Valparaiso University Invites the Community to Join Campus for Holiday Events

Tree Lighting 1

The holidays are here again, and Valparaiso University is thrilled to invite the community to join students, faculty and staff in a wide variety of events, concerts, shows and games to celebrate the season. 

The 14th Annual Tree Lighting, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Harre Union. Santa Claus is coming to Valpo, and he’s bringing a whole host of holiday treats and activities to campus. Join us for holiday cookie decorating, a photo booth and more as we kick off the Christmas season. 

Musical Events

Julefest, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection. 

Enjoy a Christmas pops concert for all ages, including a holiday sing-along, featuring Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band, Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band, and special guests Resurrection Ringers:  The Handbell Choir of the Chapel of the Resurrection. This concert is free, with no ticket reservation required.

Christmas at Valpo: “How Great Our Joy!,” Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection 

An evening of music and scripture reading with the Chamber Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chorale, Kantorei, and Bach Choir. Tickets for the public are available online or in-person through the Center for the Arts Box Office Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Valparaiso University Students, faculty and staff can obtain a free ticket by visiting the Center for the Arts Box office in person with their OneCard. 

Prior to the annual Vespers concert, a Valpo Christmas Dinner will be held at the Chapel. In honor of Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial, Mel Piehl, Ph.D., senior research professor of humanities and history, will share insights on the University’s rich Lutheran heritage. The event will showcase a selection of Christmas dishes from around the world, reflecting Valparaiso University’s global influence and the international impact of the Lutheran tradition. Purchase tickets here.

The 15th Annual Tuba Christmas, Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection. 

Come and sing along with 100 tubas, euphoniums, and other low brass instruments, and find out what a “double bell euphonium” looks like in this unique Valpo music event. Participation is $10, and admission is free. 

Athletic Events

Support your Beacons during the holidays as the basketball season heats up. All events are at the Athletic Recreation Center. For ticket information, click here

Home games this holiday season include: 

  • Women’s basketball vs. Western Michigan, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.
  • Men’s basketball vs. Drake, Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.
  • Women’s basketball vs. Chicago State, Saturday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m.
  • Men’s basketball vs. Central Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.
  • Men’s basketball vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph, Sunday, Dec. 22, 1 p.m.

The Biggest Christmas Party Ever!

On Saturday, Dec. 21, the Valpo women’s basketball team will host a Biggest Christmas Party Ever event at the Athletic Recreation Center. Events include a visit from Santa Claus. Be sure to bring a teddy bear to donate to Toys for Tots, and cheer on your Beacons as they take on Detroit Mercy. Valparaiso University is proud to be a part of your family’s 2024 holiday celebrations. For more information on what’s going on on-campus all year-round, visit valpo.edu/community.

Campus in the fall