Christmas Festival Offers a ‘Dwelling Place’

Westmont celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Christmas Festival, a highlight for many in Santa Barbara during Advent, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 pm and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 pm, both at the Santa Barbara Granada Theatre. Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 4, at 10 am at westmont.edu/christmas-festival. For additional ticket information or to purchase tickets by phone, please contact the Granada box office at (805) 899-2222.

Each year, the festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ through an inspiring presentation with a theme, a narrative, and Christmas music from around the world and throughout the centuries, deepening our understanding of this holy season. This year’s theme is “Dwelling Place.” With the birth of the Christ child, God invites us to live in him as he makes his dwelling among us. The festive event features the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, and Chamber Singers. 

Ruth Lin, who has worked with orchestras and conductors from around the world, conducts the Westmont Orchestra and chairs the college’s music department. 

Alumnus Daniel Gee, Westmont director of choral activities and director of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, will conduct the Westmont College Choir and Chamber Singers.

Zig Reichwald, Adams professor of music and worship, and alumnus Paul Mori (’77), conductor of the Santa Barbara Prime Time Band, will lead the congregational hymns.