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The Elon campus will be aglow with luminaries on the evening of Tuesday, Dec 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, organized by the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life to celebrate how we shine brighter together.

The annual tradition invites members of the campus community and the larger Elon community to learn about the various religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions represented on Elon’s campus.  This year’s festival features the theme “We Shine Brighter Together,” and boasts the largest number of interactive stations in the event’s history.

“The Festival of Lights and Luminaries brings our community together at a time when the semester is winding down,” said Rev. Kirstin C. Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement. “As we face shorter days and greater demands, this celebration reminds us of the power of light to uplift, inspire and unite us.”

The festival transforms the campus with more than 50,000 lights and luminaries. Guests are invited to stroll through the historic neighborhood, the Lambert Academic Village and Under the Oaks to enjoy live music, hot chocolate and shared community.

“This year’s theme, ‘We Shine Brighter Together,’ highlights the connections we build through shared traditions, meaningful conversations, and creative expression,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement. “By celebrating our community’s religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions, we create a joyful and inclusive space to honor both the diverse ways light brings us together, and the unique light each of us brings.”

For the tenth year, Elon will recognize the university’s generous donors by featuring their names on the luminaries that light the campus. This tradition symbolizes the thousands of donors who choose to illuminate the path forward for future generations. Luminaries will be located Under the Oaks, in the historic neighborhood and throughout the Lambert Academic Village.

The festival’s success is a collaborative effort, with contributions from the Truitt Center, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, Facilities Management, Technology Services, Catering, Student Involvement, University Advancement, University Communications and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life. Together, they aim to create a welcoming space where all feel connected and inspired.

The rain date for the Festival of Lights and Luminaries is Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.