Share
Between Thanksgiving pie socials and December concerts, Loyola has plenty of holiday cheer planned for the next several weeks. Here are some festivities, as well as ways to give back, to put on your calendar.
Tree and Campus Lighting Celebration
November 15, 6-8 p.m., St. Ignatius Community Plaza and Gentile Arena
Welcome in the holiday season with the annual tree and campus lighting celebration. Gather in Ignatius Plaza for hot chocolate and cider before the ceremony. Father Thomas W. Neitzke, S.J., will bless the tree and President Mark C. Reed will deliver remarks before lighting the tree. Following the ceremony, students are invited to enjoy additional winter festivities in Gentile Arena.
Campus Ministry November Social
November 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Damen Student Center Suite 217
Celebrate the Thanksgiving season with Campus Ministry. Stop by for pie, games, and prizes. Attendees are also invited to write an intention or prayer to be hung on the prayer ribbon.
Turkey Talk Community Circle
November 18, 4-5 p.m., Regis Hall MPR
The Office of the Dean of Students welcomes students to join them for a slice of pie and community circle to discuss how to engage with difficult conversations and our feelings around the holidays.
Channukah Celebration
November 23, 12-1 p.m., TBD
Join the Jewish Law Student Association for a Channukah breakfast celebration with a Rabbi telling the story of Channukah.
Over The Damen Wall
November 23, 6-8:30 p.m., Damen Den
Join the Department of Programming for a Thanksgiving feast and watch the Cartoon Network miniseries Over the Garden Wall. Students can also enjoy coffee while playing a themed Bingo to win prizes.
Joyola
December 3, 7:30-9 p.m., Jo Ann Rooney Hall
This joyful tradition features a mix of holiday and seasonal music and will feature the symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, and jazz ensemble.
Art & Faith of the Creche Annual Holiday Exhibition
December 4-5, 11-12, and 18-20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Loyola University Museum of Art
Every December, the Art & Faith of the Crèche exhibit honors the legacy of James and Emilia Govan, whose extraordinary collection of crèches from around the world continues to inspire reflection and connection across faiths and cultures. Free admission with Loyola Student ID.
Jingle and Mingle: Quinlan Graduate Holiday Celebration
December 4, 6-8 p.m., Schreiber Center, Wintrust Hall
Celebrate the holiday season with Quinlan faculty, staff, and graduate students. This event will have a live jazz band, a photobooth, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and cheer.
Friday Night Flick: The Holdovers
December 4, 6:45 p.m., Damen Cinema
Join the Department of Programming for a screening of The Holdovers and get into the holiday spirit, complete with popcorn and snacks.
Lessons and Carols
December 5, 7:30-9 p.m., Madonna Della Strada
This service features a series of lessons combined with liturgical music sung by Loyola’s choral ensembles.
Breakfast with Santa
December 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Sister Jean Schmidt MPR
This beloved holiday tradition for Rambler alumni and their families is filled with holiday cheer, fun activities, and special memories. Kids can enjoy an array of activities and have the opportunity to meet Santa.
Christmas Reception
December 17, 2-4 p.m., Damen Student Center
Faculty, staff, and retirees are invited to celebrate the spirit of the season at this year’s Christmas Reception. Festivities will include games, prizes, and opportunities to build community.
Service opportunities:
Soup Kitchen at St. Thomas of Canterbury
Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30-7:30 p.m., Damen 232
Twice a week, a group of Loyola students volunteer at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen to prepare and serve a meal. Meet in Damen and then travel to the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen in Uptown and return to campus around 7:30 p.m. No volunteers needed on days that classes are not in session. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays throughout the month of November, and sign-ups are not required.
Labre Homeless Outreach
Thursdays, 4:30-8 p.m., Baumhart Hall
Labre is a weekly opportunity for student leaders and participants to form relationships with people experiencing homelessness in downtown Chicago, offering both a simple meal and conversation. Volunteer space is limited but Labre accepts food, clothing, toiletries, blankets, and winter gear donations all year. See donation details on the Labre website.
Food Drive for Loyola Food Pantries
November 2-24, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Damen Student Center 3rd floor, Maguire Hall 2nd floor, and Cuneo Center 270
The Office of the Dean of Students welcomes donations of non-perishable, shelf-stable food items.
UNICEF Holiday Packing Event
November 12, 5-9 p.m., LSB 142
Join UNICEF at Loyola in wrapping gifts for children at the Mount Sinai Hospital.
Charity Blanket-Making
November 16, 12-2 p.m., TBD
Join the Healthcare Administration Student Council in making blankets that will be donated to Laurie Children’s Hospital.
Volunteer Training with PAWS
November 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m., TBD
Join the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund for volunteer training at PAWS Chicago.
CARE Packages
November 20, 6-8 p.m., TBD
Hosted by the Pre-Vet Society and People for Animal Welfare and Support (PAWS), create care packages for animal shelters that provide essential supplies and thoughtful items for those in need.
Rambler Recovery Week
November 30-December 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Damen Student Center
The Food Recovery Network will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Rogers Park food pantry A Just Harvest.
Find more events on the University Calendar and LUCommunity.
