150 Things to Love About Purdue

Holiday traditions that are sure to delight

christmas tree in purdue memorial union — Provost Jay Akridge lights the Christmas tree in the Great Hall of the Union to begin the Purdue Winter Holiday Celebration. The week will feature musical performances, gingerbread house competition and breakfast with Santa. The tree, an approximately 25-year-old blue spruce which is 14 feet wide at the bottom of its branches, is being donated by Rich and Ruth Stoll. (Purdue University)

1. Christmas Tree

One of the biggest annual events on campus is the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Purdue Memorial Union. Since 1975, the tree has been sourced in-state thanks to generous Purdue supporters who take pride in their trees adorning the Union during the holiday season. Before the lighting ceremony, trees must pass inspection to ensure they meet state fire codes; they’re inspected daily thereafter. If the tree becomes too dry, it’s taken down early, as happened in 2018.

2. Wiley Holiday Party

Wiley Hall opened in 1958 and was named for Harvey W. Wiley. Wiley, the “Father of the FDA,” was famous in the 1870s and ’80s for his bicycle — the first in Tippecanoe County. Like the building’s namesake, its residents continue to make an impression on the local community. Community outreach programs include an annual holiday party for Lafayette-area kids with Lafayette Urban Ministry and Saturday Night Spotlight, a collaboration between Residential Life and Faculty Fellows to provide inclusive learning experiences.

3. Gingerbread House

Children visiting the PMU Great Hall during the holidays are dazzled by the life-size gingerbread house that they can walk through. Constructed by the PMU baking staff, the house itself is constructed of wood but covered in 650 pounds of gingerbread siding, all baked from scratch. Royal icing works as baker’s cement, holding the pieces and decorative elements together. All the candy and cookies affixed to the house are edible. Stained-glass windows are crafted from melted sugar. The 12-foot gingerbread house is rebuilt every year.

purdue musical organizations christmas show

4. Christmas Show

Established by Al Stewart (-S’31), former director of Purdue Musical Organizations, the first Purdue Christmas Show was performed in Fowler Hall in 1933 to an audience of 200. It has since grown to five performances and 15,000 attendees. Santa’s method of appearance is a closely guarded secret. He’s driven in on a sleigh powered by live reindeer. He’s flown in like Superman, on a blimp, and on a goose. He’s come down the chimney. He’s rolled in on a skateboard. He’s even popped out of a jack-in-the-box.

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