Although we don’t spend the holidays here at UMass, students still love getting in the spirit. From holiday festivities to tree lightings to donating items for those in need, we all can get involved in the holiday cheer while the semester is still happening! Grab your friends and take a break from studying, because here are a few events you cannot miss:
1. Holiday Skate Party at the Mullins Center
December 7th, 2:30 pm
Skate around Mullins Center to holiday music at the Holiday Skate Party. There will be holiday-themed food available for purchase, and on-ice activities. If you RSVP here, the first 100 people will receive free admission.
2. Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Mullins Center
December 11th, 7:30 pm
This is a holiday extravaganza you don’t want to miss. Cirque Dreams Holidaze combines cirque show with Broadway style musical in spectacular holiday fashion. With over 20 acts, 300 costumes, and 30 artists, this is the perfect holiday show with plenty of variety for everyone to enjoy! Bonus: it’s at the Mullins Center, which is only a hop skip and a jump from your dorm! You can buy tickets here.
3. Kappa Sigma Baskets for Benefit
December 1st – 5th from 10am – 2pm in the Campus Center
December 2nd – 3rd from 6pm – 8pm Berkshire Dining Commons
Unwanted clothing and non-perishable foods will be collected by Kappa Sigma to be donated to Craigs Doors, an organization in Amherst that provides shelters for the homeless. They especially need your help this cold winter season! Drop something off on your way to grab some food at Berk or Blue Wall in the Campus Center.
4. Merry Maple in Downtown Amherst
December 5th, 4pm – 6:30pm
Tree Lighting begins at 4:45pm, and then the UMass Marching Band plays at 5:30pm. You can also bring new, unwrapped toys for young children and teens to the Merry Maple festivities that benefit the Common for the Amherst Survival Center Annual Toy Drive.
5. Revolve Holiday Pop-Up Shop
December 5th – 31st, 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton MA
Revolve Pop-Up Shop, located in Eastworks, Suite 137, 116 Pleasant Street in Easthampton, MA features local artists and designers from around the Western Massachusetts area. Revolve Pop-Up Shop wants to “highlight a vibrant creative culture and raise awareness about the economic and community benefits of buying locally.” Stop by and support local business by buying gifts such as clothing and accessories for men, women, and children.
6. Holidaze Toy Drive at the Mullins Center
Ends November 29th, 9am – 5:30pm
The Mullins Center is collecting for Toys for Tots. The Mullins Center goal for this toy drive is to, “Spread holiday cheer by contributing to the development of one of our most precious resources – our children.” Pick up an unwrapped toy for ages infant through teen and drop off at the Mullins Center box office.
7. Bright Nights at Forest Park
November 26th – January 4th, Sunday to Thursday 5pm – 9pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays 5pm – 11pm
Forest Park is hosting horse-drawn wagon rides Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday! Horse-drawn carriage rides are Fridays and Saturdays. Perfect for a holiday date night!
8. UMass Music Events
Jazz Ensemble I, December 2nd at 8pm, Fine Arts Center Hall
Five College Collegium Winter Concert, December 3rd at 8:15pm, Bezanson Recital Hall
Symphony Band & Percussion Ensemble, December 4th at 7:30pm, Fine Arts Center Concert Hall
UMass Department of Music & Dance Student Composers’ concert, December 5th at 7:30pm, Bezanson Recital Hall
Environs, December 5th and 6th at 7:30pm, Bowker Auditorium
Happy Holidays Collegiettes!