Horse-drawn carriages, ice skating and musical performances will usher in the season at Lander University's Holiday Tree Lighting celebration on Tuesday, November 27.
The university kicks off the holiday season when students return from Thanksgiving Break with a nostalgic celebration. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. outside on Assembly Plaza and extend to the Front Lawn of the Abney Cultural Center.
Festivities
Lander students, employees, alumni and their family members are invited to join in the fun which includes ice-skating, gingerbread house competitions, ornament painting and a Tacky Holiday Sweater contest. Guests will be treated to refreshments, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the sounds of carolers singing traditional holiday favorites. The lighting of the tree begins at 7:30 p.m. with a musical performance featuring a brass quintet led by Dr. Reed Gallo, associate professor of Music.
Toy Donations
In continuing the goodwill initiatives of the university, guests attending the event are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for children ages 4-12. Tommy Claus collection boxes will be located on the plaza for donated items. Donated toys will be delivered to children in the Lakelands area during the Christmas season.
Concert
The evening concludes with a choral performance featuring Lander's Old Main Singers and the University Singers. Directed by Dr. Chuck Neufeld, the concert "A Ceremony for Christmas" begins at 8 p.m. in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. The concert is free, open to the public, and FALS approved for Lander students.