**Photo by Bergin Russell.** Santa Clara University’s Christmas tree stands tall in front of the Mission Church.

Santa Clara University kicked off the Holiday Season Monday night with their annual Tree Lighting Celebration of Light & Joy in front of the Mission. The event, hosted by Campus Ministry, has become a time-honored tradition where students and faculty come together to take a break from the stress of the final week of the academic quarter and celebrate the beginning of the festive season.

“The idea was to bring people together for lighthearted fun and good cheer,” said Director of Campus Ministry Fr. John McGarry, SJ. An estimated number of 400 students and faculty gathered in attendance to sing carols, eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and, most importantly, ring in the season as a community.

The lighting itself lasted around 25 minutes and consisted of speeches by President Julie Sillivan and Fr. McGarry, a blessing by Fr. Matthew Carnes, and musical accompaniment by the Campus Ministry Student Choir.

“The tree reminds us to celebrate life,” said Julie Sullivan during her opening remarks. Sullivan said this is the “time to embrace one another ... to open your hearts this year, more than ever, for good will.”

The tree was lit to a chorus of “O Christmas Tree” and applause. President Sullivan then ended her speech reminding the audience that the tree was “dedicated to bring light and peace into the world.”

“I love seeing the community come together, it makes me feel at home here at Santa Clara” said Sofie Fernandez ‘25.

Once the speeches were over and the tree officially lit, the crowd moved to enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. A lucky 250 students received a Santa Clara University-themed ornament to commemorate the event. Attendees were encouraged to stay and mingle or take a cookie with them as good luck for the end of the quarter.

“It was the perfect start to the holiday season! It finally feels like Christmas here at Santa Clara,” exclaimed Natalie Hanna ‘26.