St. John’s Celebrates Holiday Season at Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival

Seasonal cheer, festive music, and student enthusiasm filled the Great Lawn with anticipation on December 8 as St. John’s University community members gathered for the return of the campus Christmas Tree lighting and the climax of the 33rd annual Winter Carnival.

Canceled last year due to a statewide burn ban and restriction on fireworks, the celebration on the Queens, NY, campus returned with student performances and a spectacular fireworks finale that brought students, faculty, alumni, administrators, and staff together ahead of the start of Fall semester final exams.

Earlier in the evening, students gathered for a dessert party inside the D’Angelo Center— accompanied by the Grinch—before heading to the Great Lawn for the outdoor celebration. Performances by the St. John’s Dance Team, Kickline, Voices of Victory gospel choir, and Jazz Band built anticipation for the lighting of the University’s Christmas tree and the fireworks display that followed.

“The Winter Carnival and Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a cherished tradition that brings us together in joy, unity, and the spirit of the season,” said Ava Wilson, President of Student Government, Inc., which sponsored the event. “From the dessert party, fireworks, and amazing performances to the alumni and senior mixer that follows, it is an unforgettable day of celebration for our community.”

“Student Government, Inc., wishes the St. John’s community a holiday season night filled with warmth, excitement, and cheer as we kick off this festive time of the year,” she continued.  

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., University President, offered a prayer and spoke about the meaning of the gathering for the University community. “As we light the Christmas tree, we are reminded that light has the power to shine through the darkness,” he said. “Coming together as a community like this offers hope during the holiday season.”

The Christmas tree lighting served as the final event of Winter Carnival 2025—a series of festive activities that included a Rock the Red hot cocoa tasting and an Interfraternity Council Christmas Social on December 1; a concert by Voices of Victory on December 6; and a Santa workshop sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations on December 8. Mass at St. Thomas More Church to commemorate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary preceded the main event.   

Students, alumni, and families posed for pictures with Santa (a.k.a. Frank A. Peluso, Director, Office of Community-Engaged Learning) and Mrs. Claus (a.k.a. Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97GEd, Associate Director, Campus Ministry for Liturgy, Faith Formation, and Mission Communication).

“Events like this help bring the St. John’s community together,” said Nicholas Alvarez, a senior legal studies major at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies.

For others—including alumni returning to campus—the evening offered a chance to reconnect with familiar traditions. Lucy Jiang ’20TCB, who earned a degree in accounting, said the experience brought back memories of her time at St. John’s. 

“It is exciting to see how the campus has grown and to feel the energy of the students today,” she said.

For graduating seniors, the return of the celebration was especially meaningful following last year’s cancellation. “With graduation coming up for me this semester, this was the perfect way to close my chapter at St. John’s,” said Giuliana Frisina, a psychology major at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.