Ellie Holcomb hosts Lipscomb’s 21st annual Lighting of the Green

Lipscomb held its 21st annual Lighting of the Green in Allen Arena, with singer Ellie Holcomb as this year’s host. Before the concert, guests visited the Merry Marketplace, where local vendors donated a portion of their proceeds to Associated Women for Lipscomb scholarships. 

Jennette Midgett Sockwell, a children’s author and Lipscomb alumna, said the sense of community is what keeps her coming back every year. “It’s about connections. I may not sell that many tonight,” she said. “But I’ll make connections here. Last year, a schoolteacher, who I think taught at Lipscomb Academy, took my card, and the very next day she got online and bought a book for every one of her students. That meant the world to me.”

Families also lined up for free photos with Santa, another long-standing tradition at the event. 

Holcomb opened the night with a song from her children’s book Sounding Joy. “To be here tonight is really a full-circle moment,” she said. Alongside Holcomb, the Lipscomb Academy and Lipscomb University choirs performed several Christmas classics, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World.” During “Jingle Bells,” she encouraged everyone to pull out their keys to jingle along. 

Other performances included Matt Maher, Daves Highway, Sandra McCracken, Sanctuary and the Lipscomb Gospel Choir. 

Before President Candice McQueen lit the tree, she announced the 2025 recipient of the Amy Grant Scholarship, Katie Rey Sutherland.

To end the evening, McQueen invited the Lipscomb women’s soccer team, the 2025 ASUN champions, on stage to lead the countdown. Once the Green was lit, families went outside to see it and take pictures.

Featured image taken by Madelyn Paul.