Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff gathered on the Keyser Quad on Thursday for a night of seasonal cheer at the annual lighting ceremony, a Johns Hopkins Holiday tradition in its 11th year.
The JHU Pep Band opened the entertainment for the evening, followed by seasonal a cappella performances by the Sirens, Peabody's Monument Brass Quintet, and the All Nighters.
Several offices across the Homewood Campus joined the fun to spread holiday cheer, hosting gingerbread cookie decorating, trivia competitions, and a make-your-own ornament station.
Revelers feasted on festive winter-themed treats, pausing to take photos with entertainers and the ice sculptures that lined the quad.
President Ronald J. Daniels addressed the crowd. "The only thing that stands between this moment and the fireworks is a pop quiz," he said before playing a game of Hopkins trivia with the audience.
When he flipped a switch that illuminated a light display strung across the quad, a dazzling fireworks display launched first in front of Gilman Hall and then at the Beach.
"Everyone comes together [for the event] and there's a great sense of community definitely" said Nitya Dixit, a graduate student in engineering management.
The event was made possible thanks to Parents' Fund, Alumni Relations, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Resident Advisory Board, Student Leadership and Involvement, University Dining, and University Events.
Posted in Student Life
Tagged lighting of the quads, traditions
