Early evening on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the outside temperature was just below 80, but to members of the Stetson community gathered near the CUB’s front steps, holiday spirit abounded, as did ample signs of winter.

Stetson’s 77th annual Yule Log Lighting Ceremony — one of university’s most cherished traditions — was held, attracting students, alumni, faculty, staff and others. In addition, preceding the ceremony was Meet the Bells, a special opportunity to view a selection of the new Hulley Tower carillon bells up close before they were installed. And, to conclude the campus holiday setting, there was Winter Wonderland in Palm Court, with activities for all ages — even snow.

The Bells

At Meet the Bells, Judith Clayton Ward, Class of 1975, was among the many visitors. Four years after Ward graduated, an avalanche in Innsbruck, Austria, claimed the lives of three Stetson students, which became the impetus for the alumni-led historic reconstruction of Hulley Tower on campus.

To be dedicated Feb. 7, 2026, Hulley Tower will serve to honor those three students, along with all other students who died during their time at Stetson. Ward was present to view some of the bells that, hours later, would become part of the tower’s 52-bell carillon.

“It’s so touching,” Ward said softly, pointing. “This is one bell, and there are 52 of them. It’s just remarkable. … This will become a memorial to all of us, and that I think is really special.”

The Light

The Yule Log Lighting tradition began in 1938 with a simple candlelight ceremony and steadily grew. Each year, it has served as an interfaith moment for the campus community to reflect on the end of the semester and welcome the holiday season, honoring the universal message of hope and light over darkness. 

This year, that moment was met with choir song and the words of several speakers, including Interim Chaplain Rev. Harland Merriam: “You can see that the darkness and cold of winter is closing in around us more and more. Help us get in touch with the darkness in our world and in our own lives, so that we might notice the power of light and warmth as we light this Yule Log.”

Kyra Sullivan, a senior majoring in both Communication and Media Studies and English, had never been to the ceremony. Aside from classes, she has juggled multiple jobs. This year, however, she was able to attend. “I’m excited to actually make it because I feel like it’s a really cool multi-religion thing,” Sullivan said. “It’s not Christmas; it’s not Hanukah; it’s not Kwanza. It’s just a winter event that everyone can participate in, and I think it’s really cool that [Stetson has] been doing it for so many years.”

The Snow

Later into the night, Palm Court transformed into Winter Wonderland, complete with two makeshift hills for snow tubing, sponsored by the Hatter Productions and the Student Development & Campus Vibrancy team. Adding to the fun were snowball fights, sweets treats, a photo booth and more.

The entire scene, all the way around, was quite a festive sight.

-Michael Candelaria