Complete Schedule Announced: Limestone’s “All Saints Christmas” Event Welcomes Community To Campus On December 7

Limestone University’s “All Saints Christmas” event on Saturday, Dec. 7, will be highlighted by a live nativity scene, horse-drawn carriage rides. musical performances, readings of the Biblical Christmas Story, the official tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa Claus, and much more.

The local community is invited to take part in the event. Admission and all activities are free.

“All Saints Christmas” will be held on the same evening as the much-anticipated return of the luminaries to the campus and surrounding area. Due to inclement weather, last year’s “All Saints Christmas” was moved inside the Hines & Riggins Center. The majority of the luminaries were unable to be lit due to the rain.

This year’s festivities will get underway at 6 p.m. with a performance by the Limestone University Jazz Ensemble in the plaza outside of Fullerton Auditorium. The official lighting of the Limestone Christmas tree, by University President Dr. Nathan Copeland, will take place at 6:15 p.m. That will be followed by a prayer from Limestone’s new Campus Minister Iman Bolden.

Santa Claus will appear on the front campus following the tree lighting before making his way into the Curtis Building where he will greet children and families and pose for photos. The first 100 children to visit with Santa will receive a special gift from Limestone. Christmas cookies and other treats will also be available inside the Curtis Building.

New to “All Saints Christmas” this year will be a live nativity scene throughout the evening in front of Montgomery Hall. The live nativity is being provided by Grassy Pond Baptist Church. There will also be readings of the Biblical Christmas Story at the live nativity site. The Christmas Story, from the gospels of Luke and Matthew, recounts the birth of Jesus Christ.

Other activities will include two horse-drawn carriages providing rides around the campus and

classic Christmas movies and a popcorn station at the Granberry Hall Amphitheater.

The Limestone University & Community Chorus, along with other choral groups from the area, will be performing in front of the Carroll School of Fine Arts.

Snowball fights with The Grinch, complete with overhead snow machines, will take place on the walkway outside the Hines & Riggins Center. A specialty hot chocolate station will be set up in front of the Hamrick Hall of Science.

The Palmetto State Teachers Association, Limestone University Chapter, will be located in front of Winnie Davis Hall providing arts and crafts activities for children.

Limestone’s mascot “Bernie” and the University’s real-life Saint Bernard will also make appearances.

Parking for the event will be in the Fullerton Lot located along Griffith Street. A lighted archway will guide visitors to all the fun taking place on the front campus.

“We are super excited to add some new elements to this year’s event, while also keeping many of the traditions that are beloved on our campus at Christmas time,” said Katye Price, who plays a vital role in Limestone’s community engagement and outreach. “We are so appreciative of the community groups who are partnering with us for this year’s event, along with various Limestone student groups that are helping us make this a special night for our campus and our local residents.”

The luminaries, weather permitting, will be placed across the front campus and along College Drive.

“All Saints Christmas” 2024 Itinerary:

• 4 p.m.: Lighting of the Limestone Luminaries, Front Campus & College Drive
• 6 p.m.: Entertainment by Limestone University Jazz Ensemble, Fullerton Plaza
• 6:15 p.m.: Lighting of the Limestone University Christmas Tree & Prayer, Front Campus
• 6:20 p.m.: Appearance by Santa Claus, Front Campus
• 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Visits with Santa Claus, Curtis Building
• 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Live Nativity, Choral Performances, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Christmas Movies & Popcorn, Snowball Fights With The Grinch, Specialty Hot Chocolate Station, and more.