Christmas at the Hall Brings Holiday Cheer to Seton Hall on December 1

The holiday season will take center stage at Seton Hall University on Tuesday, December 1, as students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends gather for Christmas at the Hall, an evening of cherished traditions and community celebration.

The evening begins with the Christmas at the Hall Kick-Off Mass at 5 p.m., followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. on the University Green. Now in its 17th year, the tree lighting has become a beloved University tradition, bringing the Seton Hall community together to celebrate the joy of Christmas and the University's Catholic values.

Hosted by Winston Roberts, assistant vice president and dean of Student Engagement, and Marjorie Campus, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, the celebration will feature performances by student groups such as the University Choir, Theatre Council, the Sapphires and the Pep Band. Attendees can expect holiday singing, dancing and special appearances by Seton Hall student-athletes adding to the excitement. From festive music and familiar faces to the anticipation of the community countdown, the evening promises plenty of Christmas cheer for the entire Seton Hall family.

The tree lighting also marks the beginning of several weeks of Christmas traditions across campus, including caroling, Crèche blessings, a pancake breakfast with Santa, Jazz Band Christmas performances, Lessons and Carols and University Christmas gatherings.

Sharing the Spirit of Giving
At Seton Hall, the Christmas season is also a time to put the spirit of generosity into action. Through the annual Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) Toy Drive, members of the University community help bring holiday joy to children and families in need.

Each year, members of the Seton Hall network donate more than 1,700 toys for children served by schools and community organizations in Newark, the Maplewood-South Orange School District and the Don Bosco Youth Center. DOVE volunteers collect, sort, wrap and deliver the gifts, turning the generosity of the University community into a meaningful holiday tradition.

Learn more about how to participate and support the DOVE Toy Drive.

Preparing for the Season of Advent
The weeks leading up to Christmas also offer opportunities for prayer and reflection. Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology's 2026 Advent Reflection Series, Welcoming the Incarnation with Hope: An Advent Visual Pilgrimage through the Cloisters, invites the community to prepare for Christmas through sacred art, prayer and contemplation.

Inspired by works housed at The Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's museum dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, the series features 27 reflections by 19 writers. Each reflection explores the spiritual meaning of a selected work of art and its connection to the Advent season. Beginning Sunday, November 29, daily reflections will be shared through Christmas Day.

Members of the University community and friends are invited to subscribe to the Advent Reflection Series and follow along throughout the season.

Whether gathering on the University Green, supporting the DOVE Toy Drive or making time for Advent reflection, Christmas at the Hall invites the Seton Hall family to celebrate the season through faith, fellowship and generosity.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration is free and open to the public. Those unable to attend in person can watch the tree lighting through a livestream on the Christmas at the Hall webpage, which also features holiday events, traditions and ways to participate throughout the season.

Share your Seton Hall Christmas photos and memories using #HallChristmas.

Categories: Campus Life, Community Engagement