Many Lights on One Night, Elon Hosts Festival of Luminaries

Elon University will light up for the Festival of Lights and Luminaries on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., as the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life stages its annual celebration of how light brings the community together. This year carries the theme Many Lights on One Night and features a record 36 stations that organizers say represent the broadest participation in the event's history.

Visitors can expect 24 educational tables, seven entertainment stations, three refreshment areas and two informational tables spread across the historic neighborhood, Lambert Academic Village and Under the Oaks. Thousands of lights and luminaries will transform the campus and invite guests to stroll through exhibits that explore the significance of light in a wide range of religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural worldviews. Activities include educational crafts and hands on activities, live music, and hot chocolate and cider.

Organizers emphasize the festival as both a learning opportunity and a community ritual. "The Festival of Lights and Luminaries invites our community to pause, breathe, and remember that even in the busiest and darkest moments of the year, light continues to guide us. This celebration creates space for reflection, connection, and the sense of peace we often struggle to find as the semester quickens," said University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Rev. Kirstin C. Boswell.

The 2025 lineup includes several new tables such as Tikkun Olam, Spectrum, the Spanish Club and Pagan Life, reflecting the growing range of voices on campus. Students, faculty, staff and neighbors are all invited to attend, reinforcing the festival's role as a civic as well as campus event for Alamance County residents.

Beyond cultural and educational value, the event is likely to increase evening foot traffic in the surrounding neighborhood and bring visitors to nearby businesses, an incidental economic boost during the pre holiday period. In case of inclement weather the festival will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event offers a chance for local residents to experience Elon's multifaith community and pause for connection as the year closes.