Magnolia tree during the day
Black and white photo of the magnolia tree with holiday lights
Magnolia tree with holiday lights at night
The Southern magnolia tree has stood as an idyllic icon in front of Tillman Hall for decades, attracting considerable attention during the holidays when it serves as the university’s Christmas tree. As early as 1935, the Winthrop community decorated the 40-foot-tall magnolia during December. From 1955-69, Winthrop students, faculty and staff would gather around the lighted tree to sing Christmas carols on the evening before they were to leave for the holidays. The official tree-lighting campus tradition began in 1969.
The magnolia was named a South Carolina landmark by Trees SC, which chose it as their 2010 Heritage Tree.