St. Olaf Christmas Festival

Our Hope for Years to Come

The 2024 St. Olaf Christmas Festival

Friday, December 6 • 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 7 • 3 p.m.
Sunday, December 8 • 3 p.m.

Attending Christmas Weekend More information about attending the Festival and activities on campus

Christmas Festival FAQ More information on tickets, dining, transportation, events, etc.

Watch the 2023 Christmas Festival on-demand

For many people, over several generations, the celebration of the Advent – Christmas – Epiphany season begins with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a century-old tradition of the college.

1912

begun as a musical program for the college community, planned and directed by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf Music Department.

9,000+

guests will attend the Festival concerts and special events.

500

student musicians will participate as members of the five Choirs and Orchestra.

Participating Ensembles

Each group participates individually and as part of a Massed Ensemble. Anton Armstrong ’78 is Artistic Director of the Festival and Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir. Paolo Debuque conducts the the St. Olaf Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus. Therees Tkach Hibbard conducts the Manitou Singers. James E. Bobb leads the St. Olaf Cantorei.

The St. Olaf Orchestra, regarded as one of the finest collegiate orchestras in the United States, is conducted by Chung Park.

Visual Designer of the Festival is Christie Hawkins. Matthew Marohl is College Pastor and also serves on the artistic team.

Learn More

Learn more about music at St. Olaf College

Play Video St. Olaf Christmas Festival 2023

2023 St. Olaf Christmas Festival: Livestream

Watch the on-demand video recording of the 2023 St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Love and Joy Come to You. A tradition since 1912, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the U.S., led by five conductors and featuring more than 500 student musicians.

Watch here