Purdue Memorial Union to celebrate holiday season

The holiday season at Purdue University will kick off around noon Nov. 27 with the arrival of a beautiful Norway spruce from Purdue’s own grounds to Purdue Memorial Union’s Great Hall. 

The annual tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 29. President Mung Chiang will join the festivities with his first lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. The lighting will be followed by additional performances, crafts for children, light refreshments, photo opportunities and more.

The annual Breakfast with Santa at Purdue Memorial Union will take place 8-11 a.m. Dec. 9. A meal of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, juice and milk or coffee will be available for $10 (children) or $16 (adults). Meal vouchers can be purchased ahead of time or at the door.

While at Breakfast with Santa, children can visit with Santa, share story time with Mrs. Claus and create holiday crafts. Pictures with Santa will be in the Great Hall, while Mrs. Claus will be in the East Lounge. The Purdue Student Union Board will be collecting donations to benefit local organizations. Follow PSUB on Facebook or @psubevents on Instagram to learn more in the coming weeks about what donations are needed. 

The Union Club Hotel is also offering a special overnight experience on Dec. 8 for guests of the hotel. Details can be found online. 

The Christmas tree is scheduled to remain in the Union through Dec. 26. The tree will be tested daily for compliance with the Indiana fire code. If it does not meet the requirements, the tree will be removed from the building. 

Holiday festivities are organized by the Purdue Student Union Board in collaboration with the Purdue Memorial Union and Union Club Hotel. All events are open to the public. Guests can enter through the hotel entrance or the Purdue Memorial Union entrance closest to the Grant Street Parking Garage.