Published: Nov. 29, 2023

Welcome to December—we’re in the home stretch! Before heading home for the holidays, or simply getting some well-earned rest, spend time with fellow Buffs and prepare yourself for finals. This month brings Late Night Breakfast, holiday movies, free fitness classes and activities at the Rec, therapy dogs, DIY nights, student performances and much more.

Featured events

Various dates and times
Students from the College of Music will be performing in various degree-qualifying recitals this month. Most recitals are in the Imig Music building and are available for livestreaming.

Throughout December CU Museum of Natural History
Check out a new exhibit at the CU Museum full of curated objects. Many of the specimens represent the ancient world.

Dec. 1 8 p.m. CHEM 140
Program Council is kicking off the month with a showing of “Blue Beetle.” In the film, main character Jaimie Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña, obtains the Scarab, which gives him armor and unpredictable powers.

Dec. 1, 8, 15 12:15–12:45 p.m. CU Art Museum front gallery
At Feel Good Friday Meditation, attendees learn about a work of art and take part in a mindfulness practice.

Dec. 2 ​8–10 p.m. UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
Embrace the art of drag and win cool prizes during Drag Queen Bingo, hosted by the Center for Student Involvement.

Dec. 3 ​7:30 p.m. Imig Music, Ensemble Hall (S134)
Soundworks is a concert series featuring performances of new and original College of Music composers, songwriters, improvisers and collaborators. Each event can feature a variety of music styles.

Dec. 4 ​2 p.m. UMC North Dining Room
Milk and cookies are a holiday staple. Get festive this monday and enjoy a sweet treat at the UMC.

Dec. 4 ​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.

Dec. 4 ​7–9 p.m. The Connection
Show off your skills with a game of 8 or 9-ball pool. Prizes available for top finishers. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. at The Connection’s front desk.

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 andsetting themselves up for success.

Dec.4, 5, 11, 12 ​5–7 p.m. Rec Center, climbing gym
If you’re a new climber, or need a refresher, this course is for you! Participants will learn to belay their partner on toprope climbs in the gym.

Journey to the Center of Stillness

Dec. 4 ​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.

Dec. 4 ​7:30 p.m. Imig Music, Grusin Music Hall (C112)
Check out the College of Music’s Graduate Brass Quintet. This event will be for those who cannot attend in person.

Dec. 5 ​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.

Dec. 5 ​5–7 p.m. UMC 235
Customize your very own beanie with embroidery. DIY Night is a great way to relax with peers.

Dec. 5 ​5–6:30 p.m. Williams Village North, Room 160
Finding off-campus housing can be tricky. That's why the Basic Needs Center and Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations and offering potential renters some advice on leases, resources and more.

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.

Dec. 5 ​5:30 p.m. Virtual
Join attorney and LSAT consultant/tutorNick Pavich from Superior, Colorado, fora virtual law talk.

Dec. 5, 12 ​12:30–1 p.m. Virtual
Handshake and Quinncia are career platforms designed to help you secure your next job or internship. Learn more about mastering this sites during this virtual workshop.

Dec. 5 ​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.

Dec. 5 ​12:30–1:30 p.m. C4C 336E
Attend this meeting for queer and trans people of color at CU Boulder.

Dec. 5 ​7:30 p.m. Imig Music, Grusin Music Hall (C112)
During Faculty Tuesdays, renowned staff at the College of Music perform, often with students and peers. This edition features Mike Thornton, Justin Bartles and the CSO Brass.

Dec. 6, 13 ​5–10 p.m. The Connection
Choose your fighter! The Connection is having two Super Smash Bros tournaments this month.

Dec. 6, 13 ​4:30–7 p.m. Williams Village North, Room 107
Will Vill peeps are encouraged to stop by and hang out with other members of the queer and trans community.

Dec. 6 ​2–3 p.m. Rec Center, Mind Body Studio
Find your inner zen with a complimentary yoga session at the Rec. The practice is great for both your physical and mental well-being. All abilities are welcome.

Dec. 6 ​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.

Dec. 6 ​11 a.m.–5 p.m. UMCWest 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.

Dec. 7, 14 ​1:30–4 p.m. C4C N320
Create art with queer company. This event is drop-in, so stop by any time you can.

Dec. 7 ​1–3 p.m. TBA
Cat Diebel-Wilson, the Graduate Student Program Manager for Career Services, is hosting a workshop on the career decision-making process. This event has limited capacity. Email careeroutreach@colorado.edu with the subject line “Career Decision-Making” and the workshop date to sign up.

Dec. 7 ​7–10 p.m. The Connection
Club 156 is having live music at The Connection.

Dec. 7 ​11 a.m.–noon Virtual
Polish up your resume so it stands out from the crowd during this document workshop.

Dec. 7 ​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.

Dec. 8–9 ​7:30 p.m. Charlotte York Irey Theatre
“Fresh” is a CU dance concert crafted by undergraduate and graduate dance students, featuring amix of hip-hop, aerial, fusion forms and more.

Dec. 8 ​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.

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.

Dec. 11 ​12:30–2:30 p.m. UMC
Winter break can be a stressful time for college students. Learn how to manage stress and navigate this transition.

Dec. 11 ​1:15–2:15 p.m. C4C 336E
Bring Your Own Gender is a support group for students that are transgender, non-binary, gender-questioning and gender-creative. Stop by for support and interaction with peers who may be facing similar issues.

Dec. 11 ​1–3 p.m. UMC 330
Take a study break at the Center for Student Involvement’s Resource Center.

Dec. 12 ​12:30–1:30 p.m. C4C N320
The Pride Office is having a coffee hour for LGBTQ+ and allied grad students. Build your community over a cup of joe!

Dec. 12 ​11 a.m.–1 p.m. TBD
What really are the mental and physical impacts of stimulants? There are other ways to support success during finals week. Learn more during this trivia session.

Dec. 12 ​Noon–2 p.m. Rec Center
What’s one way to destress? Puppies! Stop by The Rec for some much needed down time with therapy dogs.

Dec. 12 ​4:30–5:30 p.m. UMC 417
Learn how to properly fuel your mind and body in preparation for finals week.

Dec. 13 ​2:30–3:30 p.m. Virtual
It's not always about what you knowbut who you know. Sign up on to take your skills to the next level.

Dec. 13 ​2–4 p.m. UMC 330
Sometimes taking part in a hands-on activity can help you de-stress. Create your own mini stuffed animal in the UMC.

Dec. 14 ​2 p.m. St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
Visit the Mobile Food Pantry to receive up to 30 pounds of food in multiple boxes. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dec. 14 ​1–3 p.m. Macky Auditorium, Room 116
Black people who attend predominantly white institutions may experience feelings of isolation and helplessness. Black Table Talk is a workshop where attendees can discuss common issues and topics within the Black community.

Dec. 14 ​7 p.m. UMC Alferd Packer Grill
The bright side of finals week is…free food! Break stuff in the smash room and enjoy a late night breakfast at the UMC.

Dec. 15 ​8 p.m. CHEM140
Scroogedis a modern take on Charles Dickens’“A Christmas Carol.” The film stars Bill Murry as a successful television executive.

Free Finals Week at the Rec

Dec. 15–20 Rec Center
The Rec is hosting free fitness classes and activities during finals week. This includes free bouldering and skate rentals.

Dec. 15 ​9–11 a.m. The Grotto
The Grotto is giving out a free breakfast food package including yogurt, a burrito, cereal and fruit. Stay fueled for finals!

Colorado Skies: The Winter Solstice

Dec. 16 ​2:30 p.m. Fiske Planetarium
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. During this presentation, attendees will learn about the solstice, constellations and more.