DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) \u2014 Marywood University kicked off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony and \u201cMerry and Bright\u201d festival.<\/p>\n
This beloved, long-standing tradition returned with plenty of festive activities and attractions for all to enjoy, including carols performed by the MU Chamber Singers, a Christmas craft fair, hot chocolate and cookies, firepits with s\u2019mores, live reindeer from Spruce Ridge Reindeer Farm, a Christmas tree decorating contest, and photo opportunities with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Grinch.<\/p>\n
Lisa Lori, President of Marywood University, says that although she is only in her second year as president, she looks forward to many more years of making the festival even better.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis, to me, is a magical moment. It\u2019s a moment when we light this massive tree in this beautiful, iconic rotunda and bring everybody together as a community. It\u2019s just a time when everyone has fun and we kick off the Christmas season,\u201d said Lori.<\/p>\n
The 25-foot-tall Douglas Fir stands proudly in the rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center, one of the largest rotundas in the Commonwealth, adorned with approximately 10,000 LED lights.<\/p>\n
Visitors can view the Marywood Christmas tree during the Liberal Arts Center\u2019s normal operating hours through December 22.<\/p>\n
The ceremony officially heralds a month of seasonal celebrations, including ‘The Guitar Ensemble Concert’ Thursday night, The Chamber Singers Christmas Concert Sunday, and The String Project Concert next week.<\/p>\n