East Tennessee State University’s annual Holiday Lights Celebration returns to Johnson City on Nov. 17, featuring a free community lighting ceremony, ice skating, live music, and festive family fun.

‍East Tennessee State University’s beloved Holiday Lights Celebration is back this year, bringing an array of seasonal festivities — including the popular synthetic ice-skating rink, a dazzling 16-foot walk-through ornament display, and plenty of holiday cheer.

The community is invited to the lighting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 17, at 5:45 p.m. at ETSU’s Alumni Plaza (at Burgin Dossett Hall facing the Carillon). The event is free and open to the public.

Attendees can enjoy live performances by ETSU student ensembles, a holiday movie and free hot cocoa and cookies. Joining in the celebration will be ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland, SGA President Shelby Koerten and ETSU’s beloved mascot, Bucky, who will help illuminate the campus for the season.

“This is one of my favorite times of year because it brings the entire community together,” said Noland. “Each year, our Holiday Lights Celebration transforms campus into a place where families, students and neighbors from across the region can come together to share in the spirit of the season. Whether it is your first visit to ETSU or a long-standing family tradition, we are proud to offer an experience that captures the joy of this special time of year.”

In addition to the lighting ceremony, the evening will include several other festivities:

• As part of the ETSU Alumni Winter Series, the ETSU National Alumni Association will host a cookie-decorating party before the lighting ceremony. This event will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. ETSU’s Innovation Commons, located on the second floor of the Charles C. Sherrod Library. Alumni and families are encouraged to RSVP online at etsualumni.org/arcticadventures.

• The synthetic ice-skating rink on the ETSU Commons officially opens. After the lights are turned on, there will be free skating from 6:30-9 p.m. on Nov. 17 for ETSU students, faculty and staff with a valid ID. The public is also welcome to skate; rental rates and additional information are available at etsu.edu/skate.

• Returning for a third year are the free screenings of a holiday children’s classic at ETSU’s Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall. “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” will show at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.