The Citadel’s 79th Christmas Candlelight Services will be held Friday Dec. 2, and Sunday Dec. 4. Both services begin at 7:30 p.m. at Summerall Chapel and seating is first come, first-served. There will not be a Saturday service this year due to a myriad of events happening on campus that day. The Citadel is sorry for this inconvenience.
• Livestream viewing: To ensure that as many people as would like are able to enjoy this beautiful tradition, the services will be available via livestream to watch from the comfort of home from anywhere in the nation, on Citadel.edu
• Anytime viewing of recorded service: The recorded Friday service will then be available to watch the next day, or at any time, on the college’s website.
• Overflow seating on Friday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 4: There will be a convenient and comfortable overflow viewing room near Summerall Chapel for the Friday and Sunday services. The services will be shown live, in Bond Hall room 165, just a short walk from the chapel. Bond Hall is number 47 on the college’s virtual map and will open for seating at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
In 1937 the South Carolina Corps of Cadets gathered in what was the new Cadet Chapel, and accompanied by the cadet glee club and the new chapel organ, sang Christmas carols with the staff and faculty of the college. Now 79 years later, the Corps continues the tradition of The Citadel's Christmas Candlelight Services, which has become one of the most popular Christmas activities in Charleston and in South Carolina.
Cadets from the Protestant, Catholic, and Gospel Choirs, along with the Cadet Chorale and members of The Citadel Regimental Band take part in the annual celebration of the birth of Christ, observing the events of the Advent, the Annunciation, the Birth of the King, and Epiphany through scripture readings and carols. Traditional and international favorites are performed following the picturesque Procession of Lights. Cadets coordinate the production with Nancy Lefter, director of chorale activities, organist Mark A. Bebensee, associate provost, and Lt. Col. Tim Smith, director of music.
The hour-long program is free and open to the public. Flash cameras and video lights are not permitted. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking on campus and seating in the chapel. Prelude music is presented by The Citadel's Brass Ensemble for 30 minutes before the service. For more information call (843) 953-5049.
