Home » 19 things to do: Get pampered at spa night, enjoy the Holiday Festival, more

19 things to do: Get pampered at spa night, enjoy the Holiday Festival, more

It’s December! This week brings a lot of events to help you relax during this potentially stressful time before finals: the December Housing Fair, post-graduation planning, laser shows, a chance to revamp your closet, the Engineering Expo, a celebration of ’90s cinema and more. 

Monday, Dec. 4 

10–11 a.m. Virtual 
What are your plans after graduation? During this virtual presentation, attendees will learn more about straightening their priorities and  setting themselves up for success. 

12:20–2:30 p.m. Engineering Center 
Finals are right around the corner—are you prepared? Stop by the Engineering Center for strategies and resources in preparation for finals. 

5–6 p.m.  Fiske Planetarium
Take part in a guided meditation at the planetarium, led by CAPS and Matthew Tomatz, an experienced meditation facilitator. 


Tuesday, Dec. 5 

11 a.m.–1 p.m.  Norlin Library 
In order to focus, your body needs to be properly fueled. Customize some nutritious trail mix to eat during finals season. 

1:30–3 p.m.  Virtual
Are you interested in becoming an ally? This virtual workshop session will teach attendees how to define allyship, explain its importance, talk about its impacts and more. 

7–9 p.m.  The Connection 
How’s your poker face? Test your luck with a poker tournament at The Connection. Prizes available for top finishers. 

2 things to check off your to-do list

  • Get ready for finals: Visit the finals website to get tips and learn about events and resources.
  • Apply to graduate: Dec. 14 is the last day for undergraduate students to submit, update or cancel their fall 2023 application form.

Wednesday, Dec. 6 

11 a.m.–5 p.m.  UMC West Glenn Miller Ballroom 
Revamp your closet with a clothing swap, hosted by the Environmental Center. If you want to drop off some clothes before the event, stop by UMC 355 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27–Dec. 5 or to the UMC ballroom on the day of the event. Those who attend do not need to bring something to take an item home. 

 4–7 p.m.  Village Center multipurpose rooms 
Meet with city officials, landlords, city offices, vendors and more at the December Housing Fair. Free hot chocolate and giveaways available. 

7:30 p.m.  CU Events Center Free
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders as been named 2023 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in recognition of his tremendous impact on CU Boulder, the community and on college athletics in general. Register to attend this free star-studded public event, which will also include the world premiere of “Coach Prime” season two, the hit docuseries from Amazon Prime Video.

Dec. 6–14  7:30 p.m. Muenzinger Auditorium (E050) $7–$9
Celebrate ’90s cinema with this nine-day event, part of the International Film Series. “Jurassic Park” will kick off the event in celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary. 


Thursday, Dec. 7 

11 a.m.  C4C S350
Embrace this holiday season with an eco-friendly outlook! This event will teach attendees sustainable tips and tricks, along with ethical shopping ideas, eco-friendly gift wraps and more. 

8–10 p.m.  Rec Center, ice rink overlook 
Enjoy a relaxing spa night with peers. There will be eyebrow threading, solid-color manicures and face masks.

8:30–9:30 p.m.  Fiske Planetarium $8–$12
Elton John is one of the best-selling artists of all time. Celebrate the rocket man with a cutting-edge laser show and top-notch sound effects. 


Friday, Dec. 8

 5–6 p.m.  Imig Music, Room S101 
This group is for LGBTQ+ grad students. Students from all departments are welcome to attend to discuss their work and collaborate with peers. 

 8 p.m.  CHEM 140 
“Fred Claus” is a holiday classic starring Vince Vaugn and Paul Giamatti. In the film, Santa’s older brother, Fred, must move to the North Pole. 

7:30 p.m.  Macky Auditorium $23–$70
The Holiday Festival is an annual tradition at CU Boulder. Enjoy an evening of twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and beautiful music. Both student and faculty of the College of Music are expected to perform. 


Saturday, Dec. 9 

8 a.m.–1 p.m.  UMC South Terrace
A Precious Child is an organization that helps children in need by providing basic essentials to children and families in Colorado. Volunteers will work at either the store or donation center by assisting clients or processing donations. 

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.  Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory; Levels 1, 1B, 2B and plaza 
See the projects and hard work that students across majors have taken part in this semester. This event celebrates engineering solutions. You will see some awesome projects; in the past there has even been a mechanical flower that blooms in the dark. 

8:30–9:30 p.m.  Fiske Planetarium  $8–$12
Calling all Swifties! This show is for you. Immerse yourself in the music of one of the greatest female artists of all time.