Ashland University will help the students and the community ring in the holiday season at this year’s Festival of Lights. The event is scheduled at 7 p.m., December 11, in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel.

With 2011 marking the 21st year of the ceremony, the Festival of Lights is an annual tradition for Ashland University. The free event is not only for students but also members of the public, who are welcome to attend the ceremony.

The Festival of Lights features performances from both the Women’s Chorus and the University Choir. These groups will present a variety of Christmas carols and other holiday songs to the audience. Stephanie Sikora serves as director of the Women’s Chorus, while Rowland Blackley is the director of the University Choir.

In addition to the musical pieces, the candle-lighting ceremony serves as another highlight of the night.

Women’s Chorus member Megan Wise, a senior, is very excited for the concert.

“My favorite part of the Festival of Lights is when all of the choirs sing ‘Silent Night’ together,” Wise said. “This is one of the last songs that is performed and the chapel is absolutely beautiful since everyone is holding a lighted candle. President Finks and Holly light the first candle in each pew and it isn’t long before the entire chapel is glowing. It is at that moment that I know that the holiday season can officially begin.”

Junior Courtney McCreary, another member of Women’s Chorus added to Wise’s excitement.

“My favorite part about the Festival of Lights is performing beautiful music for a standing-room-only crowd in the chapel,” McCreary said. “It’s always amazing to see how many people from the Ashland Area come out to show their appreciation for the Festival of Lights.”

Jennifer Holderman, junior, also a member of the Women’s Chorus, stated that the concert is something she looks forward to every year.

“The festival of lights is just really beautiful,” Holderman said. “Great music, candles and the overwhelming joy and spirit of Christmas make the concert a fabulous experience.”