Holiday Festivities at DePaul!

Two DePaul students in front of a giant inflatable gingerbread man in The DePaul Center.

The holiday season comes early at DePaul thanks to the quarter system and our long winter break. Campus always gets me in the holiday spirit during November with free events and exclusive holiday merchandise!

Christmas Tree Lighting

One of my favorite DePaul traditions is the annual Christmas tree lighting on the Quad. The event features performances from student singing groups and free giveaways like mittens and scarfs—perfect for Chicago’s chilly winters!

DePaul student waves goodbye to the lit Christmas tree on the quad.

DePaul student wearing DePaul’s ugly sweater.

Free Holiday Merchandise

Winter at DePaul wouldn’t be complete without the famous ugly sweaters. Each year, a new sweater design is released, along with festive mugs, stuffed animals, and other seasonal goodies too—all completely free!

Jolly Decorations

DePaul and the city of Chicago both put up festive holiday decorations. I love seeing the lights on State street and the festive displays around campus at DePaul events. Decorating for the Christmas season early makes it last a little longer which I’m all for!

DePaul’s student center decorated with festive balloons.

DePaul crafts including a snowflake ornament and a Christmas card.

Holiday Crafts

Holiday events at DePaul often include stations with crafts. I got DePaul Christmas cards this year which I know my parents will love. The folks running these tables are always friendly, so make sure to stop by and chat with them!

Festive Treats

No holiday celebration is complete without festive treats! Free apple cider, hot chocolate, and cookies are always a win. There are also many events where you can decorate your own cookies which is a lot of fun as well!

DePaul student eats cookie with icing and festive sprinkles.

DePaul’s menorah lighting featuring guitarists and singing.

Learning Experiences

A memorable event I attended was a showcase of winter holidays celebrated around the world as it taught me so much about other cultures and celebrations. Each table featured a different holiday with its own treats and traditions. This was an educational and unifying experience that reminded me of how diverse and welcoming the DePaul community truly is.

No matter what holiday you celebrate, there’s an event for you at DePaul—and with so many opportunities to grab a free snack, you surely won’t be hungry here during the holiday season!

~Tessa