Christmas at Augustana, other holiday events planned

Augustana College celebrates the season with several events and performances open to the public.

Nov. 22: Lessons and Carols

Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026
3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center (formerly Founders Hall)
820 38th St.
Rock Island, Ill. 

Enjoy a beautiful, spiritual presentation of lessons and carols within the intimate setting of Ascension Chapel. The Augustana Chamber Singers and Campus Ministries present the story of Christ's birth in readings and song.

Free and open to the public.

Nov. 30: Sankta Lucia

Monday, Nov. 30, 2026
7 p.m.
Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center (formerly Founders Hall)
820 38th St.
Rock Island, Ill. 

Augustana's annual celebration of the Festival of Sankta Lucia will commemorate the holiday with traditional Scandinavian Christmas carols, lessons and poetry. There will be special music by several Augustana students. The singing is led by the Swedish language students and campus organist Chris Nelson.

Free and open to the public.

Dec. 2: Joy of Christmas

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026
Jenny Lind Chapel
628 6th St.
Andover, Ill.

2026 is the 55th year for The Joy of Christmas Past and Present, sponsored by Augustana College Campus Ministries and Augustana Lutheran Church, Andover, Ill.

Students and faculty from Augustana join the community for this beautiful service of worship and music that starts at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover. The Christmas story will be read in several different languages.

The service concludes with a procession to the Jenny Lind Chapel, which is illuminated by 100 candles, and where Holy Communion will be celebrated to the strains of familiar Christmas carols.

Attendees are advised to dress warm for the weather, as the candle procession is about a 5-minute walk to the chapel.

Sponsored by Campus Ministries and the Augustana Choir.

Dec. 3: An Augustana Christmas Tree Lighting & Holidays Around the World

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026
2-6 p.m.
Various campus locations

"An Augustana Christmas Tree Lighting & Holidays Around the World - Tis the Season of Light and Community" includes events and activities throughout campus. All events are free and open to the public.

• Holidays Around the World, 2 p.m., Gerber Center Gävle rooms, 3435 9 1/2 Avenue, Rock Island: Explore interactive, student- and campus-led exhibits showcasing the world’s many joyful traditions of the season. Each station will feature a hands-on activity — crafts, treats or cultural demonstrations. Gather at 4 p.m. for a festive storytime, and then head to the campus quad behind Old Main.
• Lighting of the Christmas tree program, 5 p.m., fir tree behind Old Main: Celebrate the lighting of our campus Christmas tree with remarks and caroling led by choir alumni.
• World desserts and alumni reception, 5:30 p.m., Wilson Center, 3750 7th Ave., Rock Island: Experience many traditions of the season with treats and warm drinks. 

Dec. 5-6: Christmas at Augustana

Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
2 p.m.
Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Ave.
Augustana College, Rock Island

Celebrate Christmas at Augustana with performances by the Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Augustana Concert Chorale and the Augustana Handbell Choir.

Guests of all ages are invited to experience the warmth and excellence of this cherished Augustana tradition.

The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission. Guests are asked to be seated no later than 1:55 p.m.

Tickets are available October 1 and can be purchased online or by phone through the Ticket Office.