The Billiken Shop

The Billiken Shop, SLU’s official bookstore, will be open during Christmas on the Quad. Visit the Busch Student Center location or a pop-up shop located in front of Starbucks on the quad.

A special "SLU Blue Christmas" discount will be offered at both locations during this event. Enjoy 10% off purchases of $100 or more, and 20% off purchases of $200 or more.

Questions?

Email alumni@slu.edu for more information about Christmas on the Quad.

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Christmas on the Quad

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025

Celebrate the magic of the season with Saint Louis University at our most beloved holiday tradition: Christmas on the Quad. Stroll through twinkling lights, gather around fire pits with friends and enjoy festive activities for all ages during this ninth annual event featuring a candlelit blessing and tree lighting ceremony at the center of campus.

Christmas on the Quad is free to attend but registration is required by Thursday, Dec. 4.

2025 Event Map

Illustrated map of the northwestern part of SLU's campus with icons showing the locations of attractions at Christmas on the quad. Bathrooms are at DuBurg Hall, the CGC and Bush Student Center. Check in, bounce houses and mug pick up are at Simon Recreation Center. Parking is in Laclede Garage. The tree lighting is on the quad. Food trucks/cheer garden are near Griesedieck Hall. Crafts are near DuBourg. Fire pits are between DuBourg and Griesedieck. Hot chocolate is in front of Griesedieck Hall.

Map Legend

360: Photo Booth	Bell: Bookstore	Candle: Fire Pits	Candy: Inflatables
Cookie: Food Trucks/Cheer Garden/KSLU	Gift: Information Tent/Mug Purchase	Mittens: Face Painting	Mug: Hot Chocolate Bar
Santa Hat: Photos with Santa	Star: Check In/Prepurchased Mug Pick-up	Stocking: Restrooms	Snowman: Parking
	Tree: Tree Lighting	Wreath: Craft Station

2025 Event Details

Schedule

4:30 p.m.: Event check-in begins inside the Simon Rec Center on the basketball courts.
4:30-7 p.m.: Enjoy festive activities, including:
- Visits with Santa in the historic Samuel Cupples House
- Face painting, crafts and inflatables (reserved for children 12 and under)
- Holiday Cheer Garden with music provided by KSLU
- The Billiken walking throughout campus and spreading holiday cheer
5:30 p.m.: Join Santa for a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" in the historic Samuel Cupples House.
6:30 p.m.: Our signature Christmas blessing and tree lighting ceremony begins.

Food and Beverage Options

Blues Fired Pizza, Cluck Oink Moo Sliders, [http://www.gogyrogostl.com/menu/] Go Gyro Go STL, and Destination Desserts will be available for guests to purchase food during the event, in addition to SLU dining options.
The Holiday Cheer Garden will offer beverages for purchase. Only credit cards will be accepted.
Dirty sodas from Crispy Sips — owned by SLU alums Caitlin (Temme) Corvington (PC '16) and Dominic Corvington (CSB '16) — will be available for purchase.

Reminders

Be sure to dress warmly; Christmas on the Quad takes place outdoors and temperatures are forecast to be chilly.
Professional photographers and videographers will be present throughout the event. Images may be shared on our website and social media. If you prefer not to have your photo or a family member’s photo taken, please let them know.

A mug says Merry Christmas Saint Louis University with an image of a snowflake on it as it rests in front of a large Christmas tree outside.

Order up to six 12 oz. commemorative 2025 Christmas on the Quad mugs when you register for exclusive access to our hot chocolate bar.

Get Your Commemorative Mug

Make the night extra special by adding this year's12-oz. commemorative Christmas on the Quad mug during registration.

Each $5 purchase grants you one serving at our exclusive hot chocolate bar and a $2 gift to the Third Century Fund; the mug is yours to take home and enjoy after the event.

Mugs must be collected during Christmas on the Quad during event hours. Availability is limited. A maximum of six mugs may be added per registration.

Order a Mug

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Christmas on the Quad?

Christmas on the Quad is held the first Saturday of December each year. This year's event will be Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Festivities start at 4:30 p.m. and conclude with a candlelit blessing and tree lighting.

How can I register for Christmas on the Quad?

Visit our online registration page through Dec. 4. Attendance is free but your RSVP helps us ensure enough resources are on hand for everyone to enjoy the event.

Where does Christmas on the Quad take place?

Activities will take place on the quad and at nearby locations on Saint Louis University's campus. The tree lighting ceremony will be held on the lawn between Pius XII Memorial Library and DuBourg Hall.

Where can I park?

Complimentary event parking will be available in SLU's Laclede Garage, located on the southwest corner of Grand Boulevard and Laclede Avenue.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Please take a moment to read our event cancellation policy. You and your registered guests accept the terms and conditions by submitting your registration.

If you did not receive a confirmation email upon registration, please contact the Office of Alumni and Donor Engagement at alumni@slu.edu.

Where do I pick up my mug?

Prepurchased commemorative mugs must be picked up during the event, either at Simon Recreation Center during check-in or after 6 p.m. in the Information Tent. Mugs that are not picked up during the event will be forfeited.

Each mug comes with one hot chocolate ticket that can be used at a tent outside of Griesedieck Hall. Redemption is limited to one mug of hot chocolate per person.