On the chilly night of Monday, Dec. 1, students, families, alumni and furry friends trotted onto Dallas Hall Lawn for the 48th Celebration of Lights. Laughter, chatter and anticipation hung thick in the air as guests explored the holiday market and festive activities. All waiting for the moment when the campus would come alive with light.
As attendees huddled closer on the lawn, cocoa in hand, whispers of excitement fluttered throughout the crowd, waiting for the Christmas tree and lights to awaken.
SMU students took to the steps of Dallas Hall, filling the lawn with beloved Christmas songs that brought smiles to all. During a moving rendition of “Silent Night,” attendees held candles, quietly passing the flame to one another until the lawn glowed in a beautiful display of unity.
SMU student Simran Misra shared how it brought the community aspect of SMU to light.
“It is such a special moment when everyone holds the candles and gathers near the tree,” Misra said.
When the music ended, President Jay Hartzell stepped forward to continue one of SMU’s cherished traditions, reading the Christmas Story from the Book of Luke. This is a heartfelt moment of reflection for the crowd. Finally, the lights came on during silent night, making all calm, and all bright. transforming Dallas Hall, the Christmas tree and the surrounding lawn into a sparkling holiday wonderland.
The Young Alumni Holiday Village hummed with activity, alive with local and alumni vendors offering festive goods and handmade treasures, no two items alike. Businesses such as Anne Potter, Teddy Bear Mobile, Southern Decorative and Concho drew shoppers in search of unique gifts and keepsakes. This added to the cheerful, bustling energy that carried across the lawn.
Assistant Director of Mustang Connections Mac Andrews said events like the Celebration of Lights help bring the Mustang community together year after year. “The Mustang journey is a lifetime one, beginning on a student’s first day on the Hilltop and spanning decades beyond graduation,” Andrews said. “Events like this are a perfect visualization of what we aim to cultivate for our community.”
As guests explored the village, the night didn’t stop there. Attendees had the chance to take selfies with live reindeer flown in straight from the North Pole, pose for a caricature artist or enjoy delicious holiday treats like hot cocoa and warm cookies. Families and friends wandered through the festivities, taking in the sights, sounds and flavors of the season.
SMU student Sophia Llanes said the tree was “gorgeous, adding that she loved all the lights and the beautiful Christmas atmosphere. She also enjoyed the hot cocoa booths, and said the reindeer were the perfect touch, noting it was her first time seeing one in real life.
For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the carriage rides offered a calm and scenic way to enjoy the festivities. Llanes described them as one of the highlights of her night, saying, “The carriage rides they offered were so calming. offering such a beautiful moment with friends.”
In addition, guests were encouraged to support multiple charities, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization dedicated to giving children who have experienced neglect or abuse a brighter, healthier future.
What began nearly 50 years ago as a small gathering with lights, music and luminarias has grown into one of SMU’s most anticipated annual events. Despite new additions, the heart of the evening remains grounded in community and tradition.
“I think the event is wonderful. It is key to have these moments as a community,” SMU student Carlos Alvarez said. “There’s a lot of variety in the performances, and the lights are beautiful.”
As the night began to wind down, many lingered on the lawn to capture final photos in front of the Christmas tree or share one last cup of joy with friends. The 48th Celebration of Lights once again went off without a hitch, offering Mustang families a joyful and magical start to the holiday season.
