As the final week of classes rolls in, campus is settling into the familiar late-semester rhythm of students spending hours on end in the library. If you need a little joy between study sessions, Bucknell has packed the last few days of the semester with events that range from cozy and creative to festive and full of free food. Here are ten things you can do before heading home for break, guaranteed to make your week a little brighter.

• ’Ray Day

Dec. 5, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Lower ELC Lobby

Kick off your Friday the Bucknell way: wearing orange and blue, spinning a prize wheel and–most importantly–petting therapy dogs. It’s the final ’Ray Day of the semester, and Bucknell is celebrating with giveaways, school spirit and furry friends who are professionally trained to make you forget that you have an exam later. Pop by for a quick morale boost before diving back into your work.

• Free Bisqueware: Winter Theme

Dec. 5, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Seventh Street Studio & Makerspace

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful holiday gift or just want a relaxing break from screen time, Seventh Street Studio is offering free winter-themed bisqueware that you can paint and personalize. From ornaments and mugs to seasonal decorations, there’s something for every aesthetic. Your pieces will even be fired and ready for pickup before you leave campus.

• Festivus

Dec. 5, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. | ELC Hearth Space

Festivus returns this year with a mix of seasonal activities perfect for unwinding after a busy week. Students can make their own plush toys, grab a caricature drawing, try out the snow-globe photo booth or warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. With a prize wheel and other small surprises, it’s an easygoing way to get into the winter spirit and take a well-deserved study break.

•  Jingle Bell Rock & Roll

Dec. 5, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Uptown

If you’re ready for some live music, Uptown is hosting a holiday-themed concert featuring student bands Hot Mom Dropoff and The Priorities. Expect energetic sets, plenty of campus spirit and, of course, free food (and alcohol for students 21+). 

• Card Making

Dec. 6, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Seventh Street Studio & Makerspace

Stop by Seventh Street Studio to create your own seasonal cards using their wide selection of paper supplies and decorations. It’s a cozy, creative way to spend an evening, and you’ll walk away with cards far more personal than anything you could buy at a store.

• Canvas & Cocoa

Dec. 6, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Uptown

Uptown is serving up festive drinks, sweet treats and a relaxed atmosphere where you can decorate wooden gingerbread houses, paint holiday-themed canvases or design picture frames. A holiday movie will be playing in the background, making the vibe equal parts creative and cozy.

• Exhibition: To Understand a Tree (Artist: Gina Siepel)

Open through Dec. 7 at 5:00 p.m. | Samek Art Museum

If you haven’t yet stopped by the Samek Art Museum to see To Understand a Tree, now is the time, since the exhibition closes this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. The project is the result of interdisciplinary artist Gina Siepel’s six-year study of a single tree in its natural forest environment. Through a blend of art, ecology and identity, the exhibition invites visitors to think about their own connection to nature and how they interact with the environment.

• Bus Trip to New York City

Dec. 7, 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | NYC

If you’re craving a change of scenery, Bucknell’s annual NYC bus trip is the perfect day-long escape. After arriving in New York, students who bought their tickets will have complete freedom to explore the city. Tickets are discounted for students ($45), making this one of the most affordable ways to experience New York at its holiday peak. The bus leaves early and returns late, so plan for a full, festive day.

• Cram Jam

Dec. 11, 10:00 – 11:55 p.m. | ELC

Hosted by Student Affairs, this late-night breakfast event offers pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, turkey bacon, cereal and more– all completely free, no swipe required. It’s the perfect excuse to take a well-deserved break and enjoy some comfort food with friends before finals week begins.

• Enjoy Campus Before Break!

Anytime, anywhere on campus!

There’s something special about these final days: the buzz in the library, holiday lights around town and the sense that everyone is pushing through together. Whether you spend your time crafting, listening to music, enjoying late-night breakfast or petting therapy dogs, take a moment to enjoy the community around you.

As the semester wraps up, remember that finals are only one part of the story – it’s still important to relax and have fun on campus. Good luck with your exams, and happy almost-break, Bucknellians!