Holiday decorations on the Water Tower Campus. (Photo: Lukas Keapproth)
Campus Life

Celebrating the holidays at Loyola

November 13, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, Loyola becomes a space filled with decorations, holiday spirit, and festive traditions. Here are some of the events to find on campus and around Chicago this year. 

Thanksgiving De-Stress Event 

November 14, 5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m., Cuneo Hall Room 210 

Join the Brain Exercise Initiative for cookies, Flaco’s Tacos, trivia, letter writing, and other arts and crafts to de-stress before Thanksgiving break.  

Crafts and Cider 

November 16, 6 p.m.8 p.m., Damen Den 

Sip on some apple cider and make hand turkeys and friendship bracelets with the Residence Hall Association.  

Holiday Card Making 

November 17, 7:30 p.m.8:30 p.m., Mundelein Green House 

Kick off the holidays by card-making with the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Students can design their own holiday cards while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. 

Campus Ministry November Social 

November 18, 11:30 a.m.1 p.m., Damen Suite 217 

Celebrate Thanksgiving early with Campus Ministry at their “Pies, Pies, and More Pies!” November Social. Stop by for a slice of pie and stay for puzzles and board games.  

Friendsgiving: Gratitude Not Guilt 

November 18, 6 p.m.8 p.m., Damen Den 

Join the Wellness Wolfpack for an evening of gratitude, crafts, pie, and mac and cheese. The event will feature a workshop on gratitude and mindful nutrition as it relates to Thanksgiving. 

Art and Faith of the Crèche  

December 323, Loyola University Museum of Art 

Visit the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Art and Faith of the Crèche at LUMA. The annual tradition features handcrafted Nativity scenes and invites spectators to explore art and the spirit of the holiday season. 

Joyola 

December 4, 7:30 p.m., Jo Ann Rooney Hall 

The annual showcase of holiday and seasonal music will feature Loyola’s Jazz Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. 

Desserts in December 

December 5, 5 p.m.7p.m., Damen MPR 

Join the Center for Student Inclusion and Belonging for their annual end of semester gathering featuring sweet treats.  

Lessons and Carols  

December 6, 7:30 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel  

This holiday service features lessons, carols, and liturgical music from Loyola’s choral ensemble. Entrance is free, but RSVP is required.  

University Christmas Reception for faculty and staff 

December 18, 2 p.m., Damen Student Center 

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. Festive food and beverages, holiday music, and Christmas Bingo will help bring in the holiday spirit. RSVP by November 22.  

Explore more 

For more upcoming Loyola holiday events, check LUCommunity and the University Calendar. Explore Choose Chicago for holiday activities happening around the Chicago area, including Christkindlmarket and the City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree lighting.