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Experience the sounds of Christmas throughout CMU
A festive welcome awaits at Christmas at CMU, where music, community, and holiday traditions come together for an annual celebration of the season.
The halls of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) will come alive with music on Saturday, November 28, as the university welcomes the community for its annual Christmas at CMU celebration.
With Christmas trees, garlands, and twinkling lights throughout Assiniboine Castle, visitors can enjoy performances by CMU students, faculty, and staff, including choirs, concert band, and handbell ensemble. The celebration also features a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas for children and an opportunity for everyone to join in singing Christmas carols.
Unlike a traditional concert, Christmas at CMU invites guests to create their own musical experience. Performances take place in different spaces throughout Assiniboine Castle, allowing visitors to move between ensembles at their own pace, enjoy cookies and hot apple cider, and connect with friends and neighbours along the way.
"When Assiniboine Castle is decked out in its Christmas finery, everything feels so cozy and special," says River Woods, Advancement Events and Alumni Relations Coordinator at CMU. "I love getting to choose which ensembles to go see, and watching students share their hard work and love of music."
This year, CMU is introducing an additional concert on Friday, November 27 at 3:00 PM, offering a more accessible way to enjoy the tradition.
The one-hour performance will bring the CMU choirs and a carol sing together in one location in Assiniboine Castle. Designed for guests with limited mobility or those who prefer a quieter experience, the Friday concert allows visitors to enjoy the music without moving between performance spaces.
"My grandma loves to hear the choirs, but she doesn't want to walk the halls anymore," Woods says. "Now she can sit in one place and let the choirs come to her, and she can continue to enjoy this beloved tradition."
Saturday's celebration offers two performance times, at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The evening performance will also be livestreamed on CMU's website for those who wish to enjoy the music from home.
Between Saturday's performances, visitors can explore the Christmas at CMU Christmas Market in Marpeck Commons from 3:00–7:00 PM. The market features handmade goods from local vendors and artists, alongside a Christmas sale at CommonWord Bookstore and Resource Centre. CMU musicians will provide live music, and folio café will serve hot drinks.
Held at the beginning of Advent, the season of preparation leading up to Christmas, Christmas at CMU offers an opportunity to enjoy live music, reconnect with others, and celebrate the season together.
Whether joining the festivities on Friday or Saturday, visitors are welcome to take part in this longstanding CMU Christmas tradition.
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