Student Experience

5 things to know before attending the 25th Lighting of the Lawn

The 25th annual Lighting of the Lawn returns Dec. 5 with its biggest show yet: 200 drones, light-up wristbands for the first 5,000 guests, student performances and more to celebrate a quarter-century of community and holiday cheer.

The free event begins at 6 p.m. and expects to draw thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members. From parking tips to security rules, here’s what you need to know before you go.

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1. Arrive early (especially to secure a CrowdSync wristband)

The Lighting of the Lawn committee has partnered with CrowdSync to bring wearable LED wristbands to the event, transforming attendees into an active part of the show.

A line for the complimentary wristbands will begin forming at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The first 5,000 attendees will receive wristbands to wear throughout the evening. The synchronized LED devices will light up during student performances, the light show and the drone display, syncing the crowd with the music and creating a unified visual experience.

Event organizers strongly recommend arriving early – not only to secure one of the wristbands, but also to allow time for parking and security screening.

Parking is available at the Central Grounds Parking Garage (paid) and the Culbreth Parking Garage (free after 5 p.m.). Entrances are located on the sidewalks in front of Garrett Hall and Rouss & Robertson Halls. ADA-accessible entrances are available through the west-side gates, located near Hotel A, Patterson Alley and Garrett Hall.

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2. Security rules and what to bring

Bags will be subject to search upon entry, and no liquids will be permitted past the security checkpoints. There is no clear bag policy, but event organizers encourage guests to bring only essential items to speed up the screening process.

The event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. Security personnel will be present throughout the evening to ensure a safe experience for all attendees.

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3. “Remix: A Quarter-Century of Light”

This year’s theme celebrates 25 years of the beloved tradition with “Remix: A Quarter-Century of Light.”

“Remix is a tribute to our traditions transformed,” co-chair Merritt Brazell said. “It invites us to reimagine what it means to come together, remember and celebrate.”

“LOTL at its core has always been about bringing people together,” co-chair Rebecca Denton said. “Remix brings back different aspects of the past 25 years to create unity.”

The light show will feature music ranging from 2001 to 2025, honoring the full quarter-century of the tradition. The show will be longer than ever before, incorporating the remix theme throughout the evening.

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4. Double the drones

Building on last year’s debut, this year’s drone light show will be amped up, featuring 200 drones – double the 100 used in 2024.

The committee partnered with Charlottesville-based Airloom Drone Shows for this year’s display, which will create customized designs above the Rotunda synchronized to music. The expansion is made possible through support from the Arts on the Hill program and the Office of the President.

“Attendees should get excited to see larger-than-life animations, celebrations of UVA’s accomplishments and lots of holiday spirit,” Denton said.

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5. Food, performances and activities

From 6 to 7 p.m., guests can enjoy live music from student band Last Call on South Lawn, along with three food trucks (Sombrero’s Café, It’s Poppin Time and Carpe Donuts), a caricature artist and student group tabling.

Complimentary chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider will be available at a station on the mid Lawn. Fourth-year students are invited to an exclusive reception with catering in the garden of Pavilion VI.

Student performances begin at 7 p.m., followed by the main light show around 9 p.m. and the drone display above the Rotunda.

The evening will feature performances from student a cappella and dance groups across the University. This year’s lineup includes a special first: the UVA Twirlers performing with glowing batons and fire. Four special guests will lead the traditional poem reading.

“We’ve tried to be very intentional about diversifying the performance groups so that student groups that haven’t had an opportunity to perform before are brought in and have that stage and platform to show their talents,” Denton said.

“Feel the full energy of UVA coming together and crystallizing in one moment of unity and celebration – a moment that is bigger and bolder than anything yet conceived at UVA,” Brazell said.