Red and green candles lit up Central Campus as hundreds of members of the ISU and Ames communities gathered for the 56th annual Festival of Lights ceremony Wednesday at nightfall near the steps of Beardshear Hall.

The annual lighting has been one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Iowa State since 1946, said President Gregory Geoffroy.

“The Festival of Lights has become an important part of our larger community,” he said.

It has endured war, conflict and national sadness, as well as times of happiness and joy, Geoffroy said.

Andy Tofilon, president of the Government of the Student Body, opened the ceremony.

“The Festival of Lights is one of many events of fall celebration that is helping students to become their best.” he said.

Geoffroy said the annual celebration has transformed over the years to become inclusive to the many different religions represented within the ISU community.

“The tradition has changed as our community has changed,” he said.

ISU choir members concluded the ceremony by leading the crowd in singing traditional holiday carols, such as “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Jingle Bells.” Reindeer rides, storytelling and tours of the Campanile followed the event.

Stefan Rothbauer, graduate student in mathematics, was one of many who ventured out into the cold to participate in the celebration.

“We were amazed when the lights on the Christmas tree went on,” he said.

Joe Bata, freshman in pre-business, attended the lighting for the first time.

“My favorite part was the candle luminaries,” he said. “They really lit up the atmosphere.”

His friend, Sara Christensen, also participated in the ISU tradition for the first time.

“I’d been looking forward to the event all week,” said Christensen, freshman in elementary education. “The cookies were also delicious.”

Aimee Prichard, freshman in elementary education, said she thought the choir added a lot to the celebration.

“The choir sounded great,” Prichard said.

“The whole event really put me in the holiday spirit.”