Lubbock’s own Amanda Shires is coming home to flip the switch on Texas Tech’s holiday season.
Texas Tech announced that the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will headline the 68th Annual Carol of Lights on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, KCBD reported Nov. 5. The university’s official Carol of Lights page lays out the night: free, no tickets, more than 30,000 lights, fireworks and a live broadcast.
When and where
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
- Carillon concert: 6:30 p.m.
- Ceremony: 7 p.m. in the Science Quadrangle, just west of Memorial Circle, in front of the science building
- Cost: Free; tickets are not required
The program features the Texas Tech Combined Choirs, Trombone Choir, the Masked Rider, High Riders and Saddle Tramps, according to Campus Events. KCBD notes a torch-light procession led by the Masked Rider, Raider Red and the Saddle Tramps before the choirs and trombone choir perform.
Who is Amanda Shires?
Shires is a Lubbock native and Texas Tech alumna. She got her start at 15 playing fiddle with the Texas Playboys, later built a solo career, founded The Highwomen with Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile, and won a Grammy in 2018 for Best Americana Album with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, according to Texas Tech’s Carol of Lights page. KCBD also notes she is a Distinguished Alumni Award winner from Tech’s College of Arts & Sciences.
In short: a hometown headliner for the campus’s biggest holiday night.
Parking, bags and how to watch
Campus Events lists public event parking in lots C1, C4, R13, R14 and R23, with ADA parking in Lot R2. A clear-bag policy is in effect: clear plastic/vinyl bags up to 12″×6″×12″, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, or a small clutch roughly the size of a hand. Medically necessary items are excepted. Strollers, wagons and lawn chairs are allowed but subject to search.
Can’t make it to the Quad? The ceremony will air live on KTTZ-PBS in Lubbock and KCOS-PBS in El Paso, and on Texas Tech’s YouTube channel, according to the university.
Save the date alongside the rest of the season
Carol of Lights is one of the biggest free nights on the Lubbock holiday calendar. We’re updating our holiday season dates guide and Lubbock holiday events guide with Shires as the 2026 headliner. For Thanksgiving week and Black Friday shopping notes before then, see our Thanksgiving and Black Friday guide.
Sources
- Texas Tech Campus Events, 68th Annual Carol of Lights: https://www.ttu.edu/campus-events/carol-of-lights/
- KCBD, Nov. 5, 2026 — Amanda Shires named 2026 Carol of Lights headliner: https://www.kcbd.com/2026/11/05/texas-tech-announces-amanda-shires-2026-carol-lights-headliner/
- Lubbock Chronicle — Amanda Shires Carol of Lights 2026: https://www.lubbockchronicle.com/p/amanda-shires-carol-of-lights-2026
- Hub City UnCovered, holiday season dates (post 67): https://hubcityuncovered.com/holiday-season-in-lubbock-the-dates-to-save-for-2026/
- Hub City UnCovered, holiday events guide (post 402): https://hubcityuncovered.com/lubbock-holiday-events-guide-2026/
