Christmas Coming Early to SLU's Quad

11/14/2018

To celebrate the holiday season, Saint Louis University will host its second “Christmas on the Quad,” beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, and the entire SLU community is invited to celebrate.

This year’s holiday happening will feature a new Nativity scene, food trucks, and a guest appearance by the Christmas couple themselves, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The festival begins with Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church and church tours will be available following the 5:30 liturgy.

The party continues on SLU’s Quad at 6 p.m. as the University’s traditional outdoor gathering space transforms with an inflatable snow globe, photo booth, The Bubble Bus, fire pits, s’mores stations, face painting, crafts and carolers.

Old St. Nick and his better half will be on hand for photos while guests nibble cookies and sample hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Mrs. Claus will also delight little revelers by reading the holiday classic poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in the historic Samuel Cupples House Museum.

The festival’s highpoint, the lighting of the University Christmas Tree, is set for 7 p.m. David Suwalsky, S.J., of the Office of Mission and Identity, will bless the tree before University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., sets it alight in anticipation of Christmas.

In addition to celebrating the Christmas spirit, Christmas on the Quad is seeking volunteers. Register here to volunteer to help with the celebration. Help is needed for tasks ranging from manning the cookie station to handing out s'more kits among other tasks.

The event is free although there is a charge for some activities and for dinner. Registration to attend is also available here. The event will also play host to a toy drive and donations can be dropped off at event check-in stations near the campus gateway at Grand Boulevard and West Pine Avenue.

For more information, contact Alumni and Donor Engagement or call 314-977-2250.