A College of Charleston holiday tradition returns this month to mark the start of the season.

The sixth annual Cougar Night Lights holiday light show kicks off in historic Cistern Yard on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, with a special showing for College of Charleston students. Starting at 5 p.m., students can enjoy light refreshments and activities. President Andrew Hsu will give remarks at 6 p.m. followed by the light show.

Cougar Night Lights captures the magic of the holiday season with dazzling light displays set to classic holiday tunes as well as popular contemporary songs. This year’s show will feature new songs and lighting displays.

Cougar Night Lights will open to the public on Dec. 1, 2022, and run nightly through Jan. 2, 2023. The musical light show will run every half hour, between 6 and 9 p.m. Cougar Night Lights is a free event.

“I think Cougar Night Lights adds something to the lives of all who view it,” says Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs. “It provides joy and fun in the most beautiful of settings.”

The show is produced and designed by CofC alumnus John Reynolds ’97, an Emmy Award-winning lighting designer who has done work for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Super Bowl.

The Cistern Yard is located at the corner of George and St. Philip streets. Public parking garages are available at two locations, including the George Street Garage and St. Philip Street Garage.