In the hustle and bustle of finals week and the holiday season, Morningside University added merriment to the campus mall.

The campus mall from the pergola to Buhler-Rohlfs Hall is lit up with Christmas decorations, thanks to the department of the facilities and auxiliary services.

“It gives students a place to go,” said Jason Reynoldson, associate vice president of facilities and auxiliary services. “The days get shorter, so if we can bring some light to campus in the evenings, that’s really the push. It gives students an escape to relax and enjoy the lights outside.”

The displays feature a 20-foot inflatable elf, several light-up archways for people to walk under, trees lit up along the campus mall, and ice lights down the fountains to mimic water flowing. The displays are open to the public.

Reynoldson said it took a couple weeks for the displays to go up, and it was fully embraced by his staff when Reynoldson brought up the idea in mid-November. This idea was in action over the last couple years, and Morningside had some lights purchased and donated.

“Everyone, including students, were like, ‘Yes, we want to have these lights up,’ so we were glad to,” Reynoldson said. “It’s really neat to see. Everything, including the pergola, looks beautiful.”

The display will be up through December, and the nightly displays turn on around 5 p.m.

There was a 20-foot Santa that was featured in the annual Christmas video, produced by the University Engagement department. Click here to watch Morningside students be surprised by a giant Kris Kringle.

The Campus Media student staff put together a 2024 Holiday Special, including Dr. David Elder reading “The Night Before Christmas,” a “Susie’s Sweets” segment and more.

The School of Visual and Performing Arts just completed its 2024 rendition of Christmas at Morningside, with the theme, “Glory to the Newborn King.” Click here to hear them during rehearsals before the show!

Happy Holidays from Morningside University!