With the year winding down, colleges are getting into the holiday spirit by releasing a variety of fun and uplifting videos.
From lively ice skating sessions featuring mascots to community college math instructors embarking on whimsical Christmas escapades, these cheerful messages offer a refreshing break from the rigors of another challenging year in academia.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
As we look towards the uncertainties of 2025, many colleges are finding reasons to celebrate this holiday season.
Improved enrollment figures, prestigious awards, strong campus communities, and enthusiastic student involvement in holiday activities all contribute to a sense of gratitude during this festive time.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most charming holiday greetings from colleges across the nation, filled with unique moments and delightful surprises.
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–SUPERIOR In an eye-catching video, Buzz the Yellowjacket dazzles viewers by scoring a remarkable ice hockey goal and showing off his figure skating finesse.
- RIVERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AUSTIN, MINN. A touching video presents students from diverse programs sharing heartfelt holiday messages while showcasing their vibrant clubs and campus spaces.
- IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMES, IOWA The Cyclone Marching Band brings joy to a tree-lighting ceremony with a spirited musical performance, spreading festive cheer throughout the campus.
- GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE ARTS, ATLANTA An imaginative animated collage features a GSU alumnus and an undergraduate student, culminating in clever and witty holiday greetings.
- EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, CHENEY, WASH. In a lighthearted skit, President Shari McMahan humorously frets over the absence of acorns for her nutcracker decorations, prompting amusing brainstorming among the campus community.
- HOWARD UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, D.C. President Ben Vinson III reflects on the year’s notable achievements while extending wishes for a joyful and restorative holiday break to all.
- WHITMAN COLLEGE, WALLA WALLA, WASH. Rhythmic choral music set the backdrop for a distinctive holiday production, featuring a heartfelt composition by Jeff Newberry that embodies the spirit of gratitude and peace.
- MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. MIT treats viewers to an animated short that playfully depicts the delightful chaos that ensues within one of its buildings after a fresh snowfall.
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE Norm the Niner narrates an adorable holiday story underscoring the value of friendship amidst differences, with an unexpected twist involving the arrival of a goose.
- TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE, TEX. In a heartfelt clip, members of Tarrant County College come together to enjoy the warmth of a homemade holiday meal, celebrating community and togetherness.
- ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY, TULSA, OKLA. Students engage in a lively discussion about their favorite Christmas songs and movies, resulting in some playful debates over holiday classics.
- YALE UNIVERSITY, NEW HAVEN, CONN. Yale’s festive greeting features student performers enchanting audiences with a rendition of a song from Frozen 2, complete with the university’s charming bulldog mascot.
- CLACKAMAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OREGON CITY, ORE. A humorous parody inspired by Die Hard follows a math instructor navigating a clever plot that endangers the holiday spirit, delivered with a wink.
- OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MICH. Chancellor Peter Provenzano amusingly seeks inspiration from ChatGPT for Christmas movie parodies, ultimately concluding that their own holiday narrative perfectly captures the season’s joy.
Communal Camaraderie
These heartwarming videos not only evoke festive cheer but also showcase the creativity and communal camaraderie thriving on college campuses during the holiday season.
Source: Insidehighered