ABBY STONE | Reporter

Rows of candles illuminated the pathways on the heritage side of campus Sunday night for the 34th annual Christmas Walk.

Michelle Giessman, director of Alumni Relations on campus, and the person in charge of the Christmas Walk, said they expected there to be around 2,000 people in attendance.

Giessman said the event is a great way to get students, alumni and community members to come out and celebrate the holidays.

There were plenty of reindeer games on campus during the walk, including a live reindeer named Jingles who attracted a line stretching around the building of people wanting to meet him.

The event also included free hot chocolate, karaoke at the gazebo, Christmas caroling, Mrs. Claus telling Christmas stories, and Santa Claus taking Christmas requests.

In line to see Santa Claus was 8-year-old Tola, 6-year-old Hugo, and their mom and dad, Kate and Marc. They said this was their fourth or fifth year here to see Santa.

“[We’re enjoying] just being outside, the candles being lit, and Santa,” Kate said.

As well as community members and alumni getting involved, faculty and staff were volunteering at booths all around the event.

The Resident Hall Association ran the cookie decorating booth, that gave out large sugar cookies with red and green icing.

Student organizations like the French Club sang Christmas carols and a faculty band called “On the Test” played in the Lindenwood pavilion, which was lit up with Christmas lights.

Also housed under the pavilion was a Kwanzaa table lead by the Black Student Union.

Giessman said that she wanted all students and community members to feel welcome no matter what their beliefs are.

“It’s the coming together that really makes it special, it’s a gorgeous way to highlight our beautiful campus,” Giessman said.