Christmas at Augustana, other holiday events planned

Augustana College celebrates the season with several events and performances open to the public.

Christmas at Augustana presented by Quad City Bank & Trust

Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
2 p.m.
Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Ave.

Christmas at Augustana has thrilled audiences for more than a decade. Three hundred student musicians share their talents in what has become a highlight of the Quad-Cities holiday season. The concert features performances by the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Ascension Ringers, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and Augustana Concert Chorale.

Tickets are available online or by phone through the Ticket Office.

Julbord Dinner

Monday, Dec. 4, 2023
5 p.m.
The Gerber Center for Student Life., Gävle Banquet Rooms

The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana will serve its annual Julbord Dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Gerber Center. (Julbord in Swedish means "Christmas table.")

Guests may arrive at any time. There will be brief remarks at 5:30.

Traditional Swedish-American Christmas smörgåsbord fare will be served, including salads, relishes, fruit, herring, bread, cheese, potatoes, salmon, potato sausage, meatballs, rice pudding and Christmas desserts. 

→ More information and tickets

Festival of Sankta Lucia

Monday, Dec. 4, 2023
7 p.m.
Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center (Founders Hall)

Augustana's annual celebration of the Festival of Sankta Lucia will commemorate the holiday with traditional Scandinavian Christmas carols, lessons and poetry.

The Sankta Lucia Festival is a cherished tradition of the Advent season in all the Nordic countries. A candlelight procession of singers is led by a young woman robed in white with a crown of candles on her head, to commemorate the martyred St. Lucy (d. 304 AD), whose feast day is Dec. 13.

Free and open to the public.

→ More information

Lighting of the tree

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
4 p.m.
Behind Old Main

Join President Andrea Talentino for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Gather by the tree for holiday treats and festivities.

Free and open to the public.

→ More information

Season of Light planetarium show

Saturday, Dec. 9, through Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
7 p.m. (weekdays), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
John Deere Planetarium

"Season of Light" tells the story of how our holiday traditions are connected to the sky through a multimedia show that uses the planetarium sky projector, astronomical images, music and narration, all projected onto a 30-foot dome. Recommended for visitors ages 8 and up.

Free and open to the public. Tickets required.

→ More information
→ Buy tickets (available Nov. 20)

Lessons and Carols

Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ascension Chapel, Bahls Center (Founder's Hall)

Enjoy a beautiful, spiritual presentation of lessons and carols within the intimate setting of Ascension Chapel. The Augustana Chamber Singers and Campus Ministries present the story of Christ's birth in readings and song.

Free and open to the public.