Cardinal Lights: A reimagined holiday tradition returns to Lamar University
November 29, 2021 | by Shelbe Rodriguez
Cardinal Lights, a spectacular holiday light display, has returned to the Lamar University campus for the Southeast Texas community to enjoy. Thousands of colored lights will adorn trees and illuminate campus buildings around Jimmy Simmons Boulevard, Jim Gilligan Way and the Rolfe Christopher Drive entrance to campus. Families are invited to take a slow drive through campus to enjoy the lights and other holiday themed decorations for the entire month of December through the new year.
LU is set to host an official Cardinal Lights kickoff event on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Wayne A. Reaud Building courtyard featuring a traditional lighting ceremony, children’s activities, hot cocoa and holiday cookies followed by fireworks.
“Lamar University has been deeply rooted in the Southeast Texas community for nearly a century. This year, more than ever, it was important to bring our community together and connect community partners back to campus,” said Jeremy Alltop, LU vice president of finance and operations. “Cardinal Lights is a family event that culminates the holiday spirit and we’re excited to have our community join us in celebrating.”
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum will also be merry and bright with a Christmas in Boomtown: City in Lights event displaying more than 50,000 holiday lights. The holiday light display starts Dec. 1 with a Lucas Gusher re-enactment taking place at 5:30 p.m. This event also coincides with the museums Annual Holiday Food Drive in partnership with the Southeast Texas Food Bank.
“This year, we’re excited to see the community get out, enjoy the lights and celebrate together again,” said Troy Gray, museum director. “It was important for us to give back to the community and we’re proud to bring this event to Southeast Texas all month long.”
For the month of December, the Spindletop-Gladys City Museum will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Guests who bring five non-perishable food items will be granted free admission to the museum.
Community sponsors of Cardinal Lights play a key role in making this event an unforgettable experience. This year’s sponsors are ExxonMobil and Golden Pass LNG.
LU is set to host an official Cardinal Lights kickoff event on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Wayne A. Reaud Building courtyard featuring a traditional lighting ceremony, children’s activities, hot cocoa and holiday cookies followed by fireworks.
“Lamar University has been deeply rooted in the Southeast Texas community for nearly a century. This year, more than ever, it was important to bring our community together and connect community partners back to campus,” said Jeremy Alltop, LU vice president of finance and operations. “Cardinal Lights is a family event that culminates the holiday spirit and we’re excited to have our community join us in celebrating.”
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum will also be merry and bright with a Christmas in Boomtown: City in Lights event displaying more than 50,000 holiday lights. The holiday light display starts Dec. 1 with a Lucas Gusher re-enactment taking place at 5:30 p.m. This event also coincides with the museums Annual Holiday Food Drive in partnership with the Southeast Texas Food Bank.
“This year, we’re excited to see the community get out, enjoy the lights and celebrate together again,” said Troy Gray, museum director. “It was important for us to give back to the community and we’re proud to bring this event to Southeast Texas all month long.”
For the month of December, the Spindletop-Gladys City Museum will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Guests who bring five non-perishable food items will be granted free admission to the museum.
Community sponsors of Cardinal Lights play a key role in making this event an unforgettable experience. This year’s sponsors are ExxonMobil and Golden Pass LNG.