Villanova Celebrates the Holiday Season
Written by Laura Norwood on December 31, 2025
As the semester winds down and winter weather settles in, Villanova University has been buzzing with holiday spirit and celebrations. Throughout December celebrations have been taking place across campus from the Finneran Pavilion to the Performing Arts center and everywhere in between.
Campus has been decked out for the season since the return from Thanksgiving break, with wreaths, lights, and holiday displays adding to the festive spirit across campus.
The holiday season kicked off with concerts featuring Villanova’s performing arts ensembles. Villanova community members sold out the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts to hear the annual holiday concerts of Villanova Voices and Chorale on the 6th, featuring holiday classics such as “Hot Chocolate” from The Polar Express and Frank Sinatra’s “The Christmas Waltz.” The following day, Villanova Jazz and Chamber Strings put on their holiday show featuring their own selection of seasonal songs.
One of the highlights of the holiday festivities was the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, accompanied by the Villanova Voices singing Christmas carols. Despite forgoing the main tree set up due to technical difficulties, the Rowan Campus Green was lit up with strings of lights and decorations.
Following the ceremony, the Holiday Pop-Up market drew crowds of students and Villanova community members alike to support local businesses and artisans. The market continues to be a campus-wide favorite for holiday shopping and activities.
Adding even more excitement to December, Villanova football took center stage with a playoff game just 5 days before Christmas. Tailgates and wintery weather added to the holiday spirit felt both on campus and throughout the Villanova community. Though the team fell short against Illinois State, their deep playoff run fuels hopes for a strong returning season next year.
Photo by Sideline Photos
From music and lights to seasonal markets and sports, Villanova’s holiday traditions have brought students and the broader community together as 2025 draws to a close.
Though the seasonal events don’t end there! Villanova’s annual Winter Gala will welcome students back following Winter Break, closing out the winter celebrations.
