Winter Holidays


The Emory community will celebrate the holidays in the coming weeks with music, art and special spiritual events. All programs are open to the public. Here are some highlights, but check websites such as the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, Candler School of Theology and Emory Arts for updates.

For a more complete listing of programs, including Oxford campus programming, please visit this article

November-December 2023

Bodhi Day Celebration

Thursday, November 30, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary 

Bodhi Day is celebrated in the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhism to commemorate the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha. Emory Buddhist community and spiritual friends from Atlanta will gather to celebrate this occasion in spiritual reflection, contemplation and gratitude. Vegetarian dinner will follow the spiritual practice. For questions or more information, please contact Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman psraman@emory.edu. RSVP for dinner here

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Chanukah

Emory Chanukah Celebration

Thursday, December 7, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Emory Kaldi's, Emory Student Center

All are welcome for Chanukah celebration sponsored by Emory’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in conjunction with Chabad, Hillel and Meor. Chanukah snacks will be provided as well as a festive candle lighting. All are welcome. Come shine light and share joy with the whole Emory community. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.



Advent and Christmas

Beloved Community Advent Worship Service

Sunday, December 3, 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.

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Emory Christian Life Christmas Party

Sunday, December 3, 6:00-7:30 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 on the hub. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.

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Candler School of Theology: Advent Services

  • The Magnificat Service: Thursday, November 30, 11:05 a.m. (in-person and live stream available)
  • Carols in the Chapel: Tuesday, December 5, 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
  • A Service of Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 10, 11:00 a.m., Glenn Memorial Church Sanctuary
  • Christmas Caroling for all ages and Children’s Nativity Pageant, Sunday, December 17, 9:45 a.m. and 10:15., Ward Fellowship Hall
  • Nativity Petting Zoo: Sunday, December 17, 12:00-1:30 p.m., Glenn Memorial Church Amphitheater
  • In the Bleak Midwinter: A Service of Grief and Hope: Wednesday, December 20, 6:00 p.m., The Little Chapel, Glenn Memorial Church
  • Christmas Eve Services: Sunday, December 24, 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m., Glenn Memorial Church Sanctuary
Learn more at https://www.glennumc.org/

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University Catholic Center

Advent and Christmas Masses

  • Catholic Mass First Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 3, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Catholic Mass, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Friday, December 8, 6:00 p.m., University Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd
    • Join us for Mass at the University Catholic Center in celebration of the conception of Mary without original sin. This is a holy day of obligation.
  • Catholic Mass Second Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 10, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Catholic Mass Third Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 17, 9:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Catholic Mass, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 24, 9:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Catholic Mass, Christmas Vigil: Sunday, December 24, 4:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel 
Catholic Student Union Christmas Party: Friday, December 8, 7:00 p.m., Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd
Celebrate the end of classes with fun and games at our CSU Christmas party at the University Catholic Center. Enjoy carols performed by members of our music ministry, get your picture taken with Santa, and decorate the Catholic Center for the Christmas season. Dinner will be served.

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Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
  • Friday, December 1, 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 2, 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 2, 8:00 p.m.

Location: Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
Cost: $20; purchase tickets here
One of Emory's longest-standing annual traditions, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols presents choral music from the Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus and scripture readings by special guests from the Emory community. This service, dating back to 1935, brings beautiful music and spreads a message of peace.