‘A Xavier Christmas’ welcomes children to campus today

180 elementary school children will be special guests

Xavier University once again kicks off the holiday season today with ‘A Xavier Christmas.’ Around 180 elementary school students from Hoffman-Parham, Frederick Douglass, Sharpsburg, Williams, South Avondale, and Norwood View schools will be special guests of the University and will be accompanied by more than 180 Xavier Buddies (students). The children will have an opportunity to meet Santa Claus, see a live nativity scene and partake in various crafts and activities.

Xavier University President Michael J. Graham, S.J. will join the participants at the Sally Watson Tree for a special tree lighting ceremony. Xavier’s Physical Plant staff always creates a breathtaking display for all. The Xavier University Gospel Choir will perform.

Xavier faculty, students and staff have collected new hats and gloves to be distributed to the children in attendance and sent to other children in need. On the day of the event, all the children will receive fleece scarves color coordinated by school.

The evening schedule is:
3:30 p.m.: Children from 6 elementary schools arrive at Cintas Center for pizza and pictures with Santa.
4:00 p.m.: Children and their Xavier student buddies will play games and do crafts
5:30 p.m.: Nativity scene featuring live animals on the green space near Bellarmine Chapel, as well as cookies and hot chocolate.
6:00 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony in front of the Gallagher Student Center with Fr. Graham.
6:30 p.m.: Elementary school children depart.