Cumberlands Prepares for Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at University of the Cumberlands (UC). Lights are being strung, nutcrackers are getting set, and students are beginning to cram for finals. Additionally, faculty and students have begun prepping for two especially popular campus holiday traditions: Madrigal Dinners and Hanging of the Green.

At Madrigals, medieval themes, hearty food, and Christmas ballads all mix to bring audiences the joy of the holidays. Dinners will be held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-2 in the dining hall on UC’s campus. During the event, guests feel as though they have stepped into a castle for a grand party. There are even faculty members designated as “Lord and Lady of the Manor” each night. (Dr. Larry Cockrum, president of UC, and his wife will be Lord and Lady on Nov. 30.) At the conclusion of each performance, Chamber Choir alumni are invited to join the current members in singing “White Christmas.”

“The Madrigal Dinners embraces and invites all of our community to become part of a Cumberlands tradition,” said Dr. Smoak, the music professor who is directing the performances.

Hanging of the Green has been a Cumberlands Christmas tradition for more than 50 years. With Chamber Choir, Chorale, and Cumberland Singers uniting to perform Christmas songs and hymns, plus performances from talented community members, this Christmas concert is a tremendous event. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 in Gatliff Chapel. Immediately following the concert, guests are invited to visit the Boswell Campus Center to enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, as well as shake hands with Dr. Cockrum.

Reservations for Madrigal Dinners are $30 per person. UC faculty and staff may enjoy discounted tickets for the Nov. 30 performance. To reserve tickets, email Kristin.disney [at] ucumberlands.edu (Kristin[dot]disney[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu), call 606-539-4332, or visit https://www.ucumberlands.edu/madrigals.

Hanging of the Green is free to all, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction offering quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.