On Thursday evening, students, faculty and staff, and members of the community braved some of the coldest weather of the season to enjoy one of Elon's most beloved traditions: the annual Holiday Celebration and lighting ceremony on Scott Plaza.
Associate Chaplain Phil Smith opened the celebration with an invitation to “enjoy hot chocolate and Hanukkah, carols and Clauses” as the crowd of children and children-at-heart sipped on cocoa and cider.
Representatives of Elon Hillel lit two candles on a Menorah in observance of the second night of Hanukkah and shared with the crowd a brief history of the holiday and a traditional Hannukah song in Hebrew.
Afterward, carolers took to the steps of Alamance and joined a brass quintet and led the audience in a series of Christmas favorites. As they sang “Deck The Halls,” thousands of lights illuminated campus from Moseley Center to Alamance.
The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life sponsored the evening.
Click here to view a slide show of the event featuring photos by University Photographer Kim Walker.
Students, alumni and friends spoke about what Elon’s annual lighting ceremony means to them and why they joined in the celebration:
“I love Christmas carols and the atmosphere – it’s all great!” – Morgan D’Arcy, freshman, Chicago, Ill.
“I like the moment they light all the lights. It’s one of only a few events the entire student body comes out for.” – Emily Miller, senior, Winston-Salem, N.C.
“It’s a festive way to open the holiday season. I have fond memories of Elon, and it’s always good to come back!” – Ian Baltutis, Class of 2008, Burlington, N.C.
“I like that everyone comes together – it’s the holiday season!” – Tyler Drewitz, senior, East Windsor, N.J.
“Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I heard from my upperclassman friends that the lights were really pretty.” – Lauren Reiman, freshman, Kansas City, Kan.
“The day after Thanksgiving, they light up Church Street in my hometown, and I go with my family and friends. This is like that, but with my Elon friends.” – Maria Castine, freshman, Milton, Vt.
“It’s part of the Elon tradition, something people can look forward to in the winter, and it’s a nice break from studying from exams.” – Jennifer Tucci, Class of 2009, Assistant Director of Annual Giving for Elon Athletics
“I love cocoa and friends and Christmas!” – Katy Steele, freshman, Dayton, Ohio
“I’m obsessed with Christmas Carols, and I love the music!” – Allison Kutz, junior, Cleveland, Ohio
“It’s one of those fantastic events the university puts on.” – Dusty Rhodes
“…and we love the music!” – Peggy Rhodes, Elon parents, Gibsonville, N.C.
“I heard a lot about it, that it’s one of the most prominent events Elon has, so I wanted to check it out.” – Connor O’Donnell, freshman, Winston-Salem, N.C.
“A lot of my upperclassman friends told me to come – it’s great to be with friends, have cocoa and celebrate Christmas.” – Andrew Wolschag, freshman, Cary, N.C.
“It’s something everyone loves and looks forward to every year.” – Lizzy Nelson, freshman, Cincinnati, Ohio