Christmas is coming to campus...
There’s snow point avoiding the elf-phant in the room anymore. The festive season is on its way, and we have a packed full programme of events and activities planned for you!
Head to down to campus on Wednesday 4 December and get involved. We have loads of things planned to suit everyone and help us spread the Christmas cheer.
Christmas Marquee with Santa
From 11.00 to 17:00 pop down to our Christmas Marquee on University Square and meet our special guest dressed in red (Santa!) and find out if you’ve made the ‘nice’ list and make your Christmas even more magical at UoB. There will also be crafts, photobooth for souvenir snaps and stalls from various teams at the University. Bag yourself a free festive gift (first come, first served). You're not going to want to miss this!
Christmas Craft Fair
Pick up your festive handcrafted treats at our Christmas Craft fair and drop by the Bramall Music Building Atrium between 11:00 and 15:00. Whether you are hunting for secret Santa ideas, stocking fillers or presents, our stallholders have you covered. They will offer everything from art, crochet, jewellery and pottery, and many other items.
Christmas Artisan Market
From 10:00 to 20:00 browse the range of stalls from independent traders and grab your unique festive gifts in our Christmas artisan market in University Square. From cheese, mulled wine and a variety of delicious delectables.
Christmas Light Switch-On
As the evening darkens, the Chancellor's Court will come alight for our annual Christmas light switch-on event outside the Aston Webb building at 17:00 and see Santa light up Old Joe and our Christmas tree. Gather with your friends, wrap up warm and watch the lights illuminate Chancellor's Court.
University Carol Service
Stick around on campus and gather with your friends to join us for some joyful songs at the University Carol Service with our Multi-Faith Chaplaincy. Doors open 17.30 for a 18:15 start in the prestigious Great Hall. Spaces are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Christmas Big Wheel
You can hop on our Christmas Big Wheel for a FREE spin in between your lectures and seminars at University Square on Wednesday 4 December 11:00 to 20:00. It returns on Thursday 5 to Friday 13 December from 11:00 to 18:00 (excluding the weekend). It’s a great way to get yourself out of the Library and melt away any snowy moods this Christmas season.
Christmas Mood in the Main Library
If you’re thinking about fitting in some studying, come along to the Main Library, where you'll find a cosy-Christmas awaiting you until Friday 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.
But wait, there’s so much myrrh! Keep an eye out on our 'What's on for students' intranet page.
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'.
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 Christmas on Campus 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 accommodation over the holidays? Join your friends for a traditional Christmas lunch, complete with crackers and festive songs, on Wednesday 18 December, 13:00 to 15:00 at Vale Infusion. We’re talking roast turkey with all the trimmings ), followed by delicious Christmas pudding with lashings of brandy sauce. There will be a gorgeous winter warmer soup to start too. Plant-based options are available. Just £15 or £13.50 if you’re a Student Living Plus resident. Find out more.
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.
Need support? We’re here for you
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, being away from home during the festive season can feel lonely. It can also feel overwhelming with assessment and exam deadlines near. It’s completely okay to feel like this; if you want to talk, we’re here to listen. Find out what support services are available by visiting our 'Time to Talk?' page.