Nov. 17, 2021
Hundreds of DePaul students, faculty and staff gathered on the Lincoln Park Campus Quad for the fourth annual Ugly Sweater Party and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 10. The kickoff to holidays at DePaul included carnival rides, bounce houses, crafts, games, hot chocolate and apple cider. Later in the day, the DePaul community gathered at St. Vincent’s Circle for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_ugly_sweater_party_rrs_006.jpg)
Hundreds of DePaul students lined up in the quad to receive their ugly sweaters during the fourth annual Ugly Sweater Party and Tree Lighting Ceremony. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_ugly_sweater_party_rrs_071.jpg)
Students enjoyed bounce houses and other activities during the temperate autumn afternoon. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_ugly_sweater_party_rrs_134.jpg)
Attendees toasted marshmallows at a s'mores station during the annual party. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., president of DePaul University, attended the party and had a chance to catch up with students. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)](/newsline/sections/campus-and-community/PublishingImages/2021-22/20211110_ugly_sweater_party_rrs_035.jpg)
A. Gabriel Esteban (left), president of DePaul, and his wife, Jo (right), attended the party and had a chance to catch up with students. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_ugly_sweater_party_rrs_197.jpg)
Like every year, the coveted ugly sweaters went fast. However, students who missed out were able to grab a DePaul holiday beanie hat later in the evening. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_021.jpg)
As the sun began to set, students warmed up with hot cocoa and apple cider. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_030.jpg)
Warm drinks and memories were in abundance in St. Vincent's Circle. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_109.jpg)
Min. Jené Ashley Colvin, ministry coordinator for Christian and Interfaith Engagement, provided a blessing as the Tree Lighting Ceremony began. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_117.jpg)
Watfae Zayed, president of Student Government Association, gave remarks on the meaning of celebrating Eid during the holiday season. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_138.jpg)
One of DePaul's a cappella groups, The Fullertones, sang traditional Christmas songs just before it was time to light the tree. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_142.jpg)
Dr. and Mrs. Esteban, and DIBS flipped the switch on DePaul's Christmas tree, a beacon that will remain lit until students return to campus in January. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
![Fourth Annual Ugly Sweater and Tree Lighting Ceremony](/newsline/multimedia/PublishingImages/2021-22/Fall 2021/20211110_tree_lighting_party_rrs_231.jpg)
The DePaul University Christmas tree will remain lit until students return from the holidays in January. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
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