Sweet Briar celebrates season with tree lighting, Vespers and Holiday Pops

The holiday season begins at Sweet Briar on Nov. 30 with a much-anticipated student favorite: the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Vespers and Holiday Pops on Sunday, Dec. 10, will wrap up the fall semester.

Thursday’s tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. in the Quad where, just like every year, students, faculty and staff will gather to sing carols surrounded by members of the Riding Council. The riders, of course, will not be on foot, but atop festively decorated Sweet Briar horses. This year, the Christmas tree will be lit by Mary Pope Hutson ’83, vice president for alumnae relations and development.

Those off campus can watch the action live on the Sweet Briar College Now and Forever Facebook page.

On Dec. 10, the Sweet Briar Concert Choir will present Holiday Pops, a family-friendly community singalong featuring song, dance and appearances from Frosty and Santa. The choir is directed by Adelheid Terry, an adjunct professor of music.

Immediately following the concert, Makanah Dunham Morriss ’66 will lead Vespers, a traditional Christmas service featuring carols and readings from the Christmas story. The Sweet Peas will serve as readers for the lessons and carols, while other students will act as greeters and candle lighters. Music is provided by the Sweet Briar Concert Choir, the String Ensemble and Sweet Briar community musicians. A dessert reception in Sweet Briar House will welcome attendees after Vespers.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, email Terry at aterry@sbc.edu or visit sbc.edu/featured-events.