On Nov. 18, ETSU is hosting its annual Holiday Lights Celebration at 5:45 p.m. The time has come to spread holiday cheer to students, staff and the community and gather for a special night.
This beloved ETSU tradition is in its twelfth year and is growing each year. President Dr. Brian Noland speaks about the history of this event and how it has become what it is now. He mentions how in the first year in 2012, the only lights were a carillon, which expanded year by year by adding a new building or place on campus to the mix.
“In the fall of 2012, we brought a small group together to talk about how we could develop traditions at ETSU and what we could do to celebrate the holidays. The idea was that you had all the lights up at Bristol Motor Speedway, could we do something here?” shared Noland.
In 2020, COVID-19 put this event into perspective. Noland says that after practicing social distancing and being on lockdown, returning in the fall gave people something to enjoy and gather around. Since then, the Holiday Lights Celebration has grown, including last year, with the introduction of the synthetic ice rink and the Christmas cartoons in the Bud Frank Theatre.
“For many, it is an opportunity to have something they look forward to year after year. For university friends and family to come together and celebrate the institution, that was the whole goal to bring people together, have fun, have a chance of reflection and for this to turn into something that will be here long after we are all gone,” stated Noland.
As this year’s celebration is underway, there are new hidden gems that have been added in addition to the lights and the ice skating rink. Some new additions include lights at the Martin Center, new lights on poles and much more to look out for. This ETSU tradition brings the community close and gives a home-away-from-home experience. Be sure to come out, grab hot chocolate and treats and spend your night with ETSU under the Holiday Lights.
