As finals week approaches, students, alumni and faculty were able to enjoy the start of the holiday season at the 2025 Winter Carnival. The carnival began on Dec. 1 with festive events running all week until Dec. 8, when the tree lighting and firework show took place on the Great Lawn.
The week began with a Christmas Social event on Dec. 1 in the D’Angelo Center (DAC) coffee house, hosted by the Interfraternity Council. It was followed by a Rock the Red event hosted by Campus Activities in the DAC living room. Throughout the week, different organizations put their own spin on holiday cheer, like the Voices of Victory Concert in the Little Theater and Multicultural Greek Alliance’s Winter Showcase on Dec. 6.
The tree lighting festivities on Dec. 8 began at 6 p.m. with a Dessert Party in DAC. The event had cupcakes, cannolis, hot chocolate, cocquito and even Insomnia cookies. There were other free giveaways including free shirts, hand-warmers and Batiste dry shampoo.
This space was welcoming and warm for students to wait out the cold before heading to the tree. Quickly following the Dessert Party at 6:30 p.m., there was a mass offered at St. Thomas Moore Church.
At 7 p.m., students began to head to St. Augustine and grab their spots to watch the tree lighting and fireworks show. After last year’s tree lighting and firework show was canceled due to a statewide burn ban, students were excited for the tradition’s return.
Senior Michael Aruta expressed his excitement for the event.
“It’s great to see everyone in the Christmas spirit, all together again, since last year we didn’t really have the official event. I’m excited to see this tree all lit up again.”
The event began with a performance from Voice of Victory, where they performed holiday classics like “Joy to the World” and “Hallelujah.” They were quickly followed by SJU Kickline and the Dance Team, who both performed holiday routines.
Student Government Inc. (SGI) then took the stage alongside University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley. Many thanks were given to all who made the event possible, all the students who came and rang in the holiday season.
After the quick remarks, Rev. Shanley blessed the tree and initiated the ten-second countdown.
All attendees began counting down, leading to the lighting of the tree and the start of the fireworks show. The lit tree was accompanied by cheers and excitement, which carried over into the start of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas,” which started off the show.
The fireworks show lasted for about 15 minutes, with excitement continuing throughout. The crowd sang along to holiday classics and huddled with their friends and family to stay warm.
SGI Treasurer Ishmael Faye expressed to The Torch the importance of this anticipated event.
“This is why we do what we do, to really bring the community together, and have chances to connect with our fellow students as the semester ends. It’s a really special event that not a lot of schools have.”
The 2025 Winter Carnival provided some much-needed holiday cheer and school spirit, after a long semester and what tends to be a stressful finals week for students across majors and years.
