Concordia University, Nebraska

Annual Christmas tree lighting to kick off Concordia Nebraska's holiday season

Seward, NE (11/03/2026) — Concordia University, Nebraska's annual Christmas tree lighting and open house is a beloved tradition that kicks off the holiday season. The event draws hundreds of members of the Concordia campus and greater community each year and allows them the opportunity to enjoy fellowship together. This year's event will be held on Weller Lawn at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

"The Christmas lighting celebration at Concordia University, Nebraska is a cherished tradition that brings our campus community and guests together to celebrate the joy, hope and light of the Christmas season. As we gather to enjoy the festive lights, music and fellowship, we are reminded of the greatest gift of all - Jesus Christ, the light of the world," said Jen Furr, senior director of outreach at Concordia and project manager for the tree lighting.

The event will feature caroling led by the University Chamber Choir. After the caroling, guests may enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in Weller lobby.

The University Chamber Choir is a small ensemble made up of students selected from the University A Cappella Choir. The group is under the direction of Dr. Kurt von Kampen, music department chair.

This event is sponsored by Cattle Bank & Trust.

The Christmas tree lighting is part of Christmas at Concordia, which culminates in four performances that take place in early December. This year's Christmas at Concordia concerts will take place on Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 5 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m. Other events include the Christmas buffets from 4:30-6:45 p.m. on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 in the Cattle Conference Room in Janzow Campus Center.

Tickets for the buffets are available here.

Online tickets for the Christmas at Concordia concerts will become available online here beginning on Friday, November 6 at 8 a.m.

Members of the University Chamber Choir include:

Sean Duffy, senior, Kenesaw, Nebraska, Bass

David Eatherton, junior, St. Louis, Missouri, Tenor

Lydia Edmonds, junior, Gretna, Nebraska, Soprano

Lydia Fink, junior, Olathe, Kansas, Soprano

Michaela Gibbs, junior, Belleville, Illinois, Soprano

Melissa Oblinger, junior, Tomball, Texas, Alto

Timothy Pester, sophomore, Seward, Nebraska, Bass

Jacob Speckhard, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tenor

Johanna Speckhard, sophomore, Munster, Indiana, Alto

Samantha Vogel, sophomore, Sussex, Wisconsin, Alto

Naomi Weber, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Alto

Yeabsira Yidnekachew, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bass

Micah Zeckzer, junior, New Haven, Indiana, Tenor

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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