The Christmas season is settling into Canyon, and nowhere is that spirit more radiant than on the campus of West Texas A&M University. As the community gears up for one of the busiest—and brightest—weekends of the year, WT invites residents, students, families and visitors to gather for one of Canyon’s most beloved traditions: the Festival of Lights.
A Campus Shining Brighter Than Ever
The Festival of Lights begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, centered around the iconic Buffalo Fountain on the WT campus. Each year, the event marks the official lighting of campus for the Christmas season—but this year’s display promises to be the most dazzling yet.
Nearly 200,000 bulbs will glow throughout WT, a remarkable 150% increase from just four years ago. Towering American elms along 26th Avenue, cherished landmarks like the Freedom Tree and Staff Memorial Tree, and greenery throughout the Pedestrian Mall will shimmer with festive light.
The university has added new color-changing uplights to the Pedestrian Mall and the north side of Old Main, plus vibrant Edison-style bulbs surrounding the “Original Texans” buffalo sculpture and fountain. Major buildings—Old Main, the JBK, Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex, Cornette Library, and several others—will also be illuminated. Elegant wreaths will welcome visitors at key entrances, including 23rd Street and the First United Bank Center.
Music, Magic, and Community Traditions
The evening’s soundtrack will come from the WT Chamber Singers, who will perform classic Christmas favorites before leading a joyful community singalong. Speakers will include WT President Walter V. Wendler, Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders, Student Body President Mary Vivian Ivey, and Residence Hall Association President Jazmyn McKeel.
No holiday kickoff would be complete without Santa Claus himself, who will arrive in style atop a Canyon Fire Department firetruck. Families can take photos with Santa, while Bucky the Buffalo hands out red and green glow necklaces to kids. A performance from the WT Pom Squad will bring extra energy to the night.
Guests can warm up with cookies, hot chocolate, and cider, then settle in to watch the classic cartoon Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer screened outside Old Main. Student groups—including the Hispanic Student Association, Men’s Volleyball Club, KWTS, and others—will help make the night memorable.
First held in 1990, the Festival of Lights has become WT’s longest-running Residence Hall Association tradition, taking place every year except 2020.
More Holiday Events Around Canyon
The Festival of Lights is only the beginning. The week continues with events for music lovers, families and anyone ready to embrace the Christmas spirit.
WT Chamber Singers Christmas Concert
7:30 p.m. • Dec. 2 • Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall
Admission is free, offering a perfect warm-up for the coming festivities.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Christmas Open House
1–3 p.m. • Dec. 6 • East Lawn of the Museum
Featuring children’s choirs, holiday crafts, and family fun, this event supports the High Plains Food Bank. Admission is either $1 or one canned good per person.
Christmas in Canyon – Saturday, December 6, 2025
Canyon’s Historic Square will come alive with a full day of holiday cheer hosted by Canyon Main Street and the Canyon Chamber of Commerce. Here’s what’s planned:
Santa Paws with WTAMU Pre-Vet Club
12:00–3:00 PM • The Venue on the Square
Letters to Santa & Magic Reindeer Food
2:00–4:00 PM • Provided by Canyon Main Street
Visits with Santa + Hot Cocoa
4:00–6:00 PM • Cocoa courtesy of the Canyon Lions Club
Canyon ISD Choir Performances
4:30–6:00 PM
Parade of Lights
6:30 PM around downtown Canyon
Christmas Tree Lighting
Immediately following the parade, led by Mayor Hinders
This annual celebration transforms the Square into a Hallmark-worthy destination filled with lights, music, and small-town Christmas charm.
WT Symphony Orchestra: Music of the Christmas Season
Performances at 4 p.m. (sold out) and 7 p.m. on Dec. 7
Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall
A Canyon holiday staple, this concert blends classic and contemporary Christmas music. Limited tickets remain for the 7 p.m. performance.
If you can’t attend in person, the concert will air on Panhandle PBS at 7 p.m. Dec. 23 and 9 p.m. Dec. 24, and afterward on the WT School of Music YouTube channel.
A Community Wrapped in Light
Christmas in Canyon truly showcases what makes the community special: shared traditions, family-friendly celebrations, local artistry, and a spirit of togetherness. WTAMU’s Festival of Lights sets the tone each year, bathing the campus—and the hearts of those who gather there—in warmth and wonder.
As December unfolds, Canyon residents have ample opportunities to enjoy the season, support local groups, and make memories that will last long beyond the holidays.
