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November 13, 2025

La Roche University to Present Annual Festival of Lights Dec. 5

 Multi-colored lights, four ornaments and pine needles on a wooden surface. Festival of Lights text and the La Roche University logo appear on top of the display.

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 13, 2025 – La Roche University invites the campus and local community to celebrate the season at its annual Festival of Lights, a free, family-friendly celebration on Friday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 9 p.m. on the La Roche campus in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.

The annual event is made possible through the generous support of UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Passavant, Fairfield by Marriott, Passavant Hospital Foundation, Henderson Brothers, and the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Festival of Lights will feature an exciting lineup of holiday activities, entertainment, and community traditions for all ages.

Event highlights include:

  • Craft Show: 3-9 p.m. | Zappala Campus Center
    Browse a wide selection of handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and festive creations from local artisans and vendors.
  • Children’s Activities: 5-8 p.m. | Kerr Fitness & Sports Center
    Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, games, a moon bounce, glitter tattoos, a balloon artist, a visit from Anna and Elsa, and S’mores by an outdoor fire.
  • Visit from Santa: 5:30-8 p.m. | Kerr Fitness & Sports Center
    Santa will be available to take photos and listen to children’s holiday wishes.
  • Cans for Cocoa: 5:30-8 p.m. | Kerr Fitness & Sports Center
    Bring a canned good or donate $1 to receive a cup of hot cocoa. All donations benefit Providence Food Pantry.
  • Carriage Rides: 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Pick up at Wright Library
    Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through La Roche’s beautifully decorated campus.
  • A Musical Celebration of Baby Jesus: 7-7:30 p.m. | Magdalen Chapel
    Enjoy a special musical performance honoring the birth of Jesus, featuring members of the La Roche community.
  • Alumni Reception: 7-8 p.m. | Cantellops Dining Hall
    La Roche alumni are invited to reconnect with former classmates and faculty at a special reception with light refreshments. Preregistration is required.
  • Fireworks: 8:15 p.m. | La Roche Campus
    The evening will conclude with fireworks in celebration of the season.

“Festival of Lights is one of our most cherished campus traditions,” said Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Colleen Ruefle. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for students, alumni, families, and neighbors to come together and celebrate the joy of the season.”

For more information and to RSVP for the alumni reception, please visit laroche.edu/lights.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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