Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light

Save the Date Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2025

Save the date for the third annual “Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light” on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2025.

Out of Darkness is a special evening filled with light, education, food, and the sharing of religious and cultural traditions.

The event features winter-themed indoor and outdoor activities on campus, including firepit and s'mores stations, a Western Maryland train ride through McDaniel's history, an indoor snowball fight, and a Religious and Cultural Festival hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

I call you out of darkness into light E Tenebris in Lucem Voco

Out of Darkness brings the McDaniel College campus community together in unity to celebrate our campus history, learn from one another, uplift our cultural organizations, share our differing religious and cultural traditions, usher in the winter holiday season, and have fun together as a community.

As each student engages with our educational experience, they expand their worldview and knowledge, becoming more enlightened. This deeply personal journey is reflected in the college's motto, E Tenebris in Lucem Voco, which means, "I call you out of darkness into light."

Around Campus

As you explore the “Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light” event, more than 25,000 lights and over 700 luminaries will be lighting up campus, providing a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for fun and fellowship (and great photo ops!).

Special light-filled spots include the walkway beneath McDaniel’s historic zelkova trees; the light tunnel along the Western Maryland Railway train route; the senior luminaries celebrating our graduating seniors in Memorial Plaza; and, of course, the majestic trees flanking the entrance of Hoover Library.

Honoring the history of McDaniel College, previously named Western Maryland College (in reference to the Western Maryland Railway), you’ll take a past-to-present journey, learning about important moments in the college’s story. Generously sponsored by the President’s Office, be sure to grab a warm drink before your ride.

Listen: Holiday Train History

By college historian, Dr. James E. Lightner '59

2024 Highlights

Completing the event passport for "Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light" was a highlight of the evening.

The Celebration of Light event included indoor and outdoor activities around campus, including the Religious and Cultural Festival highlighting the winter, holiday, and religious traditions of McDaniel’s student groups; a photo op with the Green Terror Santa; and make-and-take holiday gifts. Attendees could receive a stamp in their passport for each each activity or booth they visited; Completed passports could be exchanged for a Light-up gift.

rows of luminaries line the ground with white lights hanging from trees and students roasting smores in the background