Published on November 19, 2012 by Sean Flynt  
Lighting of the Way

Samford will again offer a full schedule of family-friendly Christmas events this year, all of which are free except as noted below.

Christmas Around the World
Presented by the Department of World Languages and Cultures and the Classics Department
Nov. 29
10-11 a.m., Reid Chapel
This celebration, one of Samford’s oldest holiday traditions, features invocations, hymns and scripture readings in 16 languages, ending with a group singing of Stille Nacht/Silent Night.

Hanging of the Green & Lighting of the Way
Nov. 29
6 p.m., Reid Chapel
The music of University Chorale and the decorated, candle-lit Reid Chapel and Quad make Samford’s Hanging of the Green and Lighting of the Way a magical, memorable experience. Alumni and other friends unable to attend in person can watch streaming video.

Hansel and Gretel
Nov. 30–Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 1 and 2 at 2:30 p.m., Harrison Theatre
$12 (adults,) $9 (55+) and $6 (students/children) at (205) 726-2853 or online.
Hansel and Gretel is the classic fairy tale opera by Englebert Humperdinck and Adelheid Wette, first performed at Christmas in 1893.The lively family production is a special musical treat for this year’s celebrations!

Bells of Buchanan
Sponsored by Patty McDonald
Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Brock Recital Hall
Samford’s handbell ensemble presents an evening of beautiful music to set the mood for the sacred season.

 
Christmas Home Tour
Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Tickets $20 (all proceeds go to need-based Samford scholarships)
Samford’s Legacy League will present a tour of the decorated homes of Beth and George Simpson, Dolly and Jim Walker and Jeanna and Andy Westmoreland. Holiday hors d'oeuvres will be served at the Westmorelands' home. Free shuttle service is available and encouraged. For schedule, tickets and other details, call (205) 726-2247.

 
School of the Arts Christmas Collage
Sponsored by Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith
Dec. 7
7:30 p.m., Wright Center Concert Hall
New this year, the School of the Arts Christmas Collage is a holiday extravaganza featuring the faculty and students of the departments of Visual Art, Interior Architecture, Music, and Theatre and Dance. Join us for a festive night of arts, food and fellowship!

 
Star of Bethlehem
Dec. 10-14
7 p.m., Christenberry Planetarium
The popular multimedia presentation, "The Star of Bethlehem," presents scientific explanations for the famous star of the gospel of Matthew. All ages are welcome to the free event, but the show is most suitable for ages eight and above. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required, although groups of 10 or more may request a private showing. The 96-seat planetarium is wheelchair accessible and is located in Samford's Propst Hall.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.