Get in the festive spirit as we Countdown to Christmas
There’s snow point avoiding the elf-phant in the room anymore. The festive season is on its way, and we have a packed programme of fantastic events and activities planned for you!
What’s happening on campus and in Birmingham
We have a full programme of events and activities for you to enjoy and get involved with this Christmas.
Light up our campus and say hi to Santa!
Rumours from the North Pole have confirmed it – Santa’s sleigh is bound for town! Pop along to the Christmas Marquee on Thursday 30 November from 11:00 to 17:00 in University Square to meet our special guest dressed in red and make your Christmas even more magical at UoB. Take a selfie with Santa before 16:30, get creative with some arts and crafts, or grab yourself a hot drink and snack before joining us for our Christmas Light Switch On event outside the Bramall Music Building at 17:00.
Gather along with your friends and join in on the festive fun as we make our campus shine with a magical spirit this Christmas. Don’t forget to share your snaps and videos using the hashtag #UoBChristmas and tag us @UniBirmingham. You can also dress up your Instagram pictures by adding some of our official UoB Christmas stickers, just search ‘UoB Christmas'.
Hop on our free Christmas Carousel
Don’t forget...
You can hop on our Christmas Carousel for a FREE ride in between your lectures and seminars at University Square from Thursday 30 November to Friday 1 December, and from Monday 4 December to Friday 8 December, from 11:00 to 18:00. It’s a great way to get yourself out of the Library and melt away any snowy moods this Christmas season.
But wait, there’s so much myrrh! Keep an eye out on our ‘What’s on for students’ intranet page.
Unwind, decorate and get in the Christmas mood in the Main Library
If you’re thinking about fitting in some studying, come along to the Main Library, which will also be transformed into a mini-Winter Wonderland between Monday 13 November to Wednesday 20 December. You can study in style and experience some festive fun with your friends, including having the chance to decorate our Christmas tree, take a selfie with our Christmas-themed props, sing along to some Christmas hits, or take a break with some mindful activities, such as crocheting.
Postgrads, get in the Christmas spirit with the University Graduate School
Postgrad Christmas Marquee: Board Games and Light Switch On
Don't forget, you can join the University Graduate School for some postgraduate board games in the Christmas Marquee on Thursday 30 November (15:00 to 17:00) - the perfect chance to take a break from your studies, get into the festive spirit, and meet your fellow postgraduates! After playing some games and crafts, we will attend the campus Christmas lights switch on, meaning you will get to see the University in its full festive glory! Learn more.
Keep an eye out on our 'Get involved in our Countdown to Christmas' intranet page for a full list of fun-filled, festive events from your University Graduate School (UGS).
Staying on campus?
For those of you staying on campus over the winter break, there are plenty of activities and events to get involved with, just keep an eye out on our Countdown to Christmas intranet pages to find out what services and facilities are available, opening times, as well as our top tips on looking after yourself during the festive period.
Come together this Christmas
Staying in student accommodation over the holidays? Get in the festive spirit and celebrate with fellow students by joining us for a traditional Christmas dinner at the Vale on Monday 25 December. We’re talking roast turkey with all the trimmings (veggie alternative available), followed by delicious Christmas pudding – all for just £9.50! Even better, if you’re on Student Living Plus, you can use your credit to pay.
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Step into Safety with your Community Wardens at the Guild
If you're living in and around Bournbrook, keep an eye out for your Community Wardens over at the Guild of Students delivering 'Step into Safety' flyers which have some top tips on how to keep your home safe over the Christmas period. You can also come along to Mermaid Bar in the Guild on Wednesday 22 November from 12:30 to 16:00 to grab some FREE safety equipment such as segment timers and door alarms, as well as have the chance to take part in crafts, games and get into the Christmas spirit with some hot chocolate too!
What is Christmas?
Christmas Day is celebrated by Christians each year on 25 December (7 January for Orthodox Christians). It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, known as the nativity, as described in the Bible.
Christians often attend church services and take part in carol singing to thank God for his gift of Jesus. Christmas dinners are also an important part of the celebrations. Friends and families will share food together, eating traditional foods such as roasted turkey dinner, mince pies and Christmas puddings.
In the UK, Christmas is celebrated in both a religious and a secular way. Many people, including non-religious people and people of other faiths, have parties with food and gifts – though this isn’t expected. Gifts are said to be delivered by the legendary figure himself, Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas), with the aid of Christmas elves, who make the toys in his North Pole workshop. You might catch him flying in the air on his sleigh and reindeers on Christmas Eve!
Learn more about Christmas on our ‘An international Christmas’ intranet page.