Winter Holidays
The Emory community will celebrate the holidays in the coming weeks with music, art and special spiritual events.
Be on the lookout for more information from Emory Report on more winter holiday programs across Emory, including at Oxford College.
December 2025
Emory Bodhi Day
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Bodhi Day is celebrated in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition to honor the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Emory Buddhist community will gather in honor of this special celebration for an evening of spiritual reflection, contemplation, and community.
Emory students, faculty, and staff are welcome. A vegetarian dinner will be served after the program.
To register, please scan the QR code or visit here. For questions, contact Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya at psraman@emory.edu.
_____
Emory Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 5:00-6:30 pm, Kaldi’s at Emory Student Center
All are welcome for an Emory Chanukah celebration sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy in conjunction with Chabad, Hillel and Meor. Chanukah treats will be provided as well as a festive candle lighting. Come shine light and share joy with the whole Emory community. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu. RSVP appreciated here: https://forms.gle/P7k38c2pQDtKiTsv7. Sponsored by Emory University Chaplaincy Jewish Life and Chabad, Hillel, and MEOR.
________
Advent and Christmas
Beloved Community Advent Worship Service
Sunday, December 7, Worship Service 11:00 a.m., Lunch Noon, Cannon Chapel
Join us as we celebrate Advent with worship and lunch. For questions, please contact OSRL Christian Chaplain, The Rev. Maddie Henderson at mhend25@emory.edu.
Emory Christian Life Christmas Party
Sunday, December 7, 6:30-8:00 pm, Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Join Emory OSRL, Christian Religious Life Affiliates, and Christian Student Organizations for a joint Christmas party at the Emory Interfaith Center. We will have hot chocolate and hot cider, a s’mores bar, and ornament decorating. RSVP here: https://thehub.emory.edu/OSRL/rsvp_boot?id=382436. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
Candler School of Theology: Advent Services
- Adorning of the Greens Service: Tuesday, December 2, 11:05 a.m. (in-person and live stream available)
- The Magnificat Service: Thursday, December 4, 11:05 a.m. (in-person and live stream available)
- Carols in the Chapel: Tuesday, December 9, 11:05 a.m. (in-person and live stream available)
In-person services 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.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
Christmas Caroling for All Ages & Children’s Nativity Pageant
Sunday, December 14, 9:45am & 10:15am | Ward Fellowship Hall
All ages join us for a sing-along of favorite carols hosted by The New Class and led by beloved pianist Jim Gibson and Covenant Choir Director, Katie Woolf. Then, at 10:15am, the Cherub Choir will present the Nativity pageant, directed by Mary Lindsey Lewis. Perhaps the most delightful 15 minutes of the season, with much laughter and levity, Glenn’s Pre-K, Kindergarteners, & 1st Graders bring the story of the first Christmas to life! Then, stay for 11am Advent 3 Worship in the Sanctuary and be sure to visit our Nativity animals petting zoo, enjoy Here & Now Coffee Co., & support the Alternative Giving Catalogue on your way home
Nativity Petting Zoo (Coffee with a Camel!)
Sunday, December 14, 12:00-2:00pm
Following our Third Sunday in Advent Worship at 11:00am, all ages are invited to visit with our favorite stable animals that bring the magic of the Christmas story to life! We heard that Obadiah the camel (or one of his friends?!) is following the Christ star and will make a stop by Glenn Church again this year! Here & Now Coffee Co. will be offering coffee & hot cocoa for purchase and the Justice Team will be offering a treat as we receive donations for the Alternative Giving Catalogue supporting mission and ministry locally and globally.
Young Adult Ministries Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 16, 7pm | Address upon RSVP
Young adults and college students are invited to our 2025 Young Adults Christmas party on Tuesday, December 16 from 7-9PM. Show off your cutest or tackiest Christmas apparel. We'll have appetizers, treats, and festive beverages. Optional activities include cookie decorating and Christmas crafts. RSVP at this link to get the address, and reach out to Sutton with questions.
In the Bleak Midwinter
Wednesday, December 17, 6pm | Little Chapel
Is all the uncertainty of this Season too much to bear? Many of us have struggles in our lives that make being jolly & merry the farthest things from our hearts and minds. Whether you are grieving, stressed, or lonely, join us on winter's longest night to find comfort and hope in the midst of this season. Childcare provided.
Christmas Eve at Glenn
Wednesday, December 24 | Sanctuary
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through story and song! We hope you find the service that best fits you and your loved ones!
4pm | Christmas Pageant
7pm | Candlelight Service with Choir & Organ
11pm | Candlelight Service with Communion
Learn more at https://www.glennumc.org/.
University Catholic Center
Advent and Christmas Masses
- Catholic Mass First Sunday of Advent: Sunday, November 30, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
- Catholic Mass Second Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 7, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
- Catholic Mass, Third Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 14, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
- Catholic Mass, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 21, 9:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
- Catholic Mass, Christmas Vigil: Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
- Friday, December 5, 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6, 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Glenn Memorial Auditorium
Cost: $20; purchase tickets here: https://tickets.arts.emory.edu/lessons2025
Heralding the beginning of the Christmas season, this candlelit choral concert at Emory has been a warm and welcoming Atlanta tradition for decades. Join us as the tradition continues under the direction of Dr. Eric Nelson, with choral music from the Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus, and scripture readings by special guests from the Emory community.