Marshall University invites the community to a Herd Holiday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, in the Memorial Student Center on the Huntington campus.
The annual event features the official holiday lighting on the student center plaza, along with numerous activities, snacks, giveaways and music. The event is sponsored by Marshall’s Office of University Communications and Student Affairs.
“We are so excited to be back this year with our Herd Holiday celebration,” said Mallory Jarrell, director of branding and trademarks at Marshall. “It is always such a great time seeing the Marshall Family together, enjoying the season and continuing this tradition.”
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting of the Marshall University Christmas Tree. The program will include performances by Marshall University’s Early Education STEAM Center, School of Theatre and Dance and School of Music, and True Impact Dance and Performing Arts.
After the lighting, guests will move inside for activities and snacks – including hot chocolate and s’mores. The bookstore will remain open for holiday shopping and will offer a free gift with purchase, special offers and giveaways throughout the evening. Children are invited into the bookstore for a holiday story time at 6:30 p.m. with Ms. Marshall, Caroline Kinder.
Holiday photos with Santa-Marco will be taken from 6-8 p.m. The photos will be available for free download beginning Friday, Dec. 10.
Marshall student organizations will take part in a gingerbread house decorating contest and Marshall’s Presidential Ambassadors will be available to assist children in writing letters to Santa Claus and dropping them in his mailbox.
Marshall Health will be hosting a stocking-stuffing station, students from the School of Pharmacy will help children make reindeer bait and students from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine will be assisting guests with decorating a homemade ornament.
Marshall dietetics students will be sharing samples and recipes for healthy holiday treats and the Early Education STEAM Center will be hosting a holiday experience for children.
Students from the Campus Activities Board will be hosting a Build-a-Bison station. Guests will be able to purchase and stuff a holiday-themed Marco for $20 or $10 with a valid Marshall ID.
More information and a full schedule of events can be found at www.marshall.edu/herdholiday.