After being unable to gather for in-person Christmas events last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Samford University will celebrate the holiday season with a day of festivities and performances, including beloved traditions like Hanging of the Green and Lighting of the Way. The day, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”: A Day of Christmas Celebration, will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2.
The day will begin with Christmas Around the World in Reid Chapel and conclude with the opening night performance of A Christmas Carol, a musical, featuring students from the School of the Arts and the Samford Orchestra. The annual Christmas lunch will be held in The Caf from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hanging of the Green will be held in Reid Chapel at 4 p.m., followed by Lighting of the Way on the University Quadrangle. The Hanging of the Green service also will be available via livestream for those who cannot attend in person. To watch, visit samford.edu/live.
Based on an old English custom, Hanging of the Green consists of hanging garland around Reid Chapel, lighting an Advent wreath, decorating a Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music from university musicians.
Lighting of the Way will take place on Centennial Walk and will include a reading from President and Mrs. Taylor and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Students, employees and friends are encouraged to purchase tickets for A Christmas Carol, a musical and attend the show after Lighting of the Way.
Below is a complete schedule for “O Come, All Ye Faithful”: A Day of Christmas Celebration:
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Christmas Around the World | Reid Chapel |
| 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Christmas Lunch | The Caf |
| 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | A Taste of Christmas Around the World | Divinity Hall S-121 |
| 4 p.m. | Hanging of the Green | Reid Chapel |
| 4:45 p.m. | Carols from the Davis Library Carillon | University Quadrangle |
| 5-7 p.m. | Lighting of the Way | Centennial Walk, University Quadrangle |
| 7:30 p.m. | A Christmas Carol, a musical | Wright Center (Tickets) |
