Augustana holiday traditions

The holiday season is in full swing!

From the joyful sounds of Christmas at Augustana to cherished campus traditions, this time of year is full of magic and memories. Here are a few of our favorites:

Lessons and Carols

Nov. 23 | 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. | Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center

Lessons and Carols is a longstanding Augustana tradition that offers an afternoon of Scripture readings and carols that share the story of Christ’s birth through words and song. The warm glow of the chapel, paired with the harmonies of the Augustana Chamber Singers, creates a peaceful space to pause, reflect and welcome the start of the season.

Festival of Sankta Lucia 

Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center

The Festival of Sankta Lucia is a cherished holiday tradition that brings the campus community together in a celebration of light. This annual event pays homage to the college’s Swedish cultural heritage. Sankta Lucia, also known as Saint Lucy, is a symbol of light and hope during the dark winter months.

Each year, a student is selected to portray Lucia by wearing a crown of seven candles and leading a procession. Attendees sing traditional St. Lucia songs and other traditional Swedish folk music.

An Augustana Christmas Tree Lighting & Holidays Around the World

Dec. 4 | 2-6 p.m. | Across campus

If you're looking for the most festive day of the season on campus, this is it!

• Holidays Around the World (2 p.m., Gerber Center): Walk through interactive exhibits created by students and campus groups, and explore how different cultures celebrate this time of year. Expect crafts, treats and some cool cultural traditions.
• Christmas Tree Lighting (5 p.m., Quad behind Old Main): Follow the luminary-lit path from the Gerber Center to the Quad and watch the campus Christmas tree light up the evening. Pastor Melinda Pupillo will share a reflection, and an alumni choir will lead carols under the branches.
• Tree Lighting Reception (5:30 p.m., Wilson Center): Warm drinks, treats and the cozy energy of a campus gathering — the perfect way to wrap up the event.

Christmas at Augustana

Dec. 6 and 7 | 2 p.m. | Centennial Hall

There’s nothing quite like Christmas at Augustana. This annual performance brings together a remarkable lineup of student ensembles — the Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Augustana Concert Chorale and the Augustana Handbell Choir — for one of the college’s most beloved traditions. The 90-minute program features uninterrupted music that fills Centennial Hall with warmth, energy and the unmistakable sound of the season.

The holiday season at Augustana is more than lights and music. It’s a reminder of how traditions, community and creativity come together to make campus feel like home. Whether you attend one event or all of them, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season with the Augie community.