Hendrix College Choir Announces 2026 Candlelight Carol Service

The Hendrix College Choir will perform its annual Candlelight Carol Service this December, continuing a holiday tradition that has spanned more than 60 years.

The performances are scheduled to take place at Greene Chapel on the Hendrix campus from Dec. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., Hendrix College reported. To accommodate the community, the choir is also moving the tradition to off-campus venues in Hot Springs and Little Rock during the latter half of the month.

This seasonal series serves as a cultural cornerstone for central Arkansas, drawing alumni, students, and local families who view the event as a recurring fixture of the Christmas season. The program blends familiar carols with historical choral works, structured around scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments that trace the Christmas story from the fall of Adam through the birth of Christ.

“There’s something special about seeing Greene Chapel filled with people who have made the Candlelight Carol Service part of their Christmas tradition year after year,” said Dr. Andrew Morgan, Hendrix Choir Conductor. “Whether it’s someone’s first Candlelight service or their 40th, we hope they leave with a little more Christmas spirit. We’ve got some wonderful music planned this year, and we’re looking forward to sharing it.”

Scott Gendel premieres new work in 2026 program

The 2026 program will feature the world premiere of “Wartime Christmas,” a new work by Wisconsin-based composer Scott Gendel. This debut will be integrated into a repertoire that includes traditional hymns and selections from both historical and contemporary composers.

Hendrix College Choir Announces 2026 Candlelight Carol Service

The service follows a liturgical format similar to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a tradition maintained by King’s College in Cambridge, England, since 1918. By weaving new compositions like Gendel’s into this established framework, the choir attempts to bridge the gap between ancient choral traditions and modern musical expression.

Reserve seats for Greene Chapel services

While the on-campus services are free, the limited capacity of Greene Chapel necessitates a formal reservation process. Attendees planning to visit the Hendrix campus must secure their seats through the college’s official portal.

Date	Location	Time	Reservation Requirement
Dec. 3-5	Greene Chapel (Hendrix Campus)	7:30 p.m.	Required
Dec. 6	Greene Chapel (Hendrix Campus)	4 p.m.	Required
Dec. 16	First United Methodist Church (Hot Springs)	7:30 p.m.	Not Required
Dec. 17	Trinity United Methodist Church (Little Rock)	7:30 p.m.	Not Required

Reservations for the Greene Chapel performances open Monday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. at hendrix.edu/candlelight. No reservations are necessary for the performances held in Hot Springs or Little Rock.

A legacy of liberal arts tradition

The service returns as Hendrix College begins its sesquicentennial period for 2026–2027. Founded in 1876, the college is currently marking 150 years of operation, a milestone highlighting its long-standing affiliation with the United Methodist Church, which dates back to 1884.

For the college, these musical traditions are an extension of its broader mission to link classroom learning with community engagement. As the institution celebrates its 150th year, the choir’s performances remain a primary way for the campus to engage with the wider Arkansas community through shared cultural heritage.

The 2026 Candlelight Carol Service remains a staple for the Hendrix community and visitors from across the state.

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