Invitation to Lighting of the Lawn: Friday Evening

To Members of the University Community:

We write to invite you to the 24th Annual Lighting of the Lawn on Friday, December 6th, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

In the wake of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, a group of students began Lighting of the Lawn to bring back a sense of joy to Grounds by stringing lights on the Lawn and inviting others to join them and reflect as a community. While the event has grown exponentially in the last 24 years, this year's Lighting of the Lawn is committed to uniting the community with light, joy, celebration, and an exciting surprise at the end of the event reflecting the essence of this year's theme. We hope to see you on Friday!

This year's theme is Lights Up! At its core, Lighting of the Lawn celebrates the spirit of unity, emphasizing the joy and strength we find in coming together. Even in the face of challenges, Lighting of the Lawn continues to shine as a symbol of hope and resilience, and this year will be no exception. When the lights come up, they illuminate the bonds that make us one community. Lights Up serves as a moment to reflect on and celebrate our shared experiences, highlighting the ways we uplift each other and the strengths we each bring to the University. Every contribution and milestone we achieve shapes our collective UVA story and showcases the enduring light of our community.

Entry points will open at 6:00 p.m. with a live performance from The Krispies on South Lawn. Guests may enjoy an open reception that includes food trucks with items for purchase, a photo booth, a gratitude table, and so much more!

LOTL is also hosting a raffle featuring nine baskets with local Charlottesville treats, gift cards, and experiences. All proceeds from the raffle will support the UVA Children's Hospital. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the event. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the program will include a cappella and dance groups, leading up to the hallmark Light Show. To close the evening, Arts on the Hill will present Charlottesville's first-ever drone show, where 100 illuminated drones will light up the night sky!

Security Protocols

• Access to the Lawn and Rotunda will be restricted to only Lawn/Range residents and event staff beginning at 5:00 p.m. and will open up to the public at 6:00 p.m., at which time all enhanced security protocols listed below will be in place.
• Old Cabell Hall, New Cabell Hall, Cocke, Garrett, Wilson and Rouss/Robertson halls will be restricted beginning at 5:00 p.m.
  • Students, faculty and staff who need to exit these buildings between 5:00 and 9:30 p.m. will be directed to exit through one of the back or side doors. Should they wish to access the Lawn, they will need to pass through one of the security entrances starting at 6 p.m.
• Entrances and walk-through metal detectors will be located on the Garrett Hall sidewalk (near the Amphitheater) and the Rouss/Robertson Hall sidewalk. These will be the ONLY areas to enter the event. Re-admittance is permitted.
• Attendees requesting ADA-accessible entrances can enter through any West side entrance with metal detectors (Hotel A, Patterson Alley, Garrett Hall).
• Restrooms will be available near Pavilions VIII and X, behind the Thomas Jefferson statue near South Lawn, and near Garrett Hall. Cocke Hall will also be opened for restroom usage, and anyone is welcome to leave and re-enter the security perimeter to access restrooms in Shannon Library or Newcomb Hall.
  • ADA-accessible bathrooms are located in McGuffey Alley.
• There will be no clear bag policy in effect. However, specific lines for individuals entering with a bag or backpack will be located at each entrance for search by event personnel.
  • In order to expedite the security process, we recommend you come without a bag or use a clear bag.
• Empty water bottles are permitted and can be filled at the water filling stations near Pavilions VII and VIII and on the South Lawn.
• See a list of prohibited items and FAQs.

More information and a livestream of the event can be found on our LOTL website or on our Instagram @lotluva.

We hope that you join us on the Lawn this Friday. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Riley McNeill and Chelsea Huffman
Lighting of the Lawn Co-Chairs