Holiday Joy Lights Up the Hilltop at Edward’s

An evening of beloved traditions took place on the hilltop in December. Against the beauty of the Austin night-skyline, the 41st annual Festival of Lights marked the beginning of the Advent Season at St. Edward’s. Thousands of lights illuminated campus as Hilltoppers and neighbors gathered at the steps of Main Building for music, reflection, candle lighting and fellowship.

Immediately following the Festival of Lights, we celebrated Las Posadas, the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge. Songs, piñatas, food and entertainment were part of the evening.

Click through our photo gallery below, and view our video at the bottom of this page to enjoy the magic of that night.

Students, faculty, staff and guests gather to share reflections, music and prayer during the annual Festival of Lights — one of the longest standing and most cherished traditions on the hilltop.

The hilltop chorale group accompanied by musicians in the university’s instrumental ensemble perform holiday classics.

president fuentes and SEU Choir on the steps of the main building

Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, the new president of St. Edward’s, shares a heartfelt message of joy, hope and compassion for the holiday season and new year during her first semester on the hilltop.

Candle-lighting and fellowship are shared throughout the crowd as the timeless music and singing of Silent Night fill the air.

2021 Festival of Lights Choir President Fuentes and son holding candle

group of student at 2021 festival of lights

people hold candles at 2021 Festival of Lights

crowd at 2021 Festival of lights with skyline in the back

Austin’s skyline shines bright against the hilltop's own holiday glow.

mariachi playing at the 2021 festival of lights

At the conclusion of the Festival of Lights, the Los Clasicos mariachi band kicks off the Las Posadas festivities.

Las Posadas, a religious festival celebrated across Latin American, marks the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of safe lodging for the birth of Jesus. A procession across campus enacts their journey.

2021 Festival of Lights lady of peace chapel

During the Las Posadas procession, the Holy Family is guide by an angel as they knock on the doors of villagers to ask for refuge for the night. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung.