Even though it’s warm enough to wear shorts, Cistern Yard will be transformed into a winter wonderland with the help of 15,500 highly efficient LED lights and one mile of cable. The show is being produced and designed by John Reynolds ’97, who has won multiple Emmys for his lighting displays and has done work for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Super Bowl.

To celebrate the last day of classes on Dec. 4, 2017, the Division of Student Affairs invites all students to commemorate the holiday season in Cistern Yard with winter-themed activities, great food and a dazzling musical light show. Come and be part of the merriment before exams start!  

Assistant Director of Student Life Jill Caldwell says, Cougar Night Lights will be an exciting way for the campus community to wrap up the fall semester and celebrate before final exams. It will give everyone on-campus an opportunity to come together to enjoy a holiday experience under icicle lights from the historic live oaks of the Cistern Yard and a magical light show on Randolph Hall.”

After the show takes a brief hiatus during final exams (so students can study in peace), the greater Charleston community is invited to enjoy the holiday lights in the Cistern Yard between Dec. 14, 2017, and Jan. 1, 2018. The musical light show will run on the hour between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. A special focus will be on historic Randolph Hall and the majestic Cistern Yard trees. This event is free and open to the public.

Join us on the College of Charleston campus to ring in the holidays. Cistern Yard is located at the corner of George and St. Philip Streets.