BYU-Idaho kicks off its holiday season with the event, Campus Christmas. Campus Christmas is a BYU-Idaho staple that takes place prior to Thanksgiving every year. The event is filled with spirited activities that embody the theme of Christmas, centering around the lighting of the Christmas trees in the Taylor Quad on campus.
The event also includes performances, a drone show, a Bethlehem Walk with real animals and much more.
Campus Life coordinator, Abby Kottkey says the tree lighting is one of her favorite parts.
“The tree lighting has always been a touching experience for me. There’s something about big groups of people singing together that is really powerful, in my opinion. And with the light going on at the end, I don’t know. It’s always been a moving thing for me to attend, and I just love it,” Kottkey said.
Kottkey says there are several new additions to the event this year including the drone show, Bethlehem Walk and appearances of the Grinch.
Kottkey says the carriage rides have changed, with the carriages taking a path that’s themed more like a winter wonderland.
Hot chocolate and apple cider will also be provided for those in attendance outside at the Taylor Quad, with Mrs. Powell’s cinnamon rolls waiting inside at the South Crossroads.
Kottkey says her favorite part of Campus Christmas this year will be having the Grinch there.
“I’m honestly stoked to have the Grinch there,” she said. “I think that’ll be a lot of fun. And I’m a little jealous that he gets to do that for his living. He just gets to go around and kind of harass people. Just kidding! But no, I think it’ll be fun. I think that always adds when there’s a character that people can interact with and wander around.”
Kottkey says the Grinch MAY hand out onions to his favorite people.
The free event is also family friendly.
Kottkey invites students and the community out to enjoy Christmas on Campus.
“You should come to Campus Christmas because it’s a great way to get in the holiday spirit before Thanksgiving, before Christmas, do some fun things with your family or friends. And it’s low-budget, and it honestly is. It’s a really cool experience,” Kottkey said.
Campus Christmas activities kick off with its Christmas Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, with other various activities lasting until 10 p.m.
For more information, or to see the event schedule, go online to BYU-Idaho’s Campus Christmas page.