Montana State to host traditional annual lighting of Montana Hall on Dec. 4

BOZEMAN - Montana State University invites the Bozeman and MSU communities to celebrate the annual lighting of Montana Hall at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. The event will take place in the center of campus on the south side of the iconic building on the Malone Centennial Mall with free food and drinks offered.

MSU President Waded Cruzado will welcome guests before performances by a variety of MSU music groups. One of the groups that will perform is the Champ's Children Choir, featuring children from the Child Development Center and the ASMSU daycare, who will sing holiday carols. The other performers are the Montanans, the Spirit of the West drumline, the Bobcat Brass Trio, the Spirit Squad, and the ASMSU student body president and vice president.

Each year's event also highlights a seasonal illustration by an MSU student. This year's illustration of Lights on Montana Hall was done by Sasha Maguire, a junior studying graphic design.

The tradition of lighting Montana Hall began in 2015. According to James Tobin, executive assistant to the president, the MSU and Bozeman communities have grown closer during the holiday season as a result.

"This event has been such cornerstone of the holidays on campus that brings together both the MSU and Bozeman communities," Tobin said. "This event allows us to celebrate and appreciate all of our amazing artists and musicians on this campus."

MSU President Waded Cruzado will retire in June 2025, making this her last annual lighting of Montana Hall.

"Lights on Montana Hall has been a highlight of my year each December, and I am so grateful for this chance to bring cheer and brightness to campus and to celebrate the strong bond Montana State shares with our wonderful community," Cruzado said. "I cannot wait to see everyone there."

Free parking will be available on campus in all non-reserved spaces after 4:30 p.m., including the top level of the parking garage. A map of parking lots is online at https://www.montana.edu/campusmap/#!/.

For more information about Lights on Montana Hall, contact James Tobin at [email protected] or 406-994-2343.