Festival of Lights

Iowa State's tree lighting tradition was first celebrated in 1914-1915, and was then discontinued until 1946.  Since that time, the event has come to symbolize holiday music, campus carriage rides, visits to the Farm House, and candles on campus.

Over the years, what was originally a Christmas event has been changed to become more inclusive, commemorating the entire holiday season.  In 1988, the Iowa State Singers sang the following words, penned by ISU student James Tener,

"This tree we light may signal to all our community

This tree we light may signal to all our hopes for humanity."

This site is co-sponsored by the ISU Alumni Association and the University Archives, ISU Library.