16th Annual Christmas at the Hall Tree Lighting to Illuminate Campus on December 2

As the holiday season approaches, Seton Hall University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and the South Orange community to join in its 16th annual Christmas at the Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. on the University Green.

This beloved tradition, part of the University’s celebration of Advent and community spirit, will kick off a full season of festive events and partner initiatives that emphasize Seton Hall’s strong commitment to faith and service.

The evening will begin with the annual Christmas at the Hall Kick-off Mass at 5 p.m. in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by University President Monsignor Joseph Reilly, followed by the blessing of the University Nativity Scene. 

Setonians, friends, family and members of the community will then gather in a sea of Seton Hall blue for the annual tree lighting. A highlight of the evening will feature emcees Winston Roberts, assistant vice president of Student Services and dean of Student Engagement, and Richard Picone, senior and director and president of the Student Activities Board, with featured performances by the Theatre Council, the Sapphires and the Pep Band. 

Setonians, friends, family and members of the community will then gather in a sea of Seton Hall blue for the annual tree lighting. A highlight of the evening will feature emcees Winston Roberts, assistant vice president of Student Services and dean of Student Engagement, and Richard Picone, senior and director and president of the Student Activities Board, with featured performances by the Theatre Council, the Sapphires and the Pep Band.

Continuing this new tradition, student clubs and organizations are invited to audition to perform at the biggest campus tradition. Student organizations will be selected by November 19. Spread the holiday cheer by submitting your audition. Please see the application for audition criteria and requirements.

Attendees can look for timeless traditions such as hot cocoa, candy canes, blue Santa hats, snow machine effects, coordinated lighting displays, holiday music and a special prayer to bless the tree and all those in attendance by Father Colin Kay.

Concluding the ceremony, the Seton Hall community will be invited to count down in unison to mark the lighting of the Christmas tree. Helping to spread the holiday joy are Grounds Director Jeffrey J. Truskowski and his team, who decorate the 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce for Christmas every year. 

All are welcome: the tree lighting is free and open to the public, and visitors are invited to stroll the campus to see its holiday decorations and merriment. For those unable to attend in person, the event is expected to be livestreamed so that Pirates near and far can take part in the holiday magic.

The tree lighting is just the beginning: Seton Hall’s Christmas at the Hall season includes several hallmark initiatives and traditions that build toward community, generosity and faith all month long:

• DOVE Toy Drive: The Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) collects new toys and monetary gifts for children in need in Newark, the Maplewood–South Orange District, Don Bosco Youth Center, and community outreach regions. Past efforts have yielded over 1,700 gifts annually. Learn more and donate.
• Giving Tuesday: As part of Seton Hall’s philanthropic tradition, donations support programs that benefit students, service initiatives and campus ministries. Families and parents — don’t forget to visit the Family Tent at the Tree Lighting (December 2) to receive a Seton Hall tree ornament, write holiday cards to your students, receive some holiday treats and support our Giving Tuesday campaign. 
• Rock the Socks: A lighthearted charitable campaign in which donors receive themed socks (and sometimes other winter wear) when supporting campus causes. 
• KNOW MORE Giving Tree: An initiative of the Dean of Students Office, KNOW MORE will host the 10th annual Giving Tree for JBWS, a private, nonprofit agency that provides safety, support and solutions for anyone who lives or works in primarily Morris County, NJ, and faces the issues of intimate partner abuse. Those who wish to donate can select a gift tag from the tree on the second floor of the University Center, which includes information such as gift type and due date. All gifts can be brought unwrapped (with gift tag attached) to University Center Room 214 during normal business hours between November 10 through December 5.                 
• Christmas at the Hall Kick-off Mass: The spiritual foundation for the season, providing the campus community time to reflect and give thanks. Learn more. 
• Advent Reflection Series: Join the School of Theology for our 2025 Advent meditation series,  Charity and Hospitality: Praying through Advent with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Using the Scripture of the day and a different quote each day from the letters, journals, and conversations of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we will be invited to prepare our hearts and minds during this Advent season. Learn more. 

These elements reinforce Seton Hall’s identity as a community rooted in Catholic tradition, service and shared celebration. As noted in last year’s coverage, the tree lighting is “not all about the tree it’s also about community service and the University’s emphasis on spirituality.”

For extra festive fun, check out the Christmas Toolkit, complete with toolkit with digital backgrounds, coloring sheets, lawn signs and more to get in the holiday spirit before the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Christmas Toolkit also includes the Deck the Hall Spotify Playlist with the community's favorite holiday tunes.

Visit the Christmas at the Hall webpage to learn more about additional holiday events happening at Seton Hall.

Be sure to check Seton Hall's website and social media channels in advance for program details, inclement weather plans, livestream access and updates to the schedule.

Categories: Campus Life