Classes may be over at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) but their bells will be ringing as Christmas approaches.

Christmas at CMU is a time-honoured tradition, this year being no exception. The difference this year is that buzz and musical tones from CMU's event will not fill the school's tiled halls the Saturday after classes end; it is online.

"We are just so thrilled to be making music, to be making music in ways that are safe, and making music as we know is something that really is about the wellbeing of all. We are glad to be able to echo forth that tradition," CMU President Cheryl Pauls says. "They might be singing with masks and yet the clarity and warmth and the variety of sound still ring through."

At 7 p.m. Saturday evening, the video will be premiered, showcasing previously-recorded musical segments. It may not be the in-person event people are used to, but Pauls says gathering at home is encouraged.

"You do hope that people might choose to get together with a few people, and sit down and watch it together."

The virtual nature also allows their music to be shared around the world, not being limited to Winnipeg.

Handbells, choirs, and other ensembles feature dedicated students from all majors, not limited to music students.

It is pretty exciting for students to be able to sing and record and know that their music means something to others. That is what it is. It is the joy of making music and sharing music t others whose hearts are encouraged and made glad through hearing that music."

To wrap the evening up, the signature sing-along will be played "if people dare to sing along"