November 22, 2021

Tickets Required Due to Reduced Seating Capacity

Susquehanna University invites the community to enjoy its in-person Christmas Candlelight Service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in Weber Chapel Auditorium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and seating will be reduced by half to 800 total participants as a Covid-19 safety precaution.

The Susquehanna University Box Office will distribute up to two complimentary tickets per person, beginning Monday, Nov. 29. Tickets will be required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be picked up in advance at the box office, located in the lobby of Degenstein Center Theater, between noon and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Since its inception in 1966, the annual Christmas Candlelight Service is one of Susquehanna’s most cherished traditions, as members of the university and surrounding communities gather in Weber Chapel for candle lighting and carols, as well as traditional readings, songs and prayers in celebration of the season.

The Rev. Scott Kershner, chaplain to the university, will preside over the service and deliver the message. The service will also feature numerous student ensembles from the Department of Music, including the University Choir, University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Handbell Choir and Brass Ensemble.

Masks will be required to be worn indoors. Although a shuttle will not be running this year, parking will be available in nearby lots.

Food donations will be accepted to benefit the local community. Donations should be child-friendly, nonperishable and not require a can opener or scissors to open. Examples include instant oatmeal, small boxes of cereal, granola bars, beef sticks, easy mac and cheese, mini bottled water and juice boxes.

WQSU-FM 88.9 will air the service live beginning at 7:15 p.m. and will rebroadcast it at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The radio station can also be streamed at wqsu.com or from an Alexa or Google Nest device.