College kicks-off holiday season with tree lighting ceremony, arrival of Santa Claus

The Southwest Texas Junior College Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde campuses will host their annual “Christmas At the College” event on Nov. 27, which is free and open to the public.

The Eagle Pass and Uvalde events are set to begin at 5 p.m., with the Del Rio event beginning at 6 p.m.

Children will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus, while choirs from local schools will provide entertainment. The college will have free hot chocolate and pastries.

According to College President, Dr. Hector Gonzales, planning is well underway. “We are extremely excited about providing our community with a wonderful array of Christmas light displays, which is sure to please children of all ages,” said Gonzales. "We invite the entire community to bring their children to take free pictures with Santa and enjoy some wonderful music from children in the community.”

During the event, the countdown for lighting the 20-foot Christmas tree along with the arrival of Santa Claus is set to begin at shortly after 6 p.m.

In Uvalde, a short parade will precede Santa, which will include the Uvalde High School Band, the SWTJC Daycare, the Uvalde 4H Club and the SWTJC Rodeo Team.

In addition, the SWTJC Uvalde Catholic Club will host its annual Las Posadas. A posada is a traditional Hispanic celebration depicting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. The posada begins in front of the Rodolfo R. & Dolores Flores Student Services Building.

Following the posada, there will be food, drinks, singing and a piñata for the children in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.

In Eagle Pass, faculty and staff will have art and crafts activities for kids throughout the night.