The Emory community will celebrate the holidays in the coming weeks with music, art and special religious services. All programs are open to the public. Here are some highlights, but check websites such as the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, Candler School of Theology and Emory Arts for updates.
Advent Catholic Mass
Sunday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.
Cannon Chapel
Cost: Free
Join these special services during the weeks leading to Christmas Day.
Emory Chanukah Celebration
Monday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
Emory Student Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Emory’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and student groups Bayit, Chabad, Hillel and Meor will host a festive candle lighting. Hot cider and Chanukah snacks will be provided. All are welcome to join the celebration; email OSRL for more information.
Oxford College Chanukah Celebration
Monday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m.
Oxford College Quadrangle
Cost: Free
Join members of the Jewish Student Union as they light the menorah for Chanukah, then enjoy activities in the Student Center.
Advent Services
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 11:30 a.m. (in-person and virtual)
Thursday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. (virtual)
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. (in-person and virtual)
Cost: Free
Join the Candler community for Advent services. The in-person services on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 will be held in the Cannon Chapel Sanctuary.
All three services can also be watched via livestream on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or the Candler livestream. Sermons will be available on Vimeo after the services. For more information, contact Khalia J. Williams, associate dean of worship and music at Candler School of Theology.
Art and Advent Community Course
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Citizen Exchange: Art Collective (16 West Peachtree Street, Norcross, GA 30071)
Cost: $119
This three-session course will explore the stories of the Nativity through reading, music and art celebrating the light and darkness of the Nativity stories. Led by Elizabeth Arnold, post-doctoral fellow at The Candler Foundry, and Amy Valdez Barker, visiting associate professor of religious education and mission innovation at Candler School of Theology. The course is offered in partnership with Citizen Exchange: Art Collective and The Candler Foundry, an initiative of Emory’s Candler School of Theology that offers in-depth learning opportunities situated at the intersection of the church and the academy. Learn more and register.
Oxford Chorale Holiday Concert
Thursday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Oxford College Chapel
Cost: $5; purchase tickets early from the OxBox Office or at the door.
Enjoy holiday songs from the Oxford Chorale, featuring Oxapella and members of the Oxford College Chamber Ensemble. Directed by Andrew Schmidt.
Oxford Dance Company Performance
Friday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Oxford College, Williams Hall
Cost: Free
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
Cost: $20; purchase for Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m.; Saturday at 8 p.m.
The beloved Emory tradition returns, with choral music from the Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus and Scripture readings by special guests from the Emory community. This candlelit concert has been a warm and welcoming Atlanta celebration for decades.
All guests must follow posted safety protocols including proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result and wearing a properly-fitted mask while indoors.
Southern Folk Advent with the Meridian Herald
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
Oxford College, Old Church
Cost: Free; an offering will be taken
The Southern Folk Advent programs brings together folk, gospel and bluegrass music in a worship experience. A holiday tradition since its inaugural service in 1997, this year’s program will feature Gary Hauk, Emory emeritus historian, as the speaker. Learn more about the program.
Attendees must wear masks and have proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Catholic Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
University Catholic Center
Cost: Free
Enjoy carols performed by members of the Catholic student music ministry, get your picture taken with Santa and fill your belly with a delicious home-cooked meal.
Beloved Community Protestant Advent Worship Service
Sunday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.
Cannon Chapel
Cost: Free
Beloved Community gathers each Sunday at 11 a.m. during the academic year. Worship is ecumenical and planned especially for the campus setting, providing a variety of worship experiences for the Emory community. Maddie Henderson, OSRL Christian chaplain, will preach for this Advent service. An outdoor lunch will follow at 12 p.m.
Christmas with the Atlanta Master Chorale
Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m.
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, Emerson Concert Hall
Cost: $35; purchase for Friday; Saturday; Sunday
Join the festivities with an evening of Christmas carols and wintry delight. A livestream of the Saturday performance will be available for all ticket holders to watch for seven days after the event. Learn more about the program. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result is required.
In The Bleak Midwinter: A Service of Grief and Hope
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church; The Little Chapel
Cost: Free
Many people have struggles that make being jolly and merry difficult, especially in 2021. Whether you are grieving, stressed or lonely, join this service on winter’s longest night to find comfort and hope in the midst of the season. Contact Rev. Susan Pinson for more information.
Journey Through Bethlehem Walk-thru Nativity
Thursday, Dec. 23, 4 p.m.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
Cost: Free
Take a journey to Bethlehem by parking at Emory’s Fishburne Deck and joining a 30-minute walk that brings the story of the first Christmas to life. Cast and crew volunteers are needed; sign up here.
Christmas Vigil Mass
Friday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.
Cannon Chapel
Cost: Free
Observe Christmas Eve during this special Mass.
Christmas Eve Service
Friday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 24, 11 p.m.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church; Sanctuary
Cost: Free