Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) kicked off the Christmas season on Friday, November 6, with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. The festivities brought together over 500 students and members of the PBA community for a night of music, fellowship, refreshments, and holiday traditions.
Throughout the night, under the decor of twinkling Christmas lights on Baxter Green, at the center of campus, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of refreshments as PBA staff members served pretzels, hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies for everyone to enjoy. The event also featured a snowman bead craft, allowing participants to engage in a hands-on holiday activity while creating a festive keepsake.
PBA students, Emilia Werschky and Nathaniel Joseph, served as hosts for the evening, helping build excitement for the night’s grand finale: the tree lighting.
Throughout the evening, the program featured several performances by the PBA Choir and Jazz Ensemble, bringing the sounds of Christmas to campus.
“My favorite part of the tree lighting was seeing the lights go up, hanging out with friends, and seeing the fun outfits everyone wore,” said Mikayla Sisk, a PBA sophomore.
Encouraged to show off their holiday spirit, attendees arrived decked out in their best holiday attire for the chance to win prizes. Many guests donned red or green outfits, with some even showing up in a costume. The winners of the contest, to no surprise, were three students dressed as reindeer. They received PBA merchandise as a reward for their creativity.
Following the musical performances and contest, attendees paused to remember Jesus as the reason for the season as PBA President, Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1–20.
Soon after, the countdown began. Counting down from five, a growing anticipation filled the space as attendees in unison, shouted, “One!” and the tree was illuminated, marking the official start of the Christmas season at PBA.
Learn more about Christmas at PBA here.
