Feast of Lights
For nearly eight decades, the Feast of Lights has marked the beginning of the holiday season at the University of Redlands. This inspired service—woven from music, narration, poetry, and dramatic tableaux—invites audiences to reflect on themes of light, hope, and community. Presented by the Conservatory of Music, the Feast unfolds through choral and instrumental performance, spoken word, and visual storytelling, culminating in the traditional Ceremony of Candlelighting, symbolizing the sharing of light with one another.
Announcement: The 79th Feast of Lights at First Presbyterian Church
For generations, the University of Redlands Feast of Lights has brought our community together to celebrate the beauty, music, and meaning of the holiday season. Whether Feast of Lights is a treasured tradition for you or you are hoping to experience it for the first time, we are grateful to have you as part of this special Redlands tradition.
This year, ongoing work in Memorial Chapel means the Feast of Lights will look a little different. On Sunday, December 6, we will present two services, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Redlands.
While we wish we could welcome everyone to Memorial Chapel this year, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this beloved tradition in a beautiful setting and share the music and spirit of Feast of Lights with our community.
Because of the more intimate venue, only 800 tickets will be available across both performances. We encourage those who would like to attend to purchase tickets early. Tickets go on sale October 1st at 10am PST.
And there is much to look forward to. In 2027, Feast of Lights will celebrate its 80th year, a remarkable milestone for a tradition that has connected generations of students, alumni, families, and friends. We look forward to commemorating that anniversary, and welcoming our community back to Memorial Chapel, with a celebration worthy of eight decades of Feast of Lights.
Thank you for your understanding, your enthusiasm, and your continued connection to this cherished University of Redlands tradition. We hope you will join us on December 6.
The Feast of Lights is a worship service celebrating ― in spoken word, tableaux, song, and instrumental offering ― the birth of Jesus. Although presentations have differed slightly from year to year, the basic theme has remained constant: the story of the birth of Christ and the symbolic message of the star of Bethlehem as it led the Wise Men to the stable. At the service’s conclusion, the traditional Ceremony of Candles, adapted from an ancient rite, symbolizes the spreading of the light of Christ’s message by the 12 apostles throughout the world.
A time-honored tradition
Throughout its history, the Feast of Lights has become one of the University’s most beloved traditions. Rooted in a narrative of light entering the world, the Feast has long welcomed people of all backgrounds to experience its artistry and message. Students, alumni, faculty, families, and community members return each year to be part of this shared moment of reflection and celebration.
The Feast has remained vibrant thanks to the creative leadership of its directors. J. William Jones, who conceived and established the Feast, shaped its distinctive blend of music, ritual, and community expression. Today, Dr. Nicholle Andrews continues this legacy, honoring the Feast’s history while enriching it with new musical perspectives, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community. Under their guidance, the Feast has grown into a dynamic tradition—rooted in its past yet continually renewed through the talents and voices of the University community.
Ticket Information
Please join us to celebrate the 79th Feast of Lights.
- Sunday, December 6, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location:
- First Presbyterian Church
100 Cajon Street, Redlands, CA 92373
If you are willing and able, please consider bringing a food donation for Redlands Family Services. Donations may be dropped off in front of First Presbyterian Church prior to both performances.
For questions, email feastoflights@redlands.edu, or call (909) 748-8688.
History
The Feast of Lights was envisioned in 1942 by Professor J. William Jones and first presented at the University of Redlands in 1947. Initially a campus-centered event, it quickly expanded, becoming a treasured annual gathering for the broader community.
In 1970, Professor Jeffrey H. Rickard assumed leadership of the Feast, guiding it through decades of growth and helping bring wider recognition to the tradition. Upon his retirement in 2007, the direction of the Feast passed to Dr. Nicholle Andrews, Director of Choral Activities, who carries forward Jones’s original vision while ensuring the Feast continues to evolve artistically and meaningfully for 21st-century audiences.
In the 1968 Feast of Lights’ program, President George H. Armacost wrote:
“As long as I live, I shall anticipate attending the Feast of Lights at the University of Redlands. This inspired service of worship has been an introduction to the Christmas Season for students, faculty, and friends of the University of Redlands for more than 20 years. It is a tradition that I hope will endure as long as there is a University of Redlands.”