By: Leslie Klein

Auditions for Celebration of Lights are on Wednesday, Nov. 9 starting at 5:20 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Theater.

Celebration of Lights is an annual ceremony held on Dallas Hall Lawn by SMU’s Student Foundation.

It’s a great way for students to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit before going their separate ways for winter break.

The festive occasion includes SMU students and surrounding community members gathering over hot cocoa and cider, warm cookies, and holiday spirit. Last year there was even an ice skating rink on Dallas Hall Lawn.

Along with Christmas carols and performances by many talented SMU students, perhaps the most memorable part about Celebration of Lights is when SMU President R. Gerald Turner reads the Christmas story from his family Bible. The ceremony concludes with the singing of Silent Night as Dallas Hall and surrounding oak trees are finally lit.

This year will be SMU’s 43rd Celebration of Lights. In 2014, Student Foundation, SMU faculty and staff provided Christmas presents for over fifty children through Dallas CASA’s Angel Tree program.

This year’s Celebration of Lights begins at 7 p.m. on Nov. 28. For more information, check out Student Foundation’s information page.