A rescheduling due to rain didn't stop the Elon community from coming together with 'many lights on one night,' for the annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries.
The Elon University campus was illuminated with “Many Lights on One Night” for the annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries on Dec. 4, featuring the largest number of participants in the event’s history.
The annual Elon tradition invites students, faculty, staff and neighbors to explore the wide range of religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions and worldviews represented at Elon through interactive and educational stations spread out across campus. The event, originally scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, was moved to Dec. 4 due to inclement weather.
Walkways shimmered with light, guiding guests as they explored new ideas met new people and experienced the richness of Elon’s community in meaningul, hands-on ways.
“Tonight’s luminaries reflected what we strive for every day — a campus where many faiths, many cultures, and many stories illuminate one shared path of belonging,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement.
With the theme “Many Lights on One Night,” the 2025 festival featured the largest number of participants in its history, with a record 36 stations: 24 educational tables, seven entertainment stations, three refreshment areas, and two informational tables.
Friends Rio Franzoso ’26, Jacob Whitmer ’26, Luca Crest ’26 and Logan Corriveau ’26 were taking in the lights together on Thursday.
“It’s a great way to get to know what’s on campus,” said Corriveau, a double major in finance and economic consulting. “There’s so many ways to get involved, and I think this is a great way to walk around with their friends and see what is actually offered on campus.”
For the 11th year, the luminaries featured the names of university donors spread throughout the Historic Neighborhood, the Lambert Academic Village and Under the Oaks. Franzoso’s mother gifted a luminary in her name, so she wanted to come to the festival and take a photo with the light.
“This event, amongst others at Elon, does a good job separating Elon from other universities,” said Franzoso ’26, an elementary education major. “There’s a broader sense of community involvement, and it’s a pillar of their undergraduate education.”
Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement, says that the opportunity to come together makes this celebration unique and cherished on campus.
“It isn’t often that we get to pause and celebrate what matters to all of us. Spending time together, enjoying the lights that brighten the darkness across our beautiful campus, and recognizing the light we find in one another – that is what the Festival of Lights and Luminaries is all about,” said Zaken.
At Fonville Fountain, outside of Alamance Building, the Asian-Pacific Students Association offered people the opportunity to write their wishes, hopes and messages on floating lanterns, a tradition in many Asian cultures and festivals, and place them in Fonville Fountain.
Princess Lord ’28, a human service studies major, placed her wish in the fountain and reflected on how the celebration brings everyone together.
“It shows how Elon is trying to be inclusive and show respect and appreciation for the students and their culture,” said Lord.
The festival’s success is a collaborative effort, with contributions from the Truitt Center, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, Facilities Management, Technology Services, Catering, Student Involvement, University Advancement, University Communications and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life.