HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 14, 2016 –With crumbs falling from his mouth, Brandon Joseph offered a smile full of cookies and gave a thumbs up.
Standing in the middle of High Point University’s Holly Jolly Hot Dog Shoppe, 11-year-old Joseph tried to express his excitement.
“I think I’m the most excited about the train ride. No wait,” he said, changing his mind. “I think I might be most excited to see the camel.”
HPU welcomed approximately 10,000 people to campus on this first night of the event. Free and open to the public, the celebration continues Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Neighbors in High Point and friends from across the Triad were shuttled to campus from Oak Hollow Mall for tonight’s celebration. Thursday evening will feature an increased number of shuttles and entertainment at the mall to accommodate large crowds as they await transportation.
The Polar Express train ride and Santa’s Stable Petting Zoo were just a couple of the many attractions at HPU tonight. The university continued its tradition of celebrating Christmas with the community by inviting attendees to take part in a life-size Nativity scene with photo station, community choirs and falling snow.
Guests also enjoyed food, hot cocoa, elves on stilts and made their way to visit Santa Claus in the Slane Student Center where each child received a gift and photo.
For many in the Triad, the event has become a way for their family to embrace the Christmas spirit while they stroll through campus and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
“It’s amazing how the university not only does things for the community, but they also listen to the feedback from previous years and make changes to improve the event every year. It shows that they really care to make things just right,” said High Point resident and second-time visitor Jasmine Terry. “It really is gift for everyone. There aren’t many places like this and I knew I had to bring the kids.”
“I just love it. It’s like being in an old-timey, traditional Christmas,” said Lisa Bost, an Archdale native. “The lights and music coming from everywhere, it’s like a town in the movies. We were able to come two years ago and I’ve been looking forward to coming back.”
But as the event continues to grow, it attracts more new faces from across the Piedmont Triad each year.
“It’s our first time coming and seeing campus and I know they’re is excited to see it all,” said High Point resident Hallie Allen, looking down at her three sons. “They love the statues (of historical figures on HPU’s campus). We’ve had to stop at each of them.”
“Jake loves every part of it, but especially the snow,” Allison Taylor of Lexington said about her three-year-old son. It’s magical for the kids. There’s just so much for them to do and see.”
“We are High Point’s University,” says Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU president. “Each year, we look forward to celebrating the Christmas season through fellowship with families from High Point and across the Triad.”
By the numbers – HPU’s campus is decked in:
- 86,000 lights
- 11,740 feet of garland
- 166 wreaths
- 608 banners
- 450 bows
- 82 nutcrackers and soldiers
- 23 nativity scene figures
- 300 poinsettias
- 12 Christmas trees