Christmas on Campus is held every December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at the University of Dayton. The tradition dates back to 1964, when a group of students gathered and decided to celebrate Christmas before they left for the holidays.
Soon, it became a community event. Nearly 1,000 children from Dayton City Schools arrive on campus to meet their UD "buddies" for an evening of games, crafts, music, and fun.
UD alumni communities also hold "Christmas off Campus" events across the United States and abroad.
-
Candy Aplenty
12-8-2013
John P. Dunn of Cross Roads Railroad Club holds out a jar of lollipops and other sweets to children at Christmas on Campus.
-
Frosty the Snowman Greets Children
12-8-2005
Frosty the Snowman hugs a young child as he greets the passengers emerging from a school bus.
-
Lights at Dusk in Front of the Jesse Philips Humanities Center
12-8-2002
Christmas lights sparkle in front of the Humanities Building.
-
A Choir Sings at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1994
Musicians and choir at Christmas on Campus Mass in the Frericks Center.
-
Ice Sculpting in the Kennedy Union Plaza
12-8-1994
Chef Herbert Schotz of Kennedy Union food services carves ice into a dancing reindeer in the Kennedy Union Plaza for Christmas on Campus. registration
-
Nativity Scene at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1994
Students portraying Mary and Joseph hold baby Jesus in the Nativity scene at Christmas on Campus.
-
Caroling at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1991
Students gather to sing carols in front of a decorated tree in Kennedy Union.
-
Decorating the Stairwell in Kennedy Union
12-8-1991
Students decorate the stairwell in Kennedy Union.
-
Hands in Harmony Performs at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1991
Hands in Harmony, wearing red hats and bow ties, perform at Kennedy Union.
-
Christmas on Campus Evening Scene
12-8-1990
Students gather in front of Kennedy Union for Christmas on Campus festivities.
-
Christmas on Campus Tree Decorating Contest
12-8-1990
Tree is decorated with CDs, spools, paper stars and other computer-related ornaments. It was part of a decorating contest.
-
Ice Carving in Action
12-8-1990
Chef Herbert Schotz lets the chips fall where they may as he makes an ice sculpture.
-
View of the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Kennedy Union Plaza
12-8-1990
Christmas on Campus tree lighting.
-
Elves Rappelling from the Roof of Kennedy Union
12-8-1989
Elves, Santa and an ROTC cadet on the rooftop of Kennedy Union.
-
Santa Rappels off Kennedy Union
12-8-1989
Santa descends from the roof of Kennedy Union by rappelling.
-
Child Ices a Cookie during Christmas on Campus
12-8-1988
Child ices a cookie during an activity at Christmas on Campus.
-
Students in the Kennedy Union Plaza
12-8-1987
Students play host to their young charges in Kennedy Union Plaza.
-
Christmas on Campus in the New Kennedy Union Plaza
12-8-1986
First year in the newly refurbished Kennedy Union Plaza. Students stand near tree and the live Nativity scene.
-
View from the Roof of Miriam Hall for Christmas on Campus
12-8-1986
Aerial view of Christmas on Campus from the top of Miriam Hall.
-
Child with Balloon near Christmas Tree
12-8-1981
Young children with UD student near Christmas tree.
-
Santa Listening to Children's Christmas Wishes
12-8-1979
Santa with one child on his lap while another child stands in front of him.
-
Horse-Drawn Carriage
12-8-1978
Young man holding the reins as he sits in the driver's seat of carriage with three passengers.
-
Santa's Toy Shop at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1977
Colorful painted doors at Kennedy Union "Santa's Toy Shop"
-
Virginia W. Kettering at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1972
Virginia W. Kettering and Father Raymond Roesch, S.M., with young school children at Christmas on Campus
-
Christmas Decorations behind Miriam Hall
12-8-1968
Campus scene during December 1968, Christmas on Campus.
-
Creating Decorative Scenery for Christmas on Campus
12-8-1966
University student uses tape and paint on a large window to create the effect of a stained-glass window for Christmas on Campus.
-
Decorating for Christmas on Campus
12-8-1966
Two UD students decorate for Christmas on Campus event.
-
Mingling at Christmas on Campus
12-8-1966
Two university students mingle during Christmas on Campus.
-
Brother William Wehrle, S.M., as Santa Claus
12-8-1959
Santa Claus and his reindeer, decked out for Christmas.
-
Christmas Assembly
12-8-1954
Flyerettes preparing to entertain the campus during a Christmas assembly.
-
UD Christmas Baskets for Families in Need
12-8-1936
UD Sodality gives Christmas baskets to families in need.
