Light the Way Festival Frequently Asked Questions
Use our frequently asked questions section to learn about general event information, student and employee information and self-guided campus tours.
General Event Information
For lost and found items, please contact the University Police for assistance.
Due to high attendance, please help us maintain safety and accessibility for all guests.
Do
- Bring your family and friends to Light the Way
- Wash hands and mask up to your comfort level
- Enjoy UIW grounds and public spaces
- Bring funds for food trucks and shopping. Vendors and food trucks accept major credit cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Wear outwear according to the weather forecast
- Bring a camera and take pictures, and use hashtag #LightTheWay and tag @uiwcardinals
- Bring strollers and wagons; however, please keep in mind that they may not be parked on pathways, as these must remain clear for accessibility and safety.
Do not
- Bring lawn chairs. They are not permitted.
- Bring large bags or purses
- Bring a scooter unless it is an ADA scooter
- Bring your pets (service animals are permitted)
- Ignore any symptoms of illness. Please stay home if you feel sick and we will see you on our Livestream.
- Walk past barricades
- Enter unauthorized UIW buildings
- Climb the trees, landscaping or architecture
- Smoke or vape on campus
- Act in a manner contrary to the spirit and mission of the University of the Incarnate Word
Yes, this event is free and open to the public! All are welcome to join us in kicking off the Christmas season.
Event parking is available on a first come basis in the Ancira and Founders Hall Parking Garages. Spaces are limited and ride sharing is encouraged, with the drop off point being the Founders Hall complex please.
Yes, portable restrooms will be by the Nurse's building and adjacent to the Administration Building. A complimentary changing tent for babies, toddlers and nursing station will be located adjacent to the Administration Building.
Yes, food trucks with delicious food options will be on site.
Photos with Santa are FREE! To make sure you get the perfect shot, we kindly ask that you use your own camera or phone. Our wonderful volunteers will be available to help snap the picture for you!
To ensure the safety of all our guests, individuals wishing to ride the train are required to meet specific height and weight restrictions posted at the attraction.
The Kids Corner features several fun activities that require a purchase or fee through vendors. These paid activities include:
- Cookie Decorating
- Train Ride
- Build-a-Stuffie
- Face Painting
Coolers will not be permitted as we have delicious food and drink offerings at the festival.
Alumni activation and activities will be located on Riverside. Alumni section of the event is the only area where alcohol will be served and permitted. Guests are not allowed to bring outside food, drinks or alcohol onto campus grounds.
Pets are not allowed on the grounds during Light the Way. However, service animals are permitted.
Campus buildings that are not part of the Light the Way Holiday Festival will not be accessible to guests. Please refrain from entering campus buildings without permission. The Student Engagement Center is the only location open for sales in the UIW Bookstore, Starbucks and Luciano Express Pizzeria.
Light the Way: Exclusive Alumni Area
By Office of Alumni Relations