UCM Rings In Holiday Season With “Jingle On the Quad”

Colorful lights, music, holiday treats, shopping and more await members of the University of Central Missouri community when the university hosts the annual Holiday Market, Jingle on the Quad, First Lady’s Holiday Concert and other special events Nov. 29-30. All of these activities are free and open to the public.

Anyone who is looking for handmade gifts won’t want to miss the Holiday Market from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 in the Sandra Temple Elliott Ballroom of the Elliott Student Union. This annual event showcases a variety of vendors from the university student, faculty and staff community and their unique items which will be available for purchase. This includes gourmet food, arts and crafts, clothing and other items.

Get our free mobile app

On Thursday, Nov. 30, UCM will ring in the holiday season with Jingle on the Quad, a lighting ceremony hosted by President Roger Best and First Lady Robin Best. While adding more outdoor lights to this year’s event, this celebration is quickly becoming a university tradition featuring performances by UCM music students, appearances by Mo, Santa, and Molly, the university’s live mule mascot. While enjoying this spirited evening, those attending also will be treated to free refreshments such as hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies. Thursday evening activities begin outside the Administration Building, and continue inside the James L. Highlander Theatre at the Wood-Martin Building with the presentation of the annual First Lady’s Holiday Concert. Titled “Winter Fantasia.” This event begins at 6 p.m., and no tickets are required. UCM’s First Lady will host the UCM Concert Choir, Collegiate Chorus and Wind Ensemble as they perform a variety of seasonal sing-along music.

Take a break and enjoy more holiday music earlier in the day when the university Jazz Ensemble performs seasonal tunes beginning at 2 p.m. at the Elliott Student Union atrium. Also on Thursday, students are invited to relax and enjoy a night of bingo, food, crafts and other activities during the Fun Before Finals event, 7-10 p.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.