances from the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Chamber Singers and find out the winners of the office decorating contest!


Christmas Craft Fair

The Christmas Craft fair will be held from 12pm - 6pm in the Liguori Center and Regina Hall, offering handmade gifts and treats for holiday shoppers.

View the Christmas Tree

The beautiful 25-foot Christmas tree may be viewed during regular building hours from December 2–23, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Additional campus displays include an outdoor Nativity scene at the Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue and seasonal decorations in the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden by the Learning Commons.


Enjoy a Sweet Treat

After the tree lighting, enjoy freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider ! Firepits will also be available to help you stay cozy and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Sounds of the Season

Sounds of the season will be shared by Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥’s award-winning student-run radio station, VMFM 91.7 , which transforms into Christmas 91.7 to broadcast commercial-free Christmas music around the clock from December 2 through New Year’s Day, available locally on-air or streamed online and through the Tune-In app.


Mr. & Mrs. Claus

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus, write your Letter to Santa, and capture a special holiday memory with a photo with them!

Community Service

Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥’s Office of Community Service and Social Justice is conducting a drive for new, unwrapped toys from November 17-December 15, to benefit children and teens served by Friends of the Poor/Catherine McAuley Center and Catholic Social Services . All toy donations must be valued at $25 and under and will be part of the annual “Gifts for Kids Holiday Gift Giveaway” at St. Mary’s Center. Drop-off locations for new, unwrapped toys are available on campus at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life and in the Nazareth Student Center (near the fireplace). During the Craft Fair/Tree Lighting event on December 2, unwrapped toy donations may also be brought to designated drop-off areas at the Liberal Arts Center and in the Liguori Center.

The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Office of Military and Veteran Services and the Hearts for Heroes Club is donating gently used clothes and other items to help local veterans. The donation drive is running from now through Friday, December 11 . The donation drive will help support local veterans at St. Francis Commons , a local veterans’ housing and social services facility. Items needed include long johns, warm shirts, sweaters, blankets, shaving supplies, and shower supplies. Donations can be dropped off at the Liberal Arts Center, Room 101, located in the vestibule of the Rotunda.

The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Student Government Association is sponsoring a “Letters from Santa” project. Letters for any child may be requested, and there is no cost, but requests must be received by December 4. Complete the request form at: .