Christmas at Concordia is a beloved annual celebration that unites students, families, alumni and community members in worship and musical excellence.
For generations, Christmas at Concordia has marked the beginning of the Christmas season for the Concordia University Wisconsin community, and this year’s celebration on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, was no exception. As families, alumni, students and friends filled the Chapel of Christ Triumphant, the evening unfolded as a moving blend of music, worship and tradition that continues to define the Concordia experience.
A community tradition of faith and togetherness
From the moment guests entered the chapel, it was clear this event was more than a concert — it was a homecoming. Multigenerational families filled the seats, students exchanged excited waves with loved ones, and alumni returned to the space that shaped many of their most cherished holiday memories. The tradition endures not only because of its long history, but because it offers a meaningful pause: a chance to reflect on Christ’s birth and the blessings of the year.
The Chapel of Christ Triumphant: A sacred setting
An essential part of what makes these evenings so powerful is the location. The Chapel of Christ Triumphant, already a striking presence on campus, transforms on these nights. Soft lighting, soaring acoustics and the decorative walls create a space where music becomes more than sound; it becomes worship.
Johanna Anderson, ’13, associate director of instrumental music, said Christmas at Concordia is a treasured tradition during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The chapel provides a sacred space for the music community to gather and celebrate the Lord through song and instruments.
“More than 20% of the students at CUW participate in music, and many of them also perform in multiple ensembles,” Anderson said. “I have been blessed to participate first as an undergraduate student and then for 11 years as a director.”
Hundreds of people took part, either by attending in person over the two days or by tuning in to the livestream.
“We are reminded of the many blessings God has given us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to glorify him with our music,” Anderson said.
The environment amplifies not only the talent of the musicians but also the shared sense of reverence felt throughout the audience.
A showcase of Concordia’s musical excellence
This year’s program featured the full scope of CUW’s instrumental, vocal and handbell ensembles: Kammerchor, Selah, Chapel Choir, Civic Chorale, Alleluia Ringers, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, University Band, Jazz Ensemble and String Ensemble. Each group brought forward its own interpretation of the season — some contemplative, some jubilant, all grounded in a spirit of praise.
Highlights included:
- Handbells shimmering through the chapel in an ethereal opening
- Choral ensembles layered in breathtaking harmonies
- Symphonic and jazz selections that added warmth and energy
- A full-capacity hymn sing that invited the audience to join their voices with the performers
Band and orchestra participant Michelle Gain, a senior speech-language pathology major, emphasized the importance of the concert, especially during final exam week, which is often a highly stressful time. “Not only is this concert about showcasing our music ensembles at CUW, but it is also a way for us to praise the Lord in the midst of chaos,” Gain said.
This is her fourth Christmas at Concordia.
“We spent a month preparing the music, along with a long dress rehearsal the Wednesday before the first performance. I especially love hearing the hard work all the ensembles put into this concert,” she said.
Their artistry reflected months of preparation and the dedication of CUW’s music faculty and students.
Capturing traditional moments
The photo gallery above captures the spirit of the night — from wide shots of the chapel aglow with music and movement to close-up expressions of joy, concentration and reverence on the faces of student performers. The images highlight the warm glow of the chapel’s lighting illuminating the many faces of those who attended and performed, the synchronized movement of the instrumentalists adding a graceful cohesion to the performance, and the unity of the full ensembles during the final selections that brought the evening to a powerful and moving close. Together, these photos help tell the story of why Christmas at Concordia remains such a beloved event: because it’s not just about music — it’s about community, worship and the joy of Christ’s coming.
Until next year…
As the last notes faded and guests stepped back into the wintry evenings, one thing was clear: This tradition continues to inspire and connect the Concordia community in profound ways. Whether attending for the first time or the 15th, no one left unchanged.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.