The holiday season is fast approaching, Loyola students, faculty, and staff are ready to celebrate. From gingerbread house–making to annual traditions across Loyola’s campuses and around Chicago, discover these events spreading holiday cheer.
November 13-December 21
A LUMA Holiday Tradition Returns
Loyola University Museum of Art invites holiday revelers to delight in more than 50-60 crèches displaying a unique story of faith and celebration. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving week).
November 20
The Department of Programming invites the Loyola community to gather from 5 to 7 p.m. to bless and light the 25-foot Christmas Tree that sits inside the main atrium area of the Damen Student Center. Festivities will include ice skating, a photo booth, hot chocolate bar, and more. The first 350 students will receive a free Loyola beanie.
Graduate, Professional, and Adult Life students across all programs are invited to Beer and Carols held at Pippin’s Tavern from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In collaboration with Campus Ministry, students can mingle and enjoy drinks while celebrating the beginning of the holiday season.
November 23
Chicago Parade and Lights Event
Graduate, professional, and adult students are invited to Beane Hall from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for stunning views of the Magnificent Mile Parade and Lake Michigan. Celebrate the season with a hot chocolate bar and create your own winter-themed DIY picture frame.
December 3
Christkindlmarket Photography Outing
Loyola’s photography club will take a fieldtrip to Chicago’s Annual Christkindlmarket to walk around Daley Plaza and have the opportunity to photograph Chicago architecture.
December 4
Join Habitat for Humanity at Cuneo Hall room 218 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for gingerbread house making and time to destress before finals.
December 5
A Loyola tradition, Joyola features a mix of holiday and seasonal music. Join this event featuring Jazz Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m.
Join the Assyrian Student Organization from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Simpson MPR for Middle Eastern food, fellowship, and ornament-making.
The Mexican American Student Organization will host Noche Navideña from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Mundelein 616 to showcase the Mexican holiday traditions, including Navidad, Día de los Reyes Magos, Noche Buena, and Las Posadas.
December 6
Quinlan Graduate Student Holiday Celebration
Quinlan faculty, staff, and graduate students will gather in the Schreiber Center’s 9th-floor lounge from 6 to 9 p.m. for a festive evening with a live jazz band, photo booth, and plenty of cheer.
Desserts in December is a celebration of students’ accomplishments throughout the fall semester! Hosted by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in the Damen Student Center MPR from 5 to 7 p.m., the event includes delicious desserts and festivities and is open to all Loyola undergrad, grad, adult, professional and Arrupe College students.
December 7
A beloved Loyola tradition, Lessons & Carols returns to Madonna della Strada Chapel at 7:30 p.m. This service combines scripture readings with liturgical music by Loyola’s choral ensembles.
December 10
Take a break during finals week with this free late-night breakfast for students. Faculty and staff serve meals in the Damen Student Center from 7:30 to 10 p.m. to support and boost morale during this busy time.
December 11
Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Join the Christian Community Life, Latin American Student Organization, Mexican American Student Association, and Latin Music Ensemble from noon to 2 p.m. at Madonna della Strada Chapel to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
December 17
University Christmas Reception
Loyola faculty, staff, and retirees are invited to the annual Christmas Reception hosted in the Damen Student Center from 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the Loyola community. Games, prizes, and entertainment are sure to be exciting, make sure to RSVP by November 22 to confirm you will be attending.
Explore beyond campus
Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out local Chicago events, like the Christkindlmarket and the City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree lighting.