20,000 people experienced the life-size Nativity scene, falling snow, Clydesdale carriage rides and more Christmastime fun at High Point University’s (HPU) Fifth Annual Community Christmas Celebration in North Carolina last week.

"The purpose for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ," HPU President Nido Qubein told WGHP-TV. "That's why we have the nativity scene, that's why we sing and give God the glory for all the blessings in our life."

According to the university, hundreds of HPU faculty and staff volunteer to contribute a total of 2,500 hours to make the free community event possible. This year’s two-night event attracted the most visitors ever.

Artificial snow machines, a life-sized Nativity scene, free food, 86,000 lights and 12 Christmas trees are among the attractions to the community event, which according to WGHP, is becoming a holiday tradition in the region.

h/t WGHP