Lighting of the Lawn is an annual event that aims to bring together University of Virginia students and faculty and the community of Charlottesville at the end of the fall semester. The event, which fosters a sense of camaraderie, looks back on the past year at the University. Charlottesville and U.Va. groups perform, the class poem is read, and various student groups, University departments, and schools host receptions in the Lawn rooms and Pavilions. The event culminates with the actual Lighting of the Lawn, ushering in the holiday season. Check out the Facebook Event Page.

Themed “How the Grinch Stole Wahoowa,” the 2015 Lighting of the Lawn will include a performance by the Minute Men from Albemarle High School. This is the first time in 15 years that a group outside of the U.Va. community will perform!

Admission is free, but students will collect donations for Hope House, a local charity. Parking is available in the Central Grounds parking garage (for a fee), as well as the Emmet/Ivy and Culbreth parking garages.