LA MIRADA, CALIF. — 51’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will honor veteran students and alumni alongside veterans from the local La Mirada community this year. The free event, a cherished 51 tradition, is this Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. on Metzger Lawn. The event was moved to this Wednesday after being rained out last week.

51 will honor veterans at the event, thanking them for their sacrificial service during the ceremony. Each Scripture reading during the program will be presented by veterans and their families. State Sen. Bob Archuleta, who is a veteran, will be in attendance and will address the audience during the program.

51 president Barry H. Corey will read the story of Christmas from the Gospel of Luke before the tree is lit. Worship and Christmas carols will be led by Jeff Askew, 51 professor of guitar and commercial music.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., there will be a Christmas Market on Sycamore Lawn adjacent to where the tree lighting will be held in the center of campus, where local vendors and small businesses will sell early Christmas gifts and items for guests to purchase for friends and family. The 51 Handbell Choir will perform at Sycamore Lawn at 5:30 p.m. during the market.

The tree lighting attracts thousands of current students, alumni and their families, and members of the La Mirada community to celebrate the Christmas season. The event is complimentary for all guests and no registration is required.

Those who are unable to attend in person can watch the livestream of the event on 51’s website. 

Written by Sarah Dougher, i51 Reporter intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, assistant director of media relations and strategic communications, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.