The Elmhurst University Festival of Lessons and Carols draws together the campus and community to open a joyful and spiritual season.

This year’s celebration of the tradition will take place on Friday, Dec. 3, in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel. The University will offer two performances of the celebration, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., to accommodate the popularity of the event. Doors will open half an hour before each start time. For those who cannot attend in person, the 7:00 p.m. service will be live-streamed at elmhurst.edu/carols.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is an Elmhurst University tradition that bridges the season of Advent and Christmastide. Held since 1961, the Festival consists of nine Scriptural readings that tell the story of the birth of the Messiah, interspersed with choral music. The Elmhurst University choirs will perform time-honored songs to accompany each reading and set the holiday mood.

The event is free and all are welcome. For more information, email [email protected] or visit elmhurst.edu.

To protect the health of our community, campus visitors will be required to wear a mask during all indoor events, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement may change to reflect new public health guidance.