By Jeff Murphy,
November 17, 2023
WARRENSBURG, MO – Colorful lights, music, holiday treats, shopping and more await
members of the University of Central Missouri community when the university hosts
the annual Holiday Market, Jingle on the Quad, First Lady’s Holiday Concert and other
special events Nov. 29-30. All of these activities are free and open to the public.
Anyone who is looking for handmade gifts won’t want to miss the Holiday Market from
4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 in the Sandra Temple Elliott Ballroom of the Elliott Student
Union. This annual event showcases a variety of vendors from the university student,
faculty and staff community and their unique items which will be available for purchase.
This includes gourmet food, arts and crafts, clothing and other items.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, UCM will ring in the holiday season with Jingle on the Quad,
a lighting ceremony hosted by President Roger Best and First Lady Robin Best. While
adding more outdoor lights to this year’s event, this celebration is quickly becoming
a university tradition featuring performances by UCM music students, appearances by
Mo, Santa, and Molly, the university’s live mule mascot. While enjoying this spirited
evening, those attending also will be treated to free refreshments such as hot cocoa,
apple cider and cookies.
Thursday evening activities begin outside the Administration Building, and continue
inside at the James L. Highlander Theatre in the Wood-Martin Building complex with
the presentation of the annual First Lady’s Holiday Concert. Titled “Winter Fantasia,”
this event begins at 6 p.m., and no tickets are required. UCM’s First Lady will host
the UCM Concert Choir, Collegiate Chorus and Wind Ensemble as they perform a variety
of seasonal sing-along music.
Take a break and enjoy more holiday music earlier in the day when the university Jazz
Ensemble performs seasonal tunes beginning at 2 p.m. at the Elliott Student Union
atrium. Also on Thursday, students are invited to relax and enjoy a night of bingo,
food, crafts and other activities during the Fun Before Finals event, 7-10 p.m. at
the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.