Festival of Lights Dinner and Performance: A Night of Holiday Joy at Gardner-Webb on Dec. 4

Honor the Legacy of John R. Dover Sr., and Celebrate the Season with Food, Fellowship, Music and Lights

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Celebrate the Christmas season with Gardner-Webb University at an evening of dining, fellowship, and yuletide warmth. The Festival of Lights Dinner on Dec. 4 complements the annual beloved presentation of holiday music and lights, a campus tradition started by the Department of Music in 1985.

“The Festival of Lights Dinner and Performance is one of the most meaningful evenings of the year at Gardner-Webb,” stated Interim Vice President of Advancement Karen Bruce. “It’s a time when we come together as a community to celebrate the joy of the season, honor those who laid the foundation for our University, and reflect on the light we’re called to share with the world. We’re excited to welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for a night of inspiration, music, and fellowship.”

Tickets may be purchased for the dinner only or the dinner and the performance.

The Festival of Lights Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. in Stewart and Hope halls of Tucker Student Center. Guests will enjoy an elegant seasonal dinner that brings together friends, alumni, and community partners for a night of warmth and gratitude. During the evening, John R. Dover Sr., whose legacy continues to inspire us, will be honored. 

The 40th Annual Festival of Lights performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Experience the cherished Gardner-Webb tradition that has captured the spirit of Christmas for four decades. Talented GWU students and faculty will present powerful performances of Christmas classics, sacred choral works, and holiday favorites. The audience will be invited to join in the singing of familiar carols.

At 9 p.m., the audience will follow the softly lit luminaria path to the circle in front of Tucker Student Center. Then at 9:05, everyone will participate in the lighting of the campus Christmas tree, a symbol of hope, unity, and the light of Christ shared throughout our community.

Immediately following, guests will be invited inside Tucker Student Center for refreshments. Gather and fellowship with friends to close out the memorable night of celebration.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.