The Marist College community is preparing for its annual Holiday Tree Lighting, set to take place on November 19 at 5:15 p.m. in front of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel. The event will feature live music from the Marist Singers, cookies, hot chocolate, and an invitation for all to participate.
This year’s tree features a record 78,400 energy-efficient LED lights spread over 784 strands. The tree stands between 52 and 54 feet tall and has more lights than the well-known Rockefeller Center tree in New York City. Groundskeepers begin decorating the tree in October to ensure every detail is completed before winter weather arrives. Every fourth light on the tree is red, representing Marist pride.
Marist College has hosted a campus holiday tree since the 1980s. The current lighting display was introduced in 2002 and has become a central tradition for students and staff. “The tree lighting is my favorite tradition on campus,” said Emily Vincent ’28. “I went last year and it’s amazing how many people are in our little community. It was so much fun to form a little Whoville circle around the unlit tree and then watch it light up!”
Stephan Timozek ’27 commented, “As a first-year student, I’m excited to experience the tree lighting because it’s my first time taking part in a school holiday tradition. I’m looking forward to seeing how the school comes together and what it does to foster student bonding within the community during this event.”
Marist encourages attendees to share photos from the celebration via Instagram or email for possible feature by the college.
In addition to festive events, Marist continues its Giving Tree initiative that has provided more than 20,000 gifts to local families over three decades. Orchestrated by the Department of Spiritual Life and Service, this program places Giving Trees at several locations across campus where participants can select ornaments listing gift requests, purchase items, wrap them, and return them by December 7 for distribution.
The college also recognizes other seasonal observances with an outdoor menorah near the library entrance for Hanukkah (beginning December 14) and a digital Kwanzaa display in Dyson Center atrium (December 26–January 1), reflecting Marist’s commitment to honoring diverse traditions during the holiday season.
