Christmas is coming to campus!
Santa’s sleigh has been spotted, and the festive season is on its way to campus. For that extra sparkle to celebrate our 125th anniversary we have some great festive favourites in store and loads of fun!
From funfair carousel and Christmas movies to live music and entertainment, we’ve picked out a few events you won’t want to miss!
Head down to campus on Wednesday 3 December 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!). Find out if you’ve made the ‘nice’ list and make your Christmas even more magical at UoB. Enjoy crafts, photobooth for festive snaps and stalls from service teams at the University. Bag yourself a free festive gift but be quick, it’s 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 11:00 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 show and switch-on
As the evening darkens, the Chancellor's Court will come alight with our first-of-its-kind light show that will tell the stories of our University in dazzling sound and light. With music and animated graphics projected on the brickwork of Aston Webb. From Joseph Chamberlain’s vision to our world-changing thinkers, this captivating experience will celebrate our past and future in style. It promises to be an unforgettable immersive experience – so don’t miss it! Showing at 16:15 and repeated at 17:00 and 20:00.
Plus don’t miss out on our annual Christmas light switch-on event at 17:00. So 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.
Festive fairground rides
Take to the skies in between lectures and seminars on our own Christmas carousel and festive rides in University Square 11:00 to 20:00. They return on Thursday 4 to Tuesday 16 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.
But wait, there’s so much more! Keep an eye out on our 'What's on for students' intranet page.
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 19 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.
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
If you’re staying in halls over the holidays then don’t miss out on our special Christmas lunch and a hamperful of treats at The Vale Village. On Tuesday 23 December join your friends for a roast turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding, complete with crackers and festive songs. Continue the celebrations with our festive foodie hamper, available for collection on 24 December. To find out more visit A great Birmingham Christmas.
Don’t forget to share your snaps and videos using the hashtag #UoBChristmas and tag us @UniBirmingham.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is a holiday celebrated every year on December 25th (or January 7th for Orthodox Christians). It’s mainly a Christian festival that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, also known as the nativity, which is told in the Bible. Many Christians go to church services and sing carols to thank God for sending Jesus.
A big part of Christmas is spending time with family and friends. People often enjoy a festival meal together, which includes foods like roast turkey, mince pies, and Christmas pudding.
In the UK, people celebrate Christmas in both religious and non-religious ways. Even people who aren’t Christian often join in with parties, food, and gift-giving. According to the popular legend, Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) brings presents with help from his elves at the North Pole. You might imagine him flying through the sky in his sleigh pulled by reindeer 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 at our 'Time to Talk?' page.