by Abby Totten, Student Public Relations Writer
The Christmas season at Cedarville University is full of celebration and tradition. A newer tradition held by the university -- the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony -- is an event cherished by the Cedarville community. 
The fourth annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. on the Chick-fil-A patio. This event is free and open to the public.
“The ceremony originally started as part of our Giving Tuesday celebration,” said Kaileigh McCann, director of communication and events for the university’s advancement division. “Christmas at Cedarville is incredibly special, and what better way to celebrate the festive season than with a giant Christmas tree.”
The Christmas tree is indeed giant, reaching 32 feet high and decorated with over 1,000 ornaments. Student-volunteers assist in decorating the tree before it is set up by campus grounds and maintenance.
The ceremony will include a reading of the Christmas story out of Luke 2, worship from HeartSong team members and the anticipated lighting of the tree. The evening will also include complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, provided by Pioneer Food Services.
The tree lighting tradition has proved to be a special moment for the community at Cedarville. “Especially for students in a time where they are incredibly stressed with all the homework and everything that’s going on, it’s just so sweet to take a moment to celebrate the Christmas season.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.