West Virginia University will mark the start of the holiday season at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Woodburn Circle with the 20th annual lighting of historic Woodburn Hall on the Downtown Campus.

The University community and members of the public are invited to join the ceremony presided over by WVU President Mike Garrison.

The lighting of Woodburn Hall is a holiday tradition for the entire community,he said.Woodburn Hall is a beacon of WVU s Downtown Campus, and during the holiday season, it serves as a reminder for us to celebrate and be thankful for our many blessings.

Before the ceremony, the WVU tuba ensemble will perform.

Twelve-year-old Savannah Stalnaker, a patient from WVU Childrens Hospital, and her parents, Cindy and Tim, will assist WVU first lady Heather Garrison with turning on the switch that will illuminate about 7,000 miniature white lights outlining WVU s second oldest building. The lights will remain on until mid-January.

Following the outdoor lighting ceremony, a reception will be held in the lobby of Elizabeth Moore Hall with cookies and hot cocoa. Santa will be on hand to greet the young and those young at heart.