A 40-foot Christmas tree has been on TCU’s campus for more than a week, but it will be fully illuminated Tuesday evening in front of students, faculty and staff.

“The tree lighting ceremony has been a TCU tradition for 40 years,” said Brad Thompson, event coordinator and leader of student activities.

The ceremony will take place in the Campus Commons, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

According to an email sent out to all students, the ceremony will include more than just the Christmas tree lighting. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies, fireworks, reindeer and SuperFrog dressed as Santa Claus.

There is always some form of musical entertainment. Thompson said that this year the Chris Watson Band will give a live performance.

A showing of Disney’s Frozen Sing-Along Edition will follow the tree lighting on a giant outdoor screen.

“The Christmas tree lighting gives a nice at-home feeling to TCU and is a nice reminder that students just have a little more time to push through classes and finals before the actual Christmas break,” said senior sport psychology major Curtizia Alexander.

Brinton Munoz, junior strategic communication major and team leader for theCrew, said the organization is responsible for setting up and facilitating the various food and drink booths, and making sure everything runs smoothly with the flow of events.

Munoz also said it really brings the whole TCU community together.

“It’s a great excuse to take a break from homework,” Munoz said.