MERRY CHRISTMAS VILLANOVA!
The holiday season is a special time to gather and celebrate. All are welcome to join together at these festive holiday events!
Check back regularly as more events are added to the schedule!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 to SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
4:30 pm: Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe
In preparation for la Celebración, we will be holding a Novena to our Lady of Guadalupe and gathering in prayer on a nightly basis for the nine days leading up to the Mass at various locations throughout Villanova’s Campus. All are welcome to join these 10-15 minutes of prayer to ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to pray for us. .
Friday, December 1 Novena First Prayer in St Rita Hall Lounge
Saturday, December 2 Novena Second Prayer in "The Quad" at Sullivan and Sheehan Halls
Sunday, December 3 Novena Third Prayer in Corr Hall Chapel (After the Mass in Spanish)
Monday, December 4 Novena Fourth Prayer in The Grotto (Before the Tree Lighting)
Tuesday, December 5 Novena Fifth Prayer on South Campus in Stanford 2nd Floor Lounge
Wednesday, December 6 Novena Sixth Prayer in Driscoll Hall Chapel
Thursday, December 7 Novena Seventh Prayer in Law School Chapel
Friday, December 8 Novena Eighth Prayer on West Campus in St Mary Hall Courtyard
Saturday, December 9 Novena Ninth Prayer at The Commons in Holy Grounds
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
2:00 pm: Villanova Voices & Singers Christmas Concert
The Villanova Voices and Villanova Singers perform Christmas carols and festive music of the season in the Topper Theatre, Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets required.
6:00 pm: Qurbana on Campus
The Holy Qurbana is the liturgy of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, one of the 23 Eastern rites of the church in full communion with Rome. The Syro Malabar church has its roots in Kerala, India. Join us as we celebrate this beautiful liturgy at the start of the Season of Annunciation (Advent) in St Thomas of Villanova Church. Fr Melvin Paul will preside. After Qurbana, Indian food will be provided in St Rita Hall.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
2:00 pm: Jazz Band & Chamber Strings Christmas Concert
The Villanova Jazz Band and Chamber Strings perform festive music of the season in the Topper Theatre, Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets required.
First Sunday of Advent
Join members of the Villanova community to celebrate the start of the season of Advent with Sunday Masses in Corr Chapel (Spanish) at 3:00pm and St Thomas of Villanova Church at 5:00pm, 7:00pm, and 9:00pm.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4
5:00 pm: University Christmas Tree Lighting
Join in this annual community event at the Riley Ellipse and enjoy festive treats, a Blessing of the Children, performances from the Villanova Voices & Singers, a holiday light show, firepits and s'mores, and a special visit from Santa!
7:00 pm: Communal Advent Reconciliation Service
The Advent Reconciliation Service is a time that the university and parish communities come together to celebrate the light of God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be time for reflecting on the Scriptures, examining one’s conscience, and individual confessions. This service will take place in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
7:00 pm: Villanova Pastoral Musicians Holiday Concert: Peace on Earth
Through sacred and secular choral and instrumental music, the Pastoral Musicians invite listeners to consider our sense of Peace on Earth during this holiday season, and the role of Hope in light of the Incarnation-event. The concert will take place in St. Thomas of Villanova Church. All are welcome. No tickets or fees. ACS Approved.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
On this holy day of obligation, masses will take place in St. Thomas of Villanova Church at 12:05pm and 5:30pm. Additionally, sung Vespers - a simple evening prayer service of readings, sung psalms and Marian hymns - will be celebrated at 5pm, ahead of Mass. All are welcome!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
2:00 pm: Villanova Band Christmas Concert
Join us for our yearly instrumental holiday concert with the Villanova Band. The concert will include familiar Christmas Music, modern classics, & fun surprises in the Topper Theatre, Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets required.
3:00 pm: Celebración de la Virgen de Guadalupe - Misa en Español y Cena de la Convivencia
Please join us in celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. A Mass in Spanish will be held in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church, followed by a procession to the Grotto with Mariachi, and a cena (dinner with Mexican food and music) in St. Rita’s Hall Community Room. All are welcome!
7:00 pm: End of Semester Mass
Join Fr. Peter and members of the Villanova community as we celebrate the end of the semester, the graces of Advent, and anticipate the joy of Christmas with a beautiful liturgy in St Thomas of Villanova Church. Mass will be followed by a procession to the Nativity Scene, singing of seasonal hymns, and cookies and hot chocolate.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11
3:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Holiday Village and Night Market
This annual tradition, the Holiday Village and Night Market, will feature carriage rides, food trucks, local vendors, photo ops, entertainment and more. Come shop, eat, and be merry at the Riley Ellipse for this festive Villanova event!
We invite all attendees to support the Nova Nook by donating essential items including toiletries and other necessities for Villanova students who struggle to manage these costs on their own. Collection of donated items will take place during the event from 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the Nova Nook tent on the Riley Ellipse. Additionally, Nova Nook representatives will be selling Villanova Campus Cozys! 100% of sales will go directly to the Nova Nook. For more information, visit villanova.edu/university/student-life/nova-nook.
5:00 pm: Multifaith Celebration of Light
During the Holiday Village and Night Market, join us at The Grove firepits by Mendel Field with friends of varied faith traditions to affirm the light of love, strength, and peace that shines in the dark places of our lives and our world.
