Longhorns Lights Launches in New Location

By Emily Trevino

Reporting Texas

Tower lit up for Longhorn Lights. Emily Trevino/Reporting Texas

The Longhorn lights are now shining bright, but this year on the South Lawn instead of Guadalupe Street. 

Students and attendees were treated to doughnuts and hot cocoa while basking in thousands of multicolored lights as members of the University of Texas band, Student Government, football team and faculty kicked off the lighting ceremony. 

“This time of year can be challenging and stressful and so any chance we can get to bring a little bit of holiday warmth and coziness to campus is worth it,” University events Associate Director of Communications, Abby Stouer said. “Any kind of holiday nostalgia, coziness, or comfort can be really warm and welcome.” 

While UT students head into finals season, the lights provide a sense of holiday magic while syncing to songs like “Texas Fight” and providing a bright display to walk by throughout the next month. 

Longhorn Lights are put together by University Events and launched two years ago. This year’s ceremony was modeled after “Gone to Texas,” a celebration for first-year students and their admittance. 

“I missed Gone to Texas, so I didn’t get to see that. This is my first time seeing the fireworks lit up. so i’m really happy i got it on camera and everything,” said Jenna, a UT freshman who attended the event. 

In addition to many changes, student organizations were able to table along the sidewalks to talk with attendees. One of those organizations was Women of Excellence, a leadership and mentorship program “Seeing little girls come up and talk to the older college girls and do an activity with them was really fun,” UT senior Rachel Shupps said. “It’s just really great to get our name out there since we are a smaller organization”. 

For the last two years the Longhorn Lights adorned the streets of Guadalupe with a giant LED bevo in front of the Texas Union. University Events says the main reason for the move is to highlight the Tower restoration and fundraising campaign. 

“We want to feature the Tower as much as we possibly can, especially going into this new restoration campaign that has already kicked off,” Stouer said. “We’ll continue to grow and change as the restoration takes place.” 

The $70 million project is expected to be completed by summer 2027. Currently, the backside of the tower is complete with fresh paint and gold accents. According to the official tower page, parts of reconstruction will include the carillon bells, limestone masonry and windows. 

A spokesperson from UT could not provide how much money the university has spent or how much money the campaign still needs. They did provide this statement: “On background, it’s a campaign – there’s always been a fundraising element. The Tower restoration page has always had a “Donate Now” button. The Longhorn Lights location has no connection.” 

The lights start at sunrise and will be on display until Jan. 1.