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East Tennessee State University’s annual Holiday Lights Celebration returns this year, featuring a new 16-foot walk-through ornament display and an array of festive activities. 

The community is invited to the lighting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 18, at 5:45 p.m. at ETSU’s Alumni Plaza (at Burgin Dossett Hall facing the Carillon). The event is free and open to the public. 

Festivities will include live music from student ensembles, a movie, free hot cocoa, cookies and more. ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland, SGA President Hunter Turgeon and ETSU’s beloved mascot, Bucky, will take part in the lighting ceremony. 

The new photoshoot-worthy lights display will be set up in front of University School and consists of a 16-foot-tall walk-through ornament alongside two smaller ornaments. 

“We are excited to once again share the joy of the season with our community through this beloved tradition,” said Noland. “This year’s new display adds extra wonder to our celebration, and we hope it delights all who visit.” 

In addition to the lighting ceremony, the evening will include several other festivities: 

– As part of the ETSU Alumni Arctic Adventures winter series, the ETSU National Alumni Association will host a cookie-decorating party before the lighting ceremony. This event will be held from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Alumni House, located on campus at 908 West Maple St. Alumni and families are encouraged to RSVP online at etsualumni.org/arcticadventures.
– In partnership with Brightspeed Internet, this evening marks this year’s grand opening of the synthetic ice-skating rink, a popular addition to ETSU’s University Commons. After the holiday lights are turned on, skating will be free to ETSU students, faculty and staff with a valid ID. The public is also welcome to skate.

– Returning for a second year are the free screenings of holiday children’s classics at ETSU’s Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” will be shown at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.
The holidays are a magical time at East Tennessee State University, and the community is invited to join in the festivities. From light displays throughout campus to skating and arts events, discover all the ways ETSU can add joy to the season by visiting our holiday hub at etsu.edu/holidays. Let ETSU help make your season bright!