As the daylight shrinks and exams approach, a variety of organizations around campus offer (sometimes tasty) distractions for frantic students. We have collected a sampling here—find more, or submit your own, at chicagomaroon.com/events.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Maroon Food Issue Release Party
Reynolds Club, South Lounge, 1–3 p.m.
Cemitas and Open Produce will cater the launch of this issue of The Maroon.
Unveiling Ceremony of Dr. Georgina R. Simpson Bronze Bust
Mandel Hall, 6–8 p.m.
The unveiling of this statue, dedicated to the first African-American woman awarded a Ph.D. in the United States, will be followed by a reception. RSVP online.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Program on the Global Environment Pizza Study Break
Gates-Blake Room 113, 12–1 p.m.
Grab pizza with the UChicago Program on the Global Environment, a cluster of environmentally oriented academic programs and events.
Arab Student Association Study Break
Center for Identity and Inclusion, 3 p.m.
The University of Chicago’s Arab Student Association will serve sweets at this study break.
Glitter, Sprinkles, and Service, Oh My!
Hillel, 5715 South Woodlawn Avenue, 4–7 p.m.
Join Hillel to enjoy latkes, apple sauce and sugar cookies, and to put together holiday cards for residents at Jewish retirement homes across Chicagoland.
Mural: Fall 2017 Release Party
Harper Memorial Library, Room 135, 6–7 p.m.
Mural, a bilingual Spanish-English magazine produced by University of Chicago students, releases its issue for Otoño 2017, titled “¡Revolución!” Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Muslim Student Association Study Break
Center for Identity and Inclusion, 6–9 p.m.
Eat pizza and socialize at this event, hosted by the Muslim Student Association.
McCormick Tribune Lounge, 6:30 p.m.
The University’s student-run food magazine puts out its Fall issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Rockefeller Chapel, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
This hours-long study session is one of a series open to University of Chicago students in unusual venues over the course of reading period. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be served.
Center for College Student Success, 1116 E. 59th St., 5:30–7 p.m.
The Center for College Student Success offers a Chipotle-catered study break as reading period kicks off.
Celebrating the Chicago Manual of Style
The Seminary Co-Op, 6–7:30 p.m.
The people who produced the famous Chicago Manual of Style’s 17th edition will be present for this event, which will also include Chicago Manual of Style trivia.
Institute of Politics Student Holiday Party
Institute of Politics, 6–9 p.m.
The Student Advisory Board of the Institute of Politics invites students over for snacks and hot chocolate. A photo booth will be available to visitors.
Reynolds Club, McCormick Tribune Lounge, 9–10 p.m.
Lutheran Campus Ministry serves macaroni and cheese to hungry college students.
Smart Museum, 9 p.m.–midnight
One of a series of study sessions open to University of Chicago students in unusual venues over the course of reading period, students who choose to study amid the Smart Museum’s exhibits will be provided with coffee, pizza, and borscht alongside other study necessities.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
Reactions: New Perspectives on Our Nuclear Age, Day 1
Reynolds Club, 1:30–7 p.m.
A series of talks, panels, and artistic events mark the approach of the 75th anniversary of the first sustained human created nuclear reaction at the University of Chicago. RSVP online.
International House, Assembly Hall, 7:30–9 p.m.
This student a cappella group introduces its new music and performers. Tickets available at the door for $5.
Logan Center, 9 p.m.–midnight
Free food and coffee will be provided to students who attend this study session at the Logan Center for the Arts.
Reynold’s Club, FXK Theater, 8–9 p.m.
Admission is free for the fall show of Occam’s Razor, the University of Chicago’s independent improv group.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Breakfast With Santa
Einstein Brothers Bagels, 5225 South Harper Court, 8–10 a.m.
Photos with Santa will be complimentary at the first in a series of holiday-themed events arranged by the Hyde Park Vitality Committee. “Hyde Park Holly-Day” is designed to attract people to local storefronts. Santa will move on to Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 5428 South Lake Park Avenue, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Ice Sculpture Carving Demonstration
Harper Court, 10 a.m.–noon
Nadeau Ice Sculptures demonstrates their technique as part of Hyde Park Holly-Day.
Cookie Decorating at Vanille Patisserie
Vanille Patisserie, 5229 South Harper Court, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The soon-to-open Vanille Patisserie offers a preview with a free, six-hour cookie decorating session as part of Hyde Park Holly-Day.
Reaction: New Perspectives on Our Nuclear Age, Day 2
William Eckhardt Research Center, Regenstein Library Room 122, McCormick Tribune Lounge, and Mandel Hall, 2:30–9:30 p.m.
A series of performances and lectures mark the 75th anniversary of the first sustained, man-made nuclear reaction.
University Symphony Orchestra: Echoes of History
Mandel Hall, 8–9:30 p.m.
In conjunction with UChicago’s Nuclear Reactions Commemoration and the Smart Museum’s Revolution Every Day exhibit, the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays a program commemorating historical milestones.
Holiday Java Jive and Balboa Night
Ida Noyes Hall, 7:30–11 p.m.
Come to dance fast-paced Balboa steps with the Chicago Swing Dance Society.
Ransom Notes + Native Foods Fundraiser
Native Foods Hyde Park, 1518 East Hyde Park Court, 4–9 p.m.
Come join members of the Ransom Notes to enjoy black bean nachos and Buddha bowls for this fundraiser, held in partnership with Hyde Park’s Native Foods Café. Mention the Ransom Notes and 20 percent of the price of your purchases will go to support their winter tour of South Chicago public schools.
Fire Escape Films: Fall 2017 Premiere
Ida Noyes Hall, Max Palevsky Cinema, 4–6 p.m.
Seven student-made films will be screened at this event. Complimentary food will be available.
Hyde Park Shopping Center, 5500 South Lake Park Ave., 5–7 p.m.
At the concluding event of Hyde Park Holly-Day, attendees can take pictures with two live reindeer and Buddy the Elf.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 3–5:30 p.m.
Chicago Men’s A Cappella, Motet Choir, and the Rockefeller Chapel Choir perform Handel’s Messiah alongside an orchestra run by Jeri-Lou Zike of the Chicago Philharmonic. Nave seating for $25; limited free tickets available to students with UCID at the door.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4
Chabad House, 5700 South Woodlawn Avenue, 8:30–10 p.m.
Chabad hosts this exam week study break; homemade French toast and latkes will be served.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Fire Pit Outside of Rockefeller Chapel, 5–6 p.m.
University Carillonneur Joey Brink and senior members of the Rockefeller Carillon Studio will perform at this event, held outside around a blazing fire. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and snacks will be offered to attendees.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Lakeshore Trail, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Suddenly stress-free students run from campus to the Bean, get lunch, and travel back via CTA.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Hyde Park School of Dance Presents The Nutcracker
Mandel Hall, 7 p.m.
The Hyde Park–based dance group presents the holiday classic. Admission is $10 for students. Also Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Physics With a Bang: Holiday Lecture and Open House
Kersten Physics Teaching Center, lecture repeated at 11 a.m. and noon; Open House and Demo Alley 12–4 p.m.
Professors Heinrich Jaeger and Sidney Nagel, alongside other academics in the physics department, discuss their work and present compelling demonstrations at this annual event.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5–6 p.m.
University organist Thomas Weisflog performs Samuel Barber’s “Silent Night,” J.S. Bach’s “Wachet Auf,” and Marcel Dupré‘s Variations on “Adeste Fideles” alongside third-year Bryan McGuiggin. Hot cider will be served.
