Join Fairfield University in celebrating the holiday season with festive events for all ages. From the annual tree lighting, to holiday shopping, and family-friendly activities like cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Advent programs offered by the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality will focus on reflection, peace, prayer, and celebration leading up to Christmas Day.
Teddy Bears with Love
Through Dec. 13
Teddy Bears with Love is an annual teddy bear drive spearheaded by the Fairfield University Alumni Association for the past 26 years. This year, there are many ways to participate in the drive. Bears may be mailed to the office of alumni engagement, or dropped off in the drop box at the Fairfield University Store in downtown Fairfield. For more information visit: Teddy Bears with Love.
University Tree Lighting & Winter Market
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Holiday Pop-Up Shop: 5 p.m. | Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Egan Chapel Plaza on campus.
Fairfield University is hosting its annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony outside of Egan Chapel. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while The Bensonians and Sweet Harmony singing groups perform classic holiday songs. Beginning at 5 p.m., a Fairfield Holiday pop-up shop will feature local merchants selling gift essentials like ornaments and stocking stuffers. Lucas the Stag and Santa will also be available for photos.
Advent Programs for Reflection, Peace, Prayer, and Celebration
The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality will offer an Advent podcast series featuring a daily five-minute podcast with a scripture reading and guided reflection.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Murphy Center will host a Women’s Advent Retreat: “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall. This evening of fellowship and reflection will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the retreat from 7p.m to 9 p.m. For more information visit: Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality: 2024 Advent Programs.
Holiday Shop and Stroll
Thursday, Dec. 11
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Fairfield University Store
Stop by the Fairfield University Store in downtown Fairfield during the Holiday Shop and Stroll and enjoy food and drinks, acapella singing groups, and complimentary gift wrapping.
Mrs. Claus will be at the Fairfield University Store for multiple family-friendly activities throughout the holiday season. All events are free and open to the public:
Ballon Twisting with Mrs. Claus
Saturday, Nov. 30
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Fairfield University Store, Downtown Fairfield
Face Painting with Mrs. Claus
Saturday, Dec. 7
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Fairfield University Store, Downtown Fairfield
Holiday Magic Show with Mrs. Claus
Saturday, Dec. 14
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Fairfield University Store, Downtown Fairfield
Glee Club Holiday Concert: "A Feast of Carols"
Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Fairfield University’s Glee Club will host its annual Christmas concert, this year titled “A Feast of Carols,” on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The Glee Club’s singers will perform alongside longtime accompanist Beth Palmer on piano and organ, with a brass quintet to enhance the festive sounds of the season. This year marks an exciting new chapter for the Glee Club with the arrival of their new director, Michael A. Ciavaglia ’04, DMA, director of choral music and professor of the practice in music.
Please visit the Fairfield University Events Calendar for more information.
