Holiday events coming to campuses across the state
Oklahoma colleges and universities will host holiday activities for students and the public ranging from Christmas concerts to underwater photos with Santa. Here are some of the events planned next week and beyond.
EDMOND
The University of Central Oklahoma invites the community to kick off the holiday season at its 20th annual WinterGlow from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1. Guests will have the opportunity to decorate one of 200 wreaths for Wreaths Across America to be placed at veterans’ graves across the nation. Festivities will begin with the lighting of Old North, located on the west side of campus, and will continue with a winter carnival in Nigh University Center. Activities include photos with Santa, face painting, games, photo booths, train ride, live reindeer and a kids choir. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy. Go to www.uco.edu/winterglow or call 405-974-2363 for information.
NORMAN
Ring in the holiday season with the University of Oklahoma’s annual holiday lights celebration at 5 p.m. Tuesday in David A. Burr Park, 1501 Asp Ave. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move to Couch Restaurants, 333 Fourth St. The celebration includes lighting the holiday tree and menorah, a singalong, Santa Claus and his elves, and complimentary hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies. For more information or accommodations, call 405-325-1701.
OKLAHOMA CITY
Oklahoma City University invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with Christmas Vespers. More than 250 singers and orchestra musicians will perform a celebratory concert featuring organ, scripture readings, poetry, congregational singing of favorite carols and a candlelit finale. Times are 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 NW 25. A musical prelude will begin 30 minutes before each concert, featuring student organists and the OCU Flute Choir, under the direction of Parthena Owens. For tickets and additional information, go to okcu. edu/tickets.
STILLWATER
Oklahoma State University will officially usher in the holiday season with the Fanfare of Lights 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Edmon Low Library fountain. The evening includes music featuring Pokeapella and OSU and Stillwater choirs, as well as costumed characters, free refreshments, photos with Santa at the Student Union and crafts in the Student Union Atrium. Free parking will be available in the Student Union parking garage.
DURANT
Southeastern Oklahoma State University will host several holiday events Dec. 4. Santa Claus and entertainment will be featured at 6 p.m. on the Magnolia House front lawn, followed by the tree lighting at 6:35 p.m. on the front lawn of the campus. The traditional candle-lighting ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m. in Montgomery Auditorium. The Southeastern Symphonic Chorus will perform an advent cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach with text by Martin Luther. The chorus is a college and community partnership conducted by Joshua Nannestad.
WEATHERFORD
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Visiting Artist Program will host a community holiday art exhibition Wednesday through Dec. 12 in the Art Building. Hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays. Artists of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. Artwork can be dropped off at the Department of Art, Communication & Theatre office in the Art Building from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Monday or Tuesday. A reception for the artists, their friends and visitors will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5. For more information, contact E.K. Jeong at ek.jeong@swosu.edu or 580-774-3756.
SWOSU’s SCUBA Club will host a Discover SCUBA Diving event with two sessions at 3 and 4 p.m. Dec.
3 in the University Pool, located at the west end of Rankin Williams Fieldhouse. Participants can get an underwater photo with Santa and learn about equipment and basic SCUBA skills. The event is for ages 8 years and older. Cost is $10. Registration is required. Call 580-774-6015 or email paul.hummel@swosu.edu.
SHAWNEE
Oklahoma Baptist University Art Club will host a Christmas art sale fundraiser Wednesday through Dec.
1 in the gallery of the Art Building on campus. A reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday will feature hot drinks, sweet treats and festive music. The fundraiser will provide students in the art department financial support for field trips, events and senior shows. Each item purchased from the sale will benefit both the artist and the art club.
EL RENO
Redlands Community College Student Nursing Association will present its annual Winter Wonderland fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Conference Center. The event is open to the community. Proceeds will support the organization’s pinning ceremony held in conjunction with graduation. The nursing students also are collecting toys and donations benefiting Helping Hands, a local church that opens its doors to those in need in the community. Winter Wonderland will include lunch catered by Eischen’s, a silent auction, a baked goods auction, door prize and a visit from Santa. Tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, contact Mikaela Meeks, 405-2033467 or mikaela.a.meeks@redlandscc.edu; or Mary Seurer, 405-542-7853 or mary.e.seurer@redlandscc.edu.
TAHLEQUAH
Northeastern State University will celebrate its 25th Lights On at Seminary Hall ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The event will include performances by a variety of campus and community talent. Hot chocolate will be served. Children will be able to visit Santa Claus inside Seminary Hall and receive a commemorative ornament and a stocking stuffer. Parents can photograph their children with Santa. There also will be a winter wonderland photo booth for families and friends. Following Lights On, families can attend the music department’s “Good Yule” concert at the NSU Center for the Performing Arts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for students and senior adults.