Celebrate the season

Holiday traditions at ETSU

The holidays are a magical time of year at East Tennessee State University, and we invite you to celebrate with us! From family activities to stocking stuffers, from holiday concerts to festive playlists, ETSU can help make the season bright.

Holiday Events at ETSUAll Events

  • Ice Rink Opening

    Mon, Nov 17, 2025 — 6:30PM - 9:00PM
    University Commons

    The glide of skates on ice returns to East Tennessee State University this month as the popular...

  • Glory Shone Around: The Annual ETSU Holiday Concert

    Fri, Dec 5, 2025 — 7:30PM - 9:30PM
    Martin Center for the Arts -ETSU Foundation Grand Hall

    The Department of Music presents the annual ETSU annual holiday concert, "Glory Shone Around." Over...

  • Glory Shone Around: Annual ETSU Holiday Concert

    Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 4:00PM - 6:00PM
    Martin Center for the Arts -ETSU Foundation Grand Hall

    For decades, the ETSU Holiday Concert has been more than a performance—it’s a tradition that...

  • Glory Shone Around: Annual ETSU Holiday Concert

    Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 7:30PM - 9:30PM
    Martin Center for the Arts

    For decades, the ETSU Holiday Concert has been more than a performance—it’s a tradition that...


Keep checking back here for newly added events!

Latest Holiday News

Holiday Videos

Watch our beloved holiday videos featuring Bucky, Dr. Noland, Mrs. Noland, and other ETSU stars!

 

2025 Holiday Ornament

 

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Art by Akintayo Akintobi and Penny Livingston

In 2022, the tradition of chronicling the history of ETSU through the creation of artistic holiday ornaments began. This year’s edition continues this ETSU tradition and invites you to celebrate the holidays with a beautiful keepsake that can be passed down for generations.

This year’s hand-painted, limited-edition holiday ornament celebrates Roy S. Nicks Hall, home to ETSU’s College of Nursing, the Department of Appalachian Studies, and ITS. Located on the university’s main campus, the building honors Dr. Roy Nicks, ETSU president emeritus and a transformative leader in higher education. Nicks Hall stands as a symbol of service, learning, and care – an enduring legacy for future generations of Buccaneer nurses and scholars.

Look for it in the fall at Bowman Jewelers in Johnson City.

ETSU Holiday Spotify Playlist

Get in the holiday spirit with this playlist featuring artists who all have close ties to the mountains we call home!