About Christmas on Campus

Christmas on Campus is an annual celebration held on December 8 at the University of Dayton campus. It's a hallmark event symbolizing our Catholic, Marianist tradition. 

The tradition of celebrating Christmas and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception dates back to 1964, when a group of students gathered and decided to celebrate Christmas before they left for the holidays. With that, Christmas on Campus was born. Since then, it has evolved into the night of magic and wonder that we know today.

When Christmas on Campus began, it was a celebration for UD students and faculty. Then UD decided to involve the greater Dayton Community, inviting local children and their families to share in the Christmas celebration. It came to the attention of UD students that many children may not have the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas holiday fully. Rather than simply inviting children, they created a way to buddy with a child. Nearly 1000 children from Dayton City Schools are paired with UD students the night of Christmas on Campus. In addition to the schools we work with, the event is free and open to the general public.

Over the years, the night's activities have grown and expanded to make Christmas on Campus a signature event at the University of Dayton. Each year, the entire campus sparkles with holiday cheer. UD Alumni hold "Christmas off Campus" events across the United States and even around the world! Christmas on Campus is a unique opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with the entire Dayton community - students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and most of all, the children of Dayton.

Contact

• Office: Kennedy Union, Room 210
• Phone: 937-229-3483
• Email: coc@udayton.edu