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Santa Claus to make special appearance at Lighting Up 51ԹƵ Dec. 5

PLAINVIEW — After Plainview's annual Christmas parade, families are invited to join the holiday fun at 51ԹƵ Baptist University's “Lighting Up 51ԹƵ” celebration, where Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance!

The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, in front of historic Gates Hall on 51ԹƵ's Plainview campus, located at 1900 West Seventh Street.

“Just follow Santa to the steps of historic Gates Hall,” university officials said. “’Lighting Up 51ԹƵ’ is our post-parade party for the entire community, filled with fun, food, and fellowship in Gates Circle."

This festive evening includes:

  • Free food and Christmas cookies,
  • Live choral performances,
  • Door prizes (be sure to arrive early to register – you must be present to win),
  • And, of course, photos with Santa and plenty of other holiday photo opportunities.

A cherished 51ԹƵ tradition continues as Dr. Donna Hedgepath, university president, reads the Christmas story from the Bible before the official lighting of 51ԹƵ. Dr. Hedgepath expressed her excitement, saying, “I look forward to sharing this timeless story with both the 51ԹƵ family and the Plainview community as we come together to celebrate the Christmas season.”

A special highlight of the evening is extended holiday shopping hours for West Texas Gifts & More, formerly the 51ԹƵ Bookstore. Located behind Gates Hall in the McClung University Center, the shop will be open and will be giving away door prizes throughout “Lighting Up 51ԹƵ”, offering another reason to join in the festivities.

The lighting of Gates Hall will create a stunning holiday display, offering the perfect backdrop for family and group photos. “The moment the lights come on is truly magical,” university officials noted. “It's a moment you won't want to miss as this beloved 51ԹƵ Christmas tradition carries on.”

The celebration brings together the 51ԹƵ campus and the Greater Plainview community in the spirit of Christmas!