University of Manitoba student groups are hosting holiday-themed events in December.
On Dec. 2, the U of M Photography Club held a Christmas photo shoot in University Centre.
Earlier this month, UMSU held a couple of holiday themed events in support of its Holiday Hamper program. On Dec. 1, the union held a holiday movie night on the first floor of University Centre. The next day, a holiday karaoke night took place at VW social club, and pictures with Santa were offered in University Centre Dec. 5 and 6.
The University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association also has a Holiday Hamper program that will be open for applications until Dec. 11. The hampers will go toward graduate students in need of financial assistance.
The Rainbow Pride Centre is having a gift exchange on Dec. 7, as well as a movie night held the same day alongside the Women’s Centre.
The Science Students’ Association will be hosting a gingerbread house decorating competition on Dec. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the science lounge. Entered groups should be comprised of two to four people, and the winners will receive gift cards.
The U of M International Centre is hosting a holiday party on Friday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.
On Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., the University of Manitoba Campus Conservatives are hosting a free-for-members Christmas party at Lasertopia.
On Dec. 16, the Arts Student Body Council is hosting a gingerbread house making night in the arts lounge from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Snacks, drinks and the gingerbread houses will be provided.
On Dec. 23 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the University 1 Student Council is hosting a Christmas social at Obsidian Ultra Lounge. Part of the proceeds will go toward the UMSU foodbank and Holiday Hampers program. All U of M students, not just University 1 students, are able to buy tickets for $15 each.
The Commerce Students’ Association (CSA) is hosting their annual Commerce Carol social on Dec. 23.
CSA vice-president student life Avery Groeneveld said that this year’s social is a “winter wonderland theme.” There will be multiple DJs and food, as well as surprise guests and sponsors.
“It is Asper’s premiere winter social event,” she said.
“It’s meant to bring forth everybody in the University of Manitoba community to enjoy some dancing, some drinks if you choose and just to have a wonderful time celebrating the holiday season.”
Once again, CSA’s latest social is completely sold out. After the CSA’s Halloween Shocker social sold out in three days, Groeneveld anticipated that ticket sales for the Commerce Carol would sell similarly. However, she was surprised to see that early bird tickets sold out in 10 minutes, with the social completely selling out in three hours.
“As a group we’re just super excited to see that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Manitoba community is still enjoying the events we’ve been able to put on thus far,” Groeneveld said.
This year, the social is being held downtown at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre.
Groeneveld explained that student accessibility was a priority for the CSA when planning the social. She said that in the past, ticket prices usually cost $50 for Commerce Carol socials held at the RBC Convention Centre, which would have nearly doubled this year due to rising venue costs.
By switching venues, Groeneveld said that the CSA was able to sell a number of tickets on par with their other socials for only $35 each.
“We’re really excited to have the social again held this year,” she said.
“We really think that the social aspect of university is one that’s important.”
