HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 18, 2014 – The campus of High Point University sparkled with the spirit of the season for the fourth annual Community Christmas event tonight. During the first of the two-night celebration, HPU welcomed more than 5,000 people to campus for fellowship and holiday festivities. Between 12,000 and 15,000 people total are expected to attend this year’s event.
Community Christmas continues Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. HPU will offer additional parking and a convenient shuttle service on Friday at Oak Hollow Mall in the former JC Penney space.
“We love what High Point University is doing for our city,” said Linda Pardue, a High Point native. “I can’t believe how beautiful the campus is decorated for Christmastime.”
Along the Kester International Promenade, guests enjoyed a North Pole play land, trolley rides, Clydesdale carriage rides and musical performances by community choirs. After warming up with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee and food in the R.G. Wanek Center and Slane Student Center, children had the chance to take photos with and receive gifts from Santa himself.
One of several new additions to the event this year is a life-size Nativity scene donated by Mark Phillips, founder and president of Phillips Collection in High Point.
“This is definitely something the city needs, especially for kids,” added Sabrina Winstead, who lives in High Point. “It’s safe, it’s family-friendly, and the kids have lots of fun things to do. We’re very impressed.”
Dates for the 5th annual Community Christmas event have already been set for Dec. 17-18, 2015.
Fun Facts – HPU’s 2014 Community Christmas includes:
- 13,000 Christmas cookies
- 10,000 assorted cookies
- 12,000 hot dogs
- 800 gallons of hot chocolate
- 300 gallons of coffee
- 82,000 Christmas lights
- 9,200 feet of garland
- 163 wreaths
- 468 Christmas banners
- 407 Christmas bows
- 34 nutcrackers and soldiers
- 20 Nativity scene figurines
- 70 gallons of simulated snow
- 12 snow machines