Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light
Third Annual Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025(raindate: Thursday, Dec. 4
Out of Darkness is a special evening filled with light, education, food, and the sharing of religious and cultural traditions.
The event will kick off in Memorial Plaza (Red Square) at 5:30 p.m. with various activities throughout campus until 8:30 p.m. Some highlights include musical performances, indoor snowball fight, snowflake cookie decorating, hot chocolate, s’mores, and cookies and milk stations, ice sculpture and sparkler area, train rides on our very own Western Maryland Railway, photos with the Green Terror who will be decked out for the holiday season, and more! Plus, cultural student organizations are participating in a Religious and Cultural Festival sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our Class of 2026 seniors will also have a special opportunity to place their names on luminarias that will light up our campus.
I call you out of darkness into light E Tenebris in Lucem Voco
Around Campus
As you explore the “Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light” event, more than 25,000 lights and over 700 luminaries will be lighting up campus, providing a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for fun and fellowship (and great photo ops!).
Special light-filled spots include the walkway beneath McDaniel’s historic zelkova trees; the light tunnel along the Western Maryland Railway train route; the senior luminaries celebrating our graduating seniors in Memorial Plaza; and, of course, the majestic trees flanking the entrance of Hoover Library.
Honoring the history of McDaniel College, previously named Western Maryland College (in reference to the Western Maryland Railway), you’ll take a past-to-present journey, learning about important moments in the college’s story. Generously sponsored by the President’s Office, be sure to grab a warm drink before your ride.
Listen: Holiday Train History
Your Event Passport
Completing your event passport for "Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light" is a highlight of the evening.
Submit your completed passport at the Light up Lounge, located on the Library Terrace Garden next to Hoover Library, for your free 2025 Light-up Tumbler.*
You need 8 stamps to complete your passport; at least 3 of your stamps must be from the Religious and Cultural Festival.
*Limited Quantity. One per family/household.
COOKIES AND MILK
HOOVER LIBRARY, FRONT ENTRANCE
What’s a visit to Santa without cookies and milk? Generously sponsored by AVI, warm chocolate chip cookies and cold milk will top off your visit with Green Terror Santa.
FIRE AND ICE
HOOVER LIBRARY GARDEN PATIO
Celebrate the beauty of fire and ice! Get a photo with this year’s ice sculpture and shine brightly by lighting a sparkler at the sparkler station.
FIREPIT AND S’MORES STATION
MEMORIAL PLAZA
Relax and enjoy the beauty of the evening beside a warm firepit. Peppermint bark s’mores are yours for the making as a sweet treat.
FOUNTAIN OF WISHES WITH CIRCLE OF GREEN AND GOLD
FOUNTAIN AT McTEER-ZEPP PLAZA
Join the Circle of Green and Gold student organization in reflecting on your wish for the New Year! Write it down and release it by floating a lantern in the fountain at McTeer-Zepp Plaza.
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR OUR MILITARY
NEXT TO MEMORIAL PLAZA
Generously sponsored by the Green Terror Battalion, send a personalized expression of respect, caring, and gratitude to military service members, bringing them the warmth of the season.
PHOTO WITH GREEN TERROR SANTA
HOOVER LIBRARY, FRONT ENTRANCE
Get your photo with Green Terror Santa!
SENIOR LUMINARY PICKUP
MEMORIAL PLAZA (SENIORS ONLY)
Seniors, pick up your name label and place it on the luminary of your choice in the special Memorial Plaza luminary section recognizing the Class of 2026.
WESTERN MARYLAND RAILWAY TRAIN RIDE
OUTSIDE McDANIEL HALL
Take a ride on the Western Maryland Railway train. Along the route, you’ll enjoy a short history of the college narrated by college historian Dr. James E. Lightner ’59.
MAKE-AND-TAKE: HOLIDAY GIFT EDITION
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Generously sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, choose from four different gift items that you can make and take to give to friends and loved ones.
INDOOR SNOWBALL FIGHT
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Enter the arena — if you dare! Challenge your friends to an epic indoor snowball fight!
WREATH-MAKING
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Make a wreath to decorate your office or res hall door! Generously sponsored by the Human Resources Department, you’ll have a beautiful holiday decoration to take home with you.
HOLIDAY CUPCAKE DECORATING
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Join AVI’s pastry team and and decorate holiday cupcakes.
CELEBRATE JOY
LAWN IN FRONT OF FORLINES
Share your holiday JOY with friends and loved ones with a meaningful and joy-filled photo opportunity.
PENGUIN ISLAND AND POLAR BEAR GLACIER
LAWN IN FRONT OF MERRITT
Spend some time with Antarctic friends and don't forget to snap a photo.
Religious and Cultural Festival
Generously sponsored by the Office of Student Belonging and the Office of the College Chaplain and located in McTeer-Zepp Plaza, the Religious and Cultural Festival highlights the winter, holiday, and religious traditions of McDaniel's student groups.
AFRICA'S LEGACY
CHRISTMAS IN AFRICAN HOMES
BLACK STUDENT UNION
KWANZAA
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community, and culture. Learn more about Kwanzaa and the meaning of the kinara, Kwanzaa candles, and other Kwanzaa traditions. Enjoy giveaways that celebrate and highlight Kwanzaa.
CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION
CHRISTMAS
Join us for a festive journey through the history and significance of Christmas. Discover the origins of beloved traditions like the Christmas tree, the Advent calendar, and the wreath. Then, indulge in delicious cookies while we share the true story of Saint Nicholas and how he became the jolly figure we know today as Santa Claus.
CIRCLE OF GREEN AND GOLD
YULE
A winter festival that originated with the ancient Norse and Germanic peoples, Yule is considered the Pagan ancestor of Christmas. Learn about the origins of Yule and its connection to various cultures, including ancient Norse and Celtic traditions, and discover how this holiday has influenced modern celebrations during the holidays.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
JESUS: LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Step into a space that embodies the essence of hope and enlightenment. Our "Light of the World" booth explores the profound significance of Jesus as a guiding light in our lives. Experience interactive displays that highlight His teachings, the impact of His love, and the joy He brings during this festive season. Join us in celebrating the light that overcomes darkness, with activities, reflective moments, and uplifting messages for all ages. Illuminate your holiday spirit with us!
HERMANDAD DE SIGMA IOTA ALPHA, INC.
NOCHE BUENA
HISPANO-LATINX ALLIANCE
DIA DE LOS REYES
Explore this booth to learn about the differences in Hispanic culture when it comes to the winter holiday seasons and the meaning behind Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day. You’ll learn the story and history behind Three Kings Day — the culmination of the holiday season for many Hispanic families — and how it is prepared for and celebrated. Don’t forget to enjoy a taste of a traditional Rosca de Reyes, or Three Kings cake, when you stop by.
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
WINTER TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
INTERNATIONAL & OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAMS
CHRISTMAS IN HUNGARY
INTERVARSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTMAS
Enjoy the themes and elements of Christmas and gain understanding of the history of the Advent wreath and candles. In addition, you’ll learn about the tradition of the Christmas tree and star topper and enjoy holiday cookies that reflect the Christmas tradition of baking and sharing that occurs among friends and family.
LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE
’TIS THE SEASON TO DESTRESS
Learn more about proactive ways to unwind and preserve your mental health during the hectic holiday season. Enjoy fun stress-relief tools like winter-themed coloring pages, mini star stress balls, and calming chamomile tea samples with affirmation notes. Don’t let the holiday hustle overwhelm you — join us and embrace the season with joy and relaxation!
MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
ILLUMINATING EQUALITY: THE LEGACY OF HAZRAT KHADIJAH (RA)
“Illuminating Equality” captures the essence of celebrating light while also challenging the stereotypical beliefs surrounding women’s rights in Islam. It conveys the idea that Hazrat Khadijah’s story sheds light on the true status of women in Islam, challenging common misconceptions and bringing forward the principles of equality and empowerment that are central to Islamic teachings.
R.O.O.T.S.
NYE AROUND THE WORLD
Enjoy stunning visuals and short descriptions of unique New Year’s customs, from Thailand's exhilarating water fights to the spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky in the Netherlands. Guess the country: Test your world knowledge with our interactive board! Match each tradition to its country and see how many you can get right. It’s a fun way to learn and connect with cultures worldwide.
