Star Trees Lighting and Holiday Concert

Dec. 1

The 16th annual Star Trees Lighting and Holiday Concert will begin with a holiday dinner and end with a free concert Dec. 1.

Dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. in Goudy Commons. The menu features such mouth-watering entrees as hand-carved Traeger smoked Painted Hills beef, vegetable “sorta sausage” terrine and roasted chicken Shepherds pie. Desserts include pumpkin bars with chai frosting, mint chocolate chip cupcakes and snicker doodle bites dipped in white chocolate.

No reservations are needed. The cost is $11 for adults, $8 for Willamette faculty, staff and students and $8 for children 13 and younger. Children 5 and younger eat for free if accompanied by an adult.

The star tree lighting of the Giant Sequoias will begin at 6:30 p.m. in front of Waller Hall, where free hot chocolate and cookies will be served. The Interfraternity Council, a group of students representing fraternities on campus, will accept donations of coats and clothing during the lighting ceremony to benefit people in need.

The five trees were planted 71 years ago by Willamette President Carl Sumner Knopf in honor of Willamette’s centennial. They are now some of the largest trees on any American campus.

The lighting ceremony will be followed by a free family concert at 7 p.m. at Smith Auditorium, sponsored by the university’s music department. The Willamette University Wind Ensemble and special guests will perform an array of seasonal music. Seating is limited.