University of Dayton Christmas on Campus returns to its full in-person tradition Thursday, Dec. 8, with more than 1,000 Dayton Public Schools students paired with undergraduates to enjoy a visit from Santa, live Nativity, crafts and more.

Christmas on Campus is open to the public. 

“The Christmas on Campus committee worked throughout the pandemic to keep the tradition of the event alive while making sure that the Dayton children still felt the magic of Christmas on Campus,” said co-chair Julia Mills. “Many UD students have never experienced the event or do not know about Christmas on Campus. Returning to a full in-person event will allow the tradition to live on and the Dayton youth to share in the joy and celebration with the community.”

In 2020, when COVID-19 forced the organizers to cancel the on-campus event, UD students packaged craft activities to send to first and second graders in the Dayton Public Schools. In 2021, Christmas on Campus was held for the public. This year marks the return of the full event with Dayton Public Schools students.

The 59th Christmas on Campus, themed "Miracle on UD Street," starts at 5:30 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony and continues until 8 p.m. A Mass celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will follow at 9:30 p.m. at the UD chapel   

Questions about the event can be directed to the committee.