November 18, 2025 — The holiday season is here, and one of the most beloved campus traditions returns tomorrow—bigger and better than ever. The Marist Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m. in front of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel.

The celebration will feature live holiday music from the Marist Singers, along with cookies, hot chocolate, and plenty of cheer. All are welcome to join what has become one of the most fun—and photographed—events of the year.

Photos by the tree at the 2024 Holiday Tree lighting. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Tale of the Tape - A Record Amount of Lights!
More than just bright lights, the Marist Holiday Tree has become a cherished gathering spot. It’s where friends meet, photos are snapped, and laughter warms even the chilliest winter nights.

The tree shines this year with a record 78,400 energy efficient LED lights (over 1,000 more than last year!) across 784 strands—far more than the Rockefeller Center tree. Standing between 52 and 54 feet tall, the tree is decorated by dedicated groundskeepers who begin work in October to avoid harsh weather and ensure every detail is just right.

Dedicated Marist staff carefully string together more than 78,000 LED lights around the Holiday Tree in early November. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Every fourth light is a vibrant red, symbolizing Marist pride and adding a warm splash of color.

Marist has celebrated the season with a campus tree since the 1980s, with the current dazzling display introduced in 2002.

Photos inside the tree at the 2024 Holiday Tree lighting. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

“The tree lighting is my favorite tradition on campus,” said Emily Vincent '28. “I went last year and it’s amazing how many people are in our little community. It was so much fun to form a little Whoville circle around the unlit tree and then watch it light up!"

“As a first-year student, I’m excited to experience the tree lighting because it’s my first time taking part in a school holiday tradition,” said Stephan Timozek ’27. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the school comes together and what it does to foster student bonding within the community during this event.”

Share Your Holiday Moments
Whether you're attending the tree lighting or simply passing by the glowing display, we invite you to share your favorite photos. Send your photos via DM to @Marist on Instagram or email mediarelations@marist.edu, and you may see them featured!

 
A Giving Tree inside the James A. Cannavino Library in 2024. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

A Season of Giving
For over 30 years, Marist has supported local families in need during the holiday season through the Giving Tree initiative, distributing more than 20,000 holiday gifts during that time.

Organized by the Department of Spiritual Life and Service, the program partners with local organizations to deliver gifts donated by the Marist community. This year’s Giving Trees are located in Dyson Center, Donnelly Hall, Lowell Thomas, Cannavino Library, Fontaine, Hancock, the Champagnat breezeway, and the MPorium in the Steel Plant.

Donated gifts at the Giving Tree Ceremony inside Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel in 2024. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Each tree features three types of ornaments—select one, purchase the listed gift, wrap it, and bring it to the chapel by Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. for the Giving Tree Ceremony.

Holiday Celebrations Span Cultures
Holiday observances will also include an outdoor menorah for Hanukkah near the library entrance and a digital display in the Dyson Center atrium celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Hanukkah begins the evening of Dec. 14 and continues through Dec. 22. Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26 and ends Jan. 1.

 
Menorah on campus in 2024. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.