’Tis the season
The holiday season on the Heights will be in full swing when students return to campus from the Thanksgiving break. A look at upcoming events—including the annual Christmas tree lighting, concert performances, and celebrations, which are free unless otherwise indicated.
December 1: McMullen Museum Holiday Celebration
McMullen Museum of Art, Brighton Campus, noon to 4 p.m.
As part of its annual holiday celebration, the McMullen Museum will host festive seasonal activities, including music, hot chocolate and holiday treats, exhibition tours, games, and arts and crafts activities throughout the museum. The current exhibition, “States of Becoming,” remains on display through December 8.
December 3: Christmas Tree Lighting
The Plaza at O’Neill Library, 5 to 7 p.m.
Santa Claus makes his annual visit from the North Pole to the Boston College campus—not by sleigh, but by special BC Police Department escort. He will celebrate the Christmas tree lighting with BC revelers at this annual event officiated by University President William P. Leahy, S.J. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the event features caroling and performances by student groups. BC Dining Services will be on hand with treats and hot chocolate will be available to warm the crowd.
December 6 (7:30 p.m.); December 7 (3 and 6:30 p.m.): Christmas on the Heights
Trinity Chapel, Newton Campus
A performance of seasonal music—including holiday favorites and familiar carols—with audience participation, by the University Chorale of Boston College (Riikka Pietilainen-Caffrey, conductor) and the Boston College Symphony Orchestra (Anna Wittstruck, conductor). Tickets purchased in advance of each performance are required; general admission $20: bc.edu/tickets. Ticket sales began on November 15. Contact: bcchorale@bc.edu
December 6: Advent Lessons and Carols
Clough School of Theology and Ministry Chapel, 5-6 p.m.
December 7: “O Emmanuel: An Advent Choral Concert”
St. Ignatius Church, 7 p.m.
The St. Ignatius Church Concert Series presents an evening of medieval chant, Christmas carols, and organ reflection to set the tone for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Suggested donation: $20 at the door.
December 14: Winter Wonderland
Cadigan Alumni Center, Brighton Campus, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Boston College Alumni Association invites alumni, family, and friends to experience the magic of the season at Winter Wonderland, a longstanding campus tradition with activities for all ages. Festivities will include appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus; interactive performances; visits with baby animals; holiday train rides; cookie decorating, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls (ages six to 14) which will be donated to a local charity. Admission is $15 per person and children under three years of age are free (register here). For information, contact: bcaa@bc.edu .
Also coming next month, on December 6 and 7, are Week of Dance performances on the Robsham Theater Arts Center main stage, from 7:30-10 p.m. each night.
The culmination of BC’s annual Week of Dance: a two-night showcase of Boston College student dance groups performing a variety of styles, from swing and step to modern and bachata. (Buy tickets at: bc.edu/tickets.) .
Other upcoming concert events include musical performances by Astaza, the Middle East Ensemble at Boston College (December 2); BC Chamber Music and Liederabend (December 8); and BC Chamber Music and Cello Ensemble (December 9). For more information on these and other events, see the University Calendar.