Christmas at Augustana, other holiday events planned

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

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

4:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, on the Quad behind Old Main

Join President Andrea Talentino for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Gather on the Quad behind Old Main for holiday treats and festivities.

Christmas at Augustana presented by Quad City Bank & Trust

2 p.m., Dec. 3 and 4; Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Ave.

Christmas at Augustana has thrilled audiences for more than a decade. Three hundred student musicians share their talents in what has become a highlight of the Quad-Cities holiday season. The concert features performances by the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Ascension Ringers, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and Augustana Concert Chorale.

The Quad Cities’ ABC affiliate, WQAD, will stream the Saturday performance live online at augustana.edu. The performance will be rebroadcast in the Quad-Cities area at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Tickets are available online or by phone through the Ticket Office.

Julbord Dinner

Dec. 5 from 5-6:30 p.m.

The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana will serve its annual Julbord Dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Gerber Center. (Julbord in Swedish means "Christmas table.")

Guests may arrive at any time. There will be brief remarks at 5:30.

Traditional Swedish-American Christmas smörgåsbord fare will be served, including salads, relishes, fruit, herring, bread, cheese, potatoes, salmon, potato sausage, meatballs, rice pudding and Christmas desserts. 

→ More information and tickets

Festival of Sankta Lucia

Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

Augustana's annual celebration of the Festival of Sankta Lucia will commemorate the holiday with traditional Scandinavian Christmas carols, lessons and poetry in Ascension Chapel in the Bahls Center (Founders Hall).

Music in the program is drawn from the Advent and Christmas traditions of the historic Augustana Lutheran Church and the other Swedish-American denominations in the United States.

The singing is led by the Swedish language students and campus organist, Chris Nelson.

Free and open to the public.

→ More information

Joy of Christmas Past and Present

Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Ill

Joy of Christmas Past and Present is a holiday tradition bringing together the Augustana College community and church congregation.

After the service concludes, there is a procession to the Jenny Lind Chapel for communion and caroling, then refreshments are served in Luther Hall at Augustana Church.

Jazz Concert: Swingin' Christmas at Augustana

Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Gerber Center, Gävle rooms

Augustana's Jazz Ensemble and Combos will perform their second annual "Swingin' Christmas at Augustana" with holiday favorites.

→ More information

Season of Light planetarium show

Dec. 10-16
John Deere Planetarium

The "Season of Light"’ is a multimedia show that uses the planetarium sky projector, astronomical images, music and narration, all projected onto a 30-foot dome to tell the story of how holiday traditions are connected to the sky above. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Programs are at 2 p.m. weekends and 7 p.m. weekdays.

Día de la Virgen

Dec. 10
6 p.m., Wallenberg Hall in the Denkmann Memorial Building

Latinx Unidos invites the community to join in the annual Día de la Virgen celebration. Learn the story behind the celebration and enjoy performances by mariachi and folklórico dancers.

Lessons and Carols

Dec. 11
3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center (Founder's Hall)

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.