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Campus Life

Celebrate the season: Holiday events and traditions at Loyola

By Caroline Lyngen

November 20, 2024

The holiday season is fast approaching, Loyola students, faculty, and staff are ready to celebrate. From gingerbread housemaking 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 

Damen Annual Tree Lighting  

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. 

Beer and Carols 

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 

Gingerbread House-Making 

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 

Joyola 

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.  

Christmas in Assyria

Join the Assyrian Student Organization from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Simpson MPR for Middle Eastern food, fellowship, and ornament-making.

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 

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 

Lessons & Carols 

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 

Finals Breakfast 

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.