Northwestern University's winter lights are coming back to the Evanston campus, President Mung Chiang announced Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The popular tradition of wrapping trees and poles in lights was absent last winter. Students pushed to restore it. The Associated Student Government (ASG) passed a resolution in November 2025 urging the university to bring the lights back, according to a Northwestern news release. Student leaders then raised the issue with Chiang multiple times after he took office in July.
Chiang, Northwestern's 18th president, said his listening tour made the message clear.
"Through conversations with students and in listening to ASG leadership, it became very clear to me just how much the winter lights uplift our entire community, not only for safety but also to appreciate our beautiful campus," Chiang said in the announcement.
The lights will cover familiar spots. The university described a canopy stretching under Weber Arch and through Deering Meadow. Facilities staff plan to install the lights using a method the university called more sustainable in terms of labor, energy and carbon output, though specific details on the new approach were not released.
John Sisco, ASG co-president, said Chiang has been receptive to student feedback since arriving on campus. Sisco said the reinstated lights are proof of what the collaboration between student government and the president's office can produce.
Carridee Raymundo, ASG co-executive officer of justice and inclusion, said the lights carry a safety benefit. She said every student on campus can feel safer and more joyful during Northwestern's winters.
Chiang has drawn attention for other early gestures. He announced ice cream machines for dining halls at New Student Convocation. He has also drawn a following on the student social media platform Fizz, where students have posted hundreds of times about his presidency, North by Northwestern reported.
