'Tis the season to study, reflect and share a meal with family and friends: Check out these December events

December is here, which means the holidays are right around the corner. Get into the festive spirit with an array of holiday-themed events taking place on all three campuses.

December also means it's exam season at the University of Toronto. Fortunately, there are plenty of events to help you de-stress and do your best. 

Here are some events to check out this month:

Dec. 2

From Dec. 2 to 19, the U of T Students’ Union will be offering free snacks and stress-relief kits for your late-night study sessions. UTSU’s Got You service is taking place at various buildings across the downtown campus, starting with the Dentistry Building on Dec. 2.

Ahead of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, several memorial events are taking place at U of T Mississauga in honour of the 14 women who lost their lives three decades ago at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. A smudging ceremony is taking place at the Student Centre board room followed by a vigil outside and hot drinks and desserts at the Communication Culture & Technology Building’s atrium.

Dec. 3

Get into the holiday spirit at Robarts Library Holiday Market. You’ll find a wide array of U of T merchandise perfect for stocking stuffers, as well as free holiday treats.

Renowned Canadian film director Director X, who has directed music videos for artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Rihanna, will be joining several hip-hop artists and activists for Humanz of Hip Hop, a “human library” of hip hop knowledge taking place at Hart House.

If you haven’t already, bring your TCard and get your flu shot on campus. Vaccinations will be available from at Robarts Library and St Michael’s College on Dec. 3 and 4, respectively.

Dec. 4

Victoria College’s student newspaper, the Strand, is celebrating the launch of its magazine at the Goldring Student Centre. The theme of the magazine is “Space” and there will be free snacks courtesy of Caffiends.

A holiday buffet featuring herb-roasted turkey and stuffed acorn squash is taking place at U of T Scarborough’s Miller Lash House. Tickets are $42 for seniors and students and $45 for everyone else.

Dec. 5

Exam Jam is taking place all day at U of T Mississauga. Instructors will be hosting review sessions alongside therapy dogs, crafts, board games and more.

U of T Student Life is hosting a winter social at the Sussex Clubhouse. Decorate gingerbread cookies, meet new people and learn about the various clubs housed at 21 Sussex.

Santa Claus is coming to town! The U of T Mississauga’s Communication Culture & Technology Building atrium will be turned into Santa’s workshop in support of the United Way. U of T Mississauga principal Ulrich Krull and dean of student affairs Mark Overton will both be dressed as Santa. There will also be a re-gift shop where you can donate or purchase new or lightly used gifts.

See the critically acclaimed animated film Spirited Away with the Students of English Literature and Film (SELF) as part of their fall film screenings at U of T Scarborough. Free pizza will be served. On Dec. 6, SELF will also be screening Crazy Rich Asians.

Dec. 6

The U of T community will come together for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to mark the 30^th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre. The Office of Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre will be holding a memorial event at Hart House at noon. In addition, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering will join 13 other engineering schools across Canada and shine a light into the sky in solidarity. This will be part of a at 5 p.m. ceremony taking place on Front Campus in front of Convocation Hall. Later in the evening, an outdoor vigil will be held at Philosopher’s Walk. There will be speakers, musicians and a ceremonial laying of the roses.

A memorial event will also take place at U of T Scarborough, where members of the campus community will have an opportunity to have conversation on gender-based issues.

Seek some stress relief along with academic review sessions at U of T Exam Jam at Sidney Smith Hall. There will be snacks, massages, button making, a therapy dog and a photo booth.

Dec. 7

Celebrate Christmas in the Valley. Over 30 artisan vendors will be selling handmade crafts and transforming U of T Scarborough’s Miller Lash House into a holiday market.

Dec. 8

Students from the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies will be performing Eurydice at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse. This modern re-imagining of the ancient myth of Orpheus will be told from the perspective of Orpheus’s wife, Eurydice. Tickets are free and the show runs from Dec. 6 to 8.

Dec. 11

Hit the ice at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education’s Winter Wonderland and Community Skate at Varsity Stadium. Free helmet and skate rentals are available, although supplies are limited. There will also be off-ice activities, dancing and treats. Registration is required.

Dec. 12

If you need a break from studying for your exams, check out the Beck Festival at U of T Mississauga’s Theatre Erindale. The festival will feature a variety of one-act plays curated and produced by students. The show runs from Dec. 12 to 14 at the MiST Theatre.

Join U of T Mississauga’s Centre for Student Engagement for Giizhiitaa, an Indigenous Spirit Journey Celebration. The event is taking place at Maanjiwe Nendamowinan and will feature smudging, drumming, a multimedia showcase and a light lunch.

Dec. 16

Kick off the festive season with a feast at Hart House's Gallery Grill, which runs until Dec. 20. Choose from a menu including Arctic char, crispy kabocha squash rice cakes, cassoulet and more. Just remember to save room for dessert. You don't want to miss out on the warm chocolate olive oil cake with brandy butter ice cream. Reserve a spot soon before the dates sell out.

Dec. 23

The university is closed for the winter break through Jan. 3. Happy holidays!