Spreading and setting-up holiday cheer: How HPU creates its holiday magic
December 4, 2023
Every year, High Point University decks out its campus in celebration of Christmas time. From Christmas trees in every building to wreaths on every door, a Nativity scene, music and giant nutcrackers, there is something to get anyone into the holiday spirit.
While it is mesmerizing enough to simply see the decorations, the real ‘wow factor’ comes from the amount of work and preparation it takes to put it all together.
For the 2023 decorations, Alex Abrams, Director of Media Relations at HPU says, “This year's display includes over 100,000 lights, over 200 nutcrackers and more giant wreaths.”
Installation of the decorations started on November 1 with most of the logistics completed by Studio 25 out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Most of the decorations are held at what was formerly the Oak Hollow Mall throughout the year, but Studio 25 helps us transport it onto campus and get everything where it needs to go,” said Abrams.
One (or now two) of the most iconic decorations on the campus are the giant Christmas trees that are displayed in front of Roberts Hall and the Qubein Arena. Each tree stands at a towering 70-feet tall and takes about two full days to set up.
“Because of the height and time it takes to put the trees up, the Arena one goes up between November 6 through the 8 and the Roberts one goes up from the 9 to the 10,” Abrams shared.
The most impressive part about the installation of the decorations is that it takes only 2 weeks for it all to be finished.
Abrams notes that “HPU has such a great team that is able to get everything done so quickly, it really adds to that holiday magic.”
Over the years, HPU has continued its Christmas expansion across campus, adding more to the existing collections and sprinkling in some new surprises. In fact, this expansion would not have been possible without the Phillips Collection, which generously donated the nutcrackers and life-size Nativity scene.
With the extensive preparation, set-up and magic that it takes to bring this to life, it is always a wonder as to why the university goes all out for the holidays.
“What it truly comes down to is our pride and university values. We want to always provide the best and make our students and community feel at home,” Abrams shares. A big part of the holiday season is bringing people together to celebrate, and what better way to do that than with decorations that top off the holiday feel. Even High Point University faculty and staff are amazed by the amount of time and effort that goes into making the campus festive.
“My favorite part is seeing how we go over the top, and every day you're seeing something new. It really has such a winter wonderland feel that’s so inviting, and you’re not always used to seeing that,” Abrams says.
A big part of HPU’s mission is to support and include the community, and Christmas has been the most successful way to bring people together on HPU’s campus. With events such as ice skating, musical performances and the Christmas Drive-Through, there are many ways to celebrate.
Abrams says the Christmas Drive-Through is particularly special because “it's not just an HPU event, it’s an event for everyone, a chance for people all around to come and see and visit and embrace the holiday season on our campus.”
The Christmas Drive-Through will run from December 18 to the 27 this year, with other events happening all month long. For more information, please visit the HPU Calendar of Events.
One of the most rewarding parts that comes from decorating the campus for the holidays is the ability to spread joy and fellowship to students.
“We have students from all over the country, and now that they’re here for college, they’re not home as much as they would be, so we want to create this sense of community and holiday spirit that makes them feel like they’re home and cared for,” says Abrams.
The holidays are a perfect time for connection, celebrations, and spending time with loved ones. HPU is a home-away-from-home for students and by decorating its campus, HPU helps its students, faculty, and staff enjoy the holiday season while they are at their HPU home.