SMU Celebration of Lights

Celebrate the magic of the season on the Hilltop. Start at the Celebration of Lights Holiday Market and stay for the beloved Celebration of Lights tradition on Dallas Hall Lawn.

Dallas Hall and the campus trees illuminated with white holiday lights and the fountain glowing in front at night
Registration required

Celebration of Lights Holiday Market

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025

Arrive early for the Celebration of Lights Holiday Market. Enjoy festive vendors, treats, photo moments and SMU swag while you connect with alumni, families and friends before the program begins.

Register for Holiday Market
Free campus tradition · No registration required

SMU Celebration of Lights

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Time: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Dallas Hall Lawn

Join students, alumni, families, faculty and friends as Dallas Hall Lawn glows with thousands of lights. Enjoy carols, a reading of the Christmas Story and the moment the campus tree and surrounding trees light up the night.

Learn more
SMU students and young alumni posing together under holiday lights at Celebration of Lights

Why Celebration of Lights matters

Celebration of Lights is more than a beautiful night on Dallas Hall Lawn. Alumni, families and friends help keep this tradition free for students, expand holiday programming on campus and support critical student resources.

When you give or volunteer, you fuel scholarships, campus experiences and the SMU Fund for Greatest Needs so every Mustang can feel at home on the Hilltop during the holidays.

Support SMU

If you love Celebration of Lights, consider powering the tradition all year long.

Give now Volunteer

Prefer to talk with someone about your gift. Email giving@smu.edu.