On November 29, Trinity Western University welcomed alumni and their families back to the Langley campus for a full day of Christmas festivities at Langley Christmas ALUMNIght.
The campus quickly came alive with the sound of conversation and the movement of families arriving with excitement and anticipation. Alumni from different graduating years returned with spouses, children, and friends, turning the event into a vibrant gathering that stretched across generations.
The afternoon offered a meaningful opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the campus during the Christmas season. Twinkling decorations framed the windows and entryways, adding a soft holiday glow to each space. From the moment guests stepped inside, the event invited them to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the joy that comes with being part of the TWU community. Smiles, warm greetings, and shared memories created an atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the day.
Creative workshops and festive activities
The celebration began in Kuhn 115 and 116, where the scent of fresh evergreen branches set a distinctly seasonal mood. Tables were piled high with fir boughs, holly, pinecones, berries, ribbon, and glittering bows as alumni set to work making handmade Christmas wreaths. Volunteers guided families through the steps, and conversations flowed as people compared designs and offered creative suggestions. The space felt lively and bright as wreaths grew larger, fuller, and more festive with each added detail.
Nearby, cookie-decorating tables quickly became a favourite gathering spot for families. Alumni had the option to enjoy predesigned gourmet cookies or customize their own with icing, sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter. Children eagerly selected piping bags and colours while parents helped shape their designs. Many alumni embraced the chance to be playful and creative, decorating cookies that were as beautiful as they were delicious to eat. The aroma of sugar cookies mixed with the scent of evergreen branches and created an ambience of cozy holiday fun.
Caroling from the TWU Chamber Choir
While wreaths were being shaped and cookies carefully decorated, music gently filtered through the rooms. Dr. Benjamin Ewert and members of the TWU Chamber Choir arrived to offer carols for alumni and their families. Their voices carried through the hall in harmonies that brought a peaceful stillness to the busy craft spaces. Parents paused mid-activity to listen, and many children turned toward the choir with wide-eyed curiosity as beloved Christmas melodies filled the air.
The moments of caroling added a meaningful spiritual element to the creative workshop time. Alumni captured photos and videos, and several commented on how special it felt to hear live choral music on campus again. The experience brought together the artistic, communal, and worshipful aspects of TWU in a way that felt natural and heartfelt. The choir’s presence reminded guests that the season is rooted not only in celebration but also in reflection.
A campus alive with Christmas joy
As wreaths were completed and proudly displayed for photos, the Kuhn Lobby and Global Lounge continued to buzz with activity. Games, puzzles, and conversation areas encouraged alumni to stay and reconnect with one another. Children ran between tables showing off crafts and cookies, while adults lingered near the hot chocolate bar, enjoying warm drinks topped with whipped cream and marshmallows. The soft winter light filtering through the decorated windows added to the festive charm of the afternoon.
Families paused for photos in front of TWU backdrops adorned with Christmas decorations. Alumni compared wreaths, shared stories from their time in classes or residence halls, and reflected on past Christmas traditions at TWU. The snowy view outside created the perfect backdrop for a celebration filled with gratitude, creativity, and the joy of being together on campus once again.
A cozy Christmas movie gathering
As daylight faded, guests made their way to DeVries Auditorium for the Christmas movie screening of The Grinch (2018). Alumni picked up slices of pizza and drinks before finding their seats. The auditorium buzzed with quiet excitement as children settled in with blankets and snacks while adults enjoyed the chance to relax after the activity-filled afternoon.
The screening offered a peaceful moment of community rest. Laughter echoed through the auditorium during familiar scenes, and many alumni remarked on how meaningful it was to enjoy a family-friendly movie alongside old friends and new acquaintances. The shared experience helped bridge the transition between the daytime crafts and the evening’s athletic excitement and highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the event.
Spartan spirit at George Preston Arena
The day concluded on an energetic note at the George Preston Arena, where alumni and their families gathered to cheer on the TWU Spartans hockey team. Free tickets greeted graduates and added to the festive atmosphere as families filled the stands. Children waved blue-and-gold props and posed for photos with Christmas-themed accessories while alumni reconnected with classmates in the rows around them. Families left the arena feeling energized and connected, carrying the joy of the game into the winter evening.
A celebration rooted in community
ALUMNIght Christmas on Campus offered something meaningful for everyone. Creative workshops, live carols, shared meals, festive treats, and Spartan athletics came together in a celebration that felt both vibrant and deeply rooted in TWU values. As alumni left with wreaths, cookies, and new memories, the Langley campus felt bright with gratitude and the joy of being together.
About TWU Alumni
We invite our alumni community to continue to participate in the life of the University. Our desire is to nurture an engaged and flourishing global community of alumni by cultivating meaningful relationships and creating engaging alumni experiences. Learn more at TWU Alumni.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.