ETSU began the holiday season on Monday, Nov. 13 with the annual Holiday Lights ceremony. The season will offer exciting opportunities on campus like skating on the synthetic ice-skating rink and attending various musical performances.  

Monday’s kick-off included free hot chocolate and cookies, along with live music from the ETSU Jazz Ensemble. President Noland and SGA President Trent White opened the ceremony with quick remarks. There was a special appearance of Bucky and Santa Claus to commemorate the lighting. President Noland described it as, “a chance for the entire university community to come together to step away from the hustle and bustle of this semester.”

Photo taken at the annual Holiday Lights ceremony. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

Noland said that the lighting ceremony has a special place in his heart and is one of his favorite ETSU holiday events. “About 11 years ago, I was in a car accident, broke my neck, and I spent a month and a half not able to do anything,” said Noland, “The first time I left the house was when my wife drove me here to see these lights. So, every single year I look forward to this, because it reminds me how special this place is and how fortunate I am to be here.”  

The event also included free showings of “Frosty the Snowman” in the newly renovated Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall.  

That same night was the official opening of the ETSU Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink which is located on the University Commons. President Noland shared that this is the first year the lighting ceremony and the opening of the ice-skating rink coincided on the same night.  

The next big upcoming event is Bucky’s Blizzard Block Party on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the University Commons. The event will consist of free ice skating, music, giveaways and free food. There will be a chance for students to acquire another collectible ETSU pin.  

The Department of Music’s Holiday Concert will be held on Dec. 2 in the Martin Center with performances happening at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Jazz Ensemble will perform their holiday concert on Dec. 8 in the Martin Center at 7:30 p.m. 

With the wide variety of events offered this holiday season, there is something for everyone.