Carol of Lights
With the flip of a switch, more than 25,000 red, white and orange lights illuminate the Texas Tech campus during the annual Carol of Lights.
Join Us
The 50th Annual Carol of Lights was held on Friday, December 5th, 2008. Please check back for information on the 51st Annual Carol of Lights to be held in December 2009.
History
About 20,000 Tech students and local residents attend the annual event, which is sponsored by the Tech Residence Halls Association. It is one of the biggest traditions Tech has. the event has not only become a Tech tradition, but a Lubbock tradition.
In the 1950s, Dr. Gene Hemmle, co-founder of the Carol of Lights, got together with a small group of students in the residence halls. They gathered at Memorial Circle to sing Christmas carols and drink hot chocolate. Officially organized in 1959, with 5,000 lights, the event was first called Carol of Lights in 1961 with a display of 16,000 lights. The ceremony has continued every year except in 1972, when Tech cancelled the event because of the university's energy conservation policy.
In 1992, the Carol of Lights received a Certificate of Registration from the State of Texas.
Questions & Concerns
The Carol of Lights is possible through the cooperative efforts of many student organizations on the Texas Tech campus. We appreciate any effort you can make to publicize this event. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the Carol of Lights please contact us