After months of preparation, the Texas Tech University Carol of Lights ceremony is set to kick off Friday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re in the home stretch now,” TTU Student Leadership Development Assistant Director Craig Kuehnert said. “We’ve got all of the big elements in place. The tree is up, the live greenery, and the wreath are all assembled. So we’re ready for Friday. Now it’s just the last minute details. Hoping, keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain but trying to make sure we’ve got a plan in case it does rain.”

A community tradition that dates back to the 1950’s, the event uses about 25,000 lights across 18 campus buildings, and adding more this year.

“The biggest change we’ve made this year is the addition of lights to the new engineering building next to memorial circle, added a few lights to the mix for us,” Kuehnert said.

200 Tech students were involved with this year’s planning and implementation, with the help of funding through different departments on campus.

“The president’s office allocates some funding from their budget,” Kuehnert said. “Then University Student Housing, Residence Halls Association, as well as, Hospitality Services make up a majority of the costs.”

“We’ve been preparing pretty much since I started the job in the summer,” TTU Student Development Residence Life Coordinator Alyson Cole said. “So we’ve been working on this and preparing with our students to make sure they’re prepared. Making sure that we’re working with all different campus departments to get everyone involved in the event. So it really is a collaborative effort with all different groups on campus and the community.”
 
The ceremony will start with Carol On Concert at the bell tower on the administration building. Leading into different Tech choir performances. Then the Saddle Tramp precession will light  candles across campus. 
 
For anyone unable to attend, the show will be broadcasted live on Tech’s website and Facebook page.