HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 20, 2022 – The Triad and surrounding communities are enjoying the sights and sounds of the season at High Point University’s Annual Community Christmas Drive, which kicked off on Monday, Dec. 19.

During the first night of this year’s Christmas Drive, HPU welcomed nearly 1,500 people to campus. More than 30,000 people total are expected to attend the drive this year. The drive is free and continues each night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 1.

“Every year, we look forward to welcoming thousands of families and friends to our campus for the Christmas Drive,” says HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein. “This is one of many ways we celebrate the Christmas season and bring people together for joy and fellowship.”

Guests will enter campus at the University Parkway entrance and exit at Panther Drive onto Lexington Avenue by the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. As guests enter, they’ll see the state’s tallest Christmas tree at 70 feet tall on the Roberts Hall lawn, as well as another tree standing at 64 feet tall by the Qubein Arena.

“High Point University is High Point’s university, and we welcome community members to many events throughout the year, including during the Christmas season,” says Lyndsey Ayers, assistant vice president for university relations. “We are very excited to welcome community members to our campus to see the thousands of lights and life-size displays.”

During the drive, families will enjoy views of more than 100,000 Christmas lights, a life-size Nativity scene with more animals and shepherds than ever, 235 nutcrackers, ornaments that are 10 feet tall and other holiday decorations.

At the end of the route, families received a special gift that includes a book about HPU’s extraordinary transformation, a coloring book and crayons for children, an HPU Christmas card and HPU basketball game information.

Photos: 1) The Triad and surrounding communities are enjoying the sights and sounds of the season at High Point University’s Annual Community Christmas Drive, which kicked off on Monday, Dec. 19. Pictured is the state’s tallest Christmas tree at 70 feet tall. 2) During the first night of this year’s Christmas Drive, HPU welcomed nearly 1,500 people to campus. As guests exit the drive, they will see another Christmas tree standing at 64 feet tall by the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. 3) HPU will welcome thousands of families from the community to enjoy the magical annual Christmas Drive, which more than 30,000 people enjoyed last year. The drive is free and continues each night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 1. 4) During the drive, families will enjoy views of more than 100,000 Christmas lights, a life-size Nativity scene with more animals and shepherds than ever, 235 nutcrackers, ornaments that are 10 feet tall and other holiday decorations. 5) At the end of the route, families received a special gift that included a book about HPU’s extraordinary transformation, a coloring book and crayons for the kids, an HPU Christmas card and HPU basketball game information.