Each year Sacred Heart University hosts a diverse and dynamic range of holiday programs. In addition to performing arts projects held on campus, the University also sponsors programming at the SHU Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield. From concerts to carols and movies to plays, this holiday season at SHU is sure to offer something jolly for everyone.
Campus events:
- West Campus Christmas Tree Lighting & Community Skate: Monday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. join us at the main entrance of West Campus (3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield) where we will gather to sing Christmas carols and have hot cocoa. We will light the tree and wait for Santa to arrive before enjoying an open skate night at the Martire Family Arena. Free to the public.
- Holiday Choir Concert: Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. at the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts, SHU is hosting its annual holiday choir concert. Attendees can sing along with the SHU choral program for an uplifting and joyous concert of wondrous music, including audience caroling and favorite holiday classics. General admission $25.
- Holiday Delight: Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts, SHU is hosting its annual holiday band concert: Holiday Delight. Join the SHU band for an afternoon of holiday arrangements guaranteed to get you in the spirit. General admission $20.
- Lessons in Carols: On Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, join the Liturgical Choir for a traditional service of lessons and carols, featuring a festival celebration of hymns and carols that will help you ring in the Christmas season. Admission is free.
- A Christmas Carol: In its third annual year running, the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts is thrilled to welcome the play back to its stage. This year’s performance is a sparkling adaptation written by nationally recognized playwright Grace Caroline Curley ’23. The production welcomes back SHU alum John Ratzenberger (Cheers, Cars, Toy Story, Wall-E) as Scrooge in this timeless tale. This adaptation stays faithful to the text and invites audiences to experience the wonder of the holiday season through a beloved, heartwarming tale for the whole family! Performances are Friday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. General admission $25.
For all ticket inquires visit the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts event’s page for details
SHU Community Theatre events:
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987, R, 1h 33m): A Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion. Starring Steve Martin and John Candy. Friday, Nov. 29, at 4 and 7 p.m.
- Cherish the Ladies–A Celtic Christmas: Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. celebrate the holiday season with one of America's most beloved Irish music ensembles!
- Darlene Love–Love for the Holidays Concert: Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. join Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist and performer Darlene Love for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday concert.
- Seasonal Serenade: On Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. join the SHU Orchestra for their annual holiday concert of traditional classical holiday arrangements.
- CT Gay Men's Chorus–Just Believe Concert: Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. the CT Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing their Just Believe Concert, one of Connecticut's favorite annual holiday traditions!
- Elf (2003, PG, 1h 37m): Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart and Zooey Deschanel. Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4 and 7 p.m.
- The Hot Sardines–Holiday Stomp: On Friday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. witness New York’s Hot Sardines. The group has been pulling audience members out of their seats with their distinctive lighthearted and lively mix of hot jazz, swing and stride since 2007. Formed by pianist Evan Palazzo and vocalist Elizabeth Bougerol, the Hot Sardines are united by a love of early 20th century jazz forms and fueled by a belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul.
- The Nutcracker presented by the New York Theatre Ballet: On Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. usher in the holiday spirit this December with New York Theatre Ballet's beloved Once Upon a Ballet series. Post-show meet & greet in upstairs lounge.
- Judy Collins: Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins will be performing a Holiday & Hits concert program for the winter 2024 season.
- It's a Wonderful Life (1946, PG, 2h 32m): In Jimmy Stewart’s iconic performance, an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Thursday, Dec. 19, at 4 and 7 p.m.
- The Elf Christmas Spectacular: Join us for a hilarious children’s tale of Santa’s favorite elves who compete in a talent competition for the privilege of riding with Santa on Christmas Eve delivering gifts around the world. Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- A Child’s Christmas in Wales: On Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. experience the holiday season anew each year as we present this cherished tale with fresh sounds, guest artists and chamber music.
WHERE: Sacred Heart University’s Park Avenue Campus is located at 5151 Park Avenue,
Fairfield. The SHU Community Theatre is located at 1420 Post Road, Fairfield.
About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu