Capital University Christmas Festival
Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Capital University Christmas Festival!
Step into the enchanting world of the Capital University Christmas Festival, a cherished tradition in Columbus that marks the joyous beginning of the holiday season. For 95 years, this extraordinary event has been the university’s annual gift to the community, showcasing the internationally renowned and award-winning Capital University choirs as they bring Christmas to life in all its glory. Joining the four Capital choral ensembles are a variety of instrumentalists from the Conservatory and the Columbus arts community.
The Christmas Festival concert experience continues a storied legacy that began with the founding of the Capital University Chapel Choir in 1928. Set in the intimate and beautiful Mees Hall, the concert is an immersive experience that unifies choral music with a central, spiritual theme, interwoven with storytelling readings of poetry, prose, and scripture. Every corner of the concert hall, from the aisles to the balcony, is alive with music, creating an atmosphere that embraces the audience in song.
The theme for this year’s Festival is Fear Not I am with You. These words from the prophet Isaiah offer comfort, reminding us that God is always with us, even in our most fearful moments. It’s also a reminder that we are here for each other. "I am with you" speaks to community, to the deep connection we share, even when things in our lives, our world, feel uncertain or overwhelming. We’re not alone, and because of that, we can face our fears with courage, not letting fear control us. Together, we’re stronger, braver, and more resilient.
The beautiful theme artwork features the lotus flower which has remarkable a life cycle. Rooted in mud, it submerges every night into the water and miraculously re-blooms the next morning, sparkling clean. What a beautiful symbol of unwavering faith.
Expect an unforgettable evening filled with traditional carols you love (and that you can join in singing!), spectacular new pieces, and delightful surprises. Don’t miss this magical event – more than a concert, it’s a wonder-filled experience that will leave you both changed and filled with joy. We can’t wait to share this message with you. Join us for a night where music, tradition, and community come together in a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas!
Performances:
- Thursday, December 5: Concert at 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 6: Concert at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 7: Concert at 7:30 PM
- Sunday, December 8: Concert at 3:30 PM
General Questions
If possible, please contact us by email (christmasfestival@c178.net). Otherwise, you call (614) 236-6474 during 9:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday.
No, at this time, we are not planning to livestream the Christmas Festival concerts.
Yes. CD recordings of previous Christmas Festivals may be purchased after every concert or by calling 614-236-6116.
Please see our map of on-campus parking (PDF) for details.
The largest and closest parking area available (F7 on the map) is across the street at the Trinity Lutheran Seminary parking lot, just past the intersection of College Avenue and Main Street.
Another large parking area (F3 on the map) with several handicap parking spaces may be found just past Mound Street on College Avenue.
If you are driving south on College Avenue from East Main Street, The Trinity Seminary Lot (F7) will be on your right, and lot F3 will be on your left.
Yes, absolutely! The drop-off is adjacent to Huber-Spielman Hall, near the H2 designation on the map of on-campus parking (PDF).
Tickets & Ticketing Questions
The tickets for Capital University’s Christmas Festival will go on sale in early November.
No.
Yes, all ticket sales will be available through an online system. Please visit is9h.c178.net/christmasfestival to purchase your tickets. If you require further assistance to complete your purchase, please call (614) 236-6474 at anytime between 9:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday.
We will provide detailed step-by-step instructions for ordering tickets when they become available for purchase in November.
Due to the length of the concert, we welcome children age 6 and older to the Christmas Festival performances.
Electronic tickets will be sent to the email address provided at the time of checkout. Please ensure that your inbox is able to accept incoming messages, and be sure to check junk and spam folders if you do not receive your tickets in an email after you make your purchase. You may email christmasfestival@c178.net if you need assistance or special accommodations.
Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. If you wish to return tickets you cannot use, please email christmasfestival@c178.net or call (614) 236-6474 as soon as possible. Unused tickets may also be turned in to the Mees Hall ticket office up to one hour prior to each performance.
Please send an email to christmasfestival@c178.net or call (614) 236-6474 and provide us with the name of the ticket purchaser.
Yes. They can also be printed prior to your arrival and scanned at the door.
Performance Questions
The doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance: at 7:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and at 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon.
The performances are approximately two and a half hours long with no intermission.
Yes. Please arrive early since restroom lines can be long. They are in the hallway between Mees Hall lobby and Huntington Recital Hall lobby.
Yes, there are handrails. The stairs are shallow (about 6” high). Please note that there are no handrails in the balcony area.