Holiday cheer swept across campus this week as Heidelberg’s Office of Student Affairs launched a brand new tradition: Deck the Halls, a festive competition inviting residence halls and the Commuter Lounge to transform their shared spaces into creative and welcoming holiday displays.
Eight locations participated in this year's event, each brought to life through teamwork and the leadership of SRAs, RAs, and engaged residents who worked together to create a festive and well-executed holiday environment.
To determine which spaces stood out, a panel of three judges toured all eight entries on Wednesday afternoon. This year’s judges included Amy Hammitt, Administrative Assistant for Academic Affairs, Dr. Courtney DeMayo Pugno, Vice President and Provost, and Ethan Rieman, Student Senate President. The group began in the Commons before visiting each participating location and viewing the work that students put into their decorations.
What the judges evaluated
Each space was reviewed using a structured scoring card worth 25 points total. Judges assessed displays in the following five categories, each worth 5 points: festive impact and overall aesthetic, creativity and originality, inclusivity and holiday representation, student engagement and effort, and lastly, execution and use of space.
These criteria helped the judges compare each location fairly while recognizing both creativity and effort.
Hall highlights
Talmage Hall featured a wonderful Christmas tree, a Naughty and Nice list, garland throughout the space, and holiday décor in each pod. Students also created homemade elements, including an "Island of Misfit Toys" display and paper chains.
Brown Hall presented a warm, classic setup filled with candy canes, a decorated tree, a gingerbread pillow, and stockings spelling out Brown. The space had a cozy, home-like atmosphere.
France Hall offered a traditional holiday look with a decorated tree and stockings that displayed the initials of the RAs. The decorations were clean, coordinated, and welcoming.
Willard Hall included a beautifully decorated tree, garland, stockings on the fireplace, and cohesive touches that created a polished holiday scene.
Miller Hall decorated the pillars in the center of the room by wrapping them like presents and added a decorated table to match. The tree featured resident-made ornaments, and presents were displayed underneath. Additional touches included an inflatable dinosaur and reindeer, stockings on the fireplace, garland, candy canes, and string lights. The space was bright, cheerful, and highly detailed.
King Hall featured three themed trees, string lights, wrapped presents, garland, handmade snowflakes, and homemade ornaments. The hall created a festive atmosphere.
Krieg Hall created a cozy winter scene with faux snow, a decorated tree, presents, garland, and comfy blankets lining the couches. A handmade fireplace with stockings was the centerpiece of the space. Other elements included lights, a small tabletop tree, and an “elves toy shop” sign on the bathroom door.
The Commuter Lounge included a Twelve Days of Christmas wall, letters to Santa, a decorated tree, lanterns, candy canes, and a large top-secret present. The space also recognized diverse winter holidays and traditions, adding an inclusive element. A large Santa hat added to the festive presentation.
And the winners are …
After reviewing all eight decorated spaces, the judges named the top three locations.
- First Place: Miller Hall
- Second Place: Talmage Hall
- Third Place: Commuter Lounge
Miller Hall will receive a holiday trophy and a pizza party to celebrate their work.
A tradition in the making
This year’s Deck the Halls served as a fun and spirited start to a new Heidelberg tradition. Students, staff, and faculty came together to celebrate creativity, community, and the excitement of the holiday season.
In addition to the student common spaces, faculty and staff joined the fun by decorating offices, hallways and campus spaces to help spread holiday cheer across every corner of campus. With all of the creativity, sparkle and joy, you can’t help but get into the holiday spirit.
Go ’Berg, and Deck the Halls!
— by Kaidan Mathias, ’25, MBA ‘26