Holiday happenings at W&M
Yule Log: The university's annual Yule Log ceremony will be held this year on Dec. 9. Photo by Stephen Salpukas
As the holiday season approaches, there are a number of events and activities on and around campus to enjoy. For more events happening at William & Mary, see the university’s online calendar. – Ed.
William & Mary Night in Merchants Square
The William & Mary Bookstore will host its seventh annual W&M Night in Merchants Square on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a variety of festivities. Beginning at 6 p.m. in the W&M Bookstore, a food drive will be held to benefit the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. Participants in the food drive who make the minimum donation of three non-perishable food items will receive an all-access stamp for free refreshments and discounted specials at participating restaurants in the square, a featured film on Duke of Gloucester Street and a 20 percent storewide discount at the W&M Bookstore. This year, students participating in the food drive will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of 10 $500 textbook scholarships.
Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
The Center for Student Diversity will host its annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration in the Sadler Center's Commonwealth Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. The program will include presentations and performances — readings, skits and musical renditions representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa — by members of the William & Mary community. The event, which is free and open to both the campus and local communities, will culminate with a family-style dinner of Afro-Caribbean cuisine.
Green Spring Garden Club’s 57th Annual Christmas Homes Tour
William & Mary’s Plumeri House and President’s House will be a part of the Green Spring Garden Club’s annual Christmas Homes Tour. The President’s House is located on Richmond Road across from Merchants Square, and the Plumeri House is located off Jamestown Road. Both homes will be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ticket pricing and information can be found on the Garden Club’s website.
Winter Choral Concerts
William & Mary’s music department will host its winter choral concerts on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall. The concerts will feature the voices of the William & Mary Choir, Botetourt Chamber Singers and Women’s Chorus.
Swem Library Special Collections Exhibit
Swem Library Special Collections will present its annual installment of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: The Nancy H. Marshall “A Visit from St. Nicholas” Collection. The exhibit will feature graphic panels, including some activity-based versions of Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, such as I-Spy, a maze, a coloring page and origami with takeaway sheets. It will run from Dec. 6 to Jan. 15 and take place in the Read and Relax area on the first floor of Swem Library.
Yule Log Ceremony
One of William & Mary’s most beloved traditions, the Yule Log ceremony, will take place on Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. in the Wren Courtyard. The evening will feature live music and student speeches explaining international holiday traditions, as well as a special Dr. Seuss reading by the university president dressed as Santa Claus. Afterward, participants will pile into the Great Hall to toss a ceremonial sprig of holly into the Yule log fire for good luck in the new year — then it's hot cider and sugar cookies for everyone. Unable to make it to Williamsburg? Check out a list of regional Yule Log celebrations for alumni happening this year.
