Fairfield University announces a lineup of festive events welcoming students, families, alumni, faculty and staff, and the greater community to celebrate the 2025 holiday season. From beloved campus traditions to arts performances, Advent programming, service opportunities, and family-friendly gatherings at the Fairfield University Store, this year’s festivities offer something for all ages.
Nov. 17 – Dec. 19
Fairfield University Store, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield
Fairfield University invites community members to donate new stuffed animals through the annual Teddy Bears With Love drive. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of alumni, families, students, employees, and friends of Fairfield University, over 28,500 teddy bears and stuffed animals have been donated to dozens of children’s hospitals and charities not only in Connecticut, but across the country. This year, we celebrate the 27th Anniversary of this award-winning program. A collection drop box will be available at the Fairfield University Store beginning Nov. 17 and continuing through Dec. 19. (A Shop & Stroll pre-event will take place at the Second Storyof the bookstore on Dec. 13 from 5–6 p.m.)
Teddy Bears or stuffed animals may also be sent directly to:
The Office of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving
Fairfield University Alumni House
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
ATTN: Teddy Bears with Love
Sustainable Ornament Making & Storytime
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Fairfield University Store – Fairfield Forest (1499 Post Road, Fairfield)
Children ages three and older, accompanied by an adult, are invited to create festive gingerbread ornaments, listen to classic holiday stories with Mr. Steve, enjoy sweet treats, and experience the magic of the season in the Fairfield Forestchildren’s section. All materials will be provided.
2025 Advent Reflections: A Podcast Series
Nov. 30 – Dec. 25
The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University invites all to participate in its annual Advent Reflection Podcast Series, featuring daily reflections from Campus Ministry, MCIS directors, students, and community members. Episodes will be available beginning Nov. 30 at fairfield.edu/murphycenter.
Participants may register by Nov. 21 to receive weekly Advent emails with readings and podcast links. For more information, please contact the Murphy Center at mcis@fairfield.edu. This series is free and open to the public.
Al’s Angels Toy Drive
Dec. 1–6 | Collection Box at Seagrape Cafe
Fairfield University partners once again with Al’s Angels to support children and families in need this holiday season.
Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble Concert
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Gonzaga Auditorium
$5 at the door.
Student Jazz Ensemble concert
Directed by Brian Torff with special guests Jay Gitlin, piano, and Chris Parker, drums.
Fairfield University Glee Club Concert – A Feast of Carols
Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Quick Center for the Arts
Numbering over 100 singers, the Glee Club, Chamber Singers, Bensonians, and Sweet Harmony will sing American holiday favorites as well as new works in this annual festive concert. The program will include audience carol singalong selections, and the traditional “Night of Silence” with alumni.
Tickets: $10-$17
Fairfield University Downtown Store – Fairfield Forest
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12–2 p.m.
1499 Post Road, Fairfield
This Elf on the Shelf is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the downtown bookstore on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. He will greet youngsters in the Fairfield Forest children’s section, where they can enjoy readings, balloon fun, and sweet treats. Families are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Additional Glee Club Performance
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 3 p.m.
St. Mary Parish, Stamford
In addition to the traditional Friday evening performance at the Quick Center, the Glee Club will take its holiday performance on the road to the beautiful St. Mary Church in Stamford, Conn. for a Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. The concert will be free, with a collection taken to benefit the ongoing restoration work of the parish.
Alumni Advent Mass & Photos with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
11 a.m. Mass at Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Photos with Santa immediately following (approximately 12 noon) in Bellarmine Hall.
Light refreshments will be served. This event is complimentary, but pre-registration is required by Dec. 1.
Santa & Mrs. Claus Meet & Greet | Downtown Fairfield Holiday Shop & Stroll
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 5–8 p.m.
Fairfield University Store and Downtown Fairfield
Join the Town of Fairfield for the annual Holiday Shop & Stroll along Post Road from 6–9 p.m., with a pre-event happy hour from 5–6 p.m. at the Fairfield University Store’s Second Story. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy hot cider, cookies, carolers, and more will await you for a great night of shopping. Complimentary gift wrapping will also be available.
“Mary’s Embrace: Journey Through the Many Faces of Grace”
Thursday, December 11 | 6–9 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Event Hall
The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality (MCIS) and Campus Ministry invite you to an evening of reflection on the gift of Mary’s embrace, a source of life-giving and hope-filled grace. Please join us for refreshments, which will be served at 6 p.m., followed by our Advent Retreat from 7 to 9 p.m. Guest speaker: Nancy Vericker
A suggested donation of $35 is appreciated. Space is limited; registration closes Dec. 5.
Art in Focus: Paolo Fiammingo, Adoration of the Shepherds
Thursday, Dec. 11
In Person: 12–1 p.m.
Virtual: 1–2 p.m.
Presented by the Fairfield University Art Museum, join us for an informal conversation around this Venetian Renaissance painting.
Bellarmine Hall Galleries, Bellarmine Hall
Connecticut Dance School –The Nutcracker
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14 | 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Connecticut Dance School will be holding three full-length performances of its holiday classic, The Nutcracker, Dec. 13 and 14th at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University. This festive 2025 production will feature over 100 CDS students from all over Fairfield County.
Merry Grinchmas with Special Guest: The Grinch
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 12–2 p.m.
Fairfield University Store
The Grinch is coming back to the Fairfield University Store on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for a “Merry Grinchmas” celebration. Join the Grinch and a special guest from Whoville for some holiday fun, books, treats, and Grinchy giveaways.
Clara’s Family Tea Party
Sunday, Dec. 14 | 2 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Event Hall
Add extra sparkle to your Nutcracker experience with “Clara’s Family Tea Party,” hosted by the Quick Center between performances of The Nutcracker on Dec. 14.Bring the whole family for a magical holiday afternoon featuring festive treats served in a warm, seasonal setting; photo opportunities with dancers in costume; a holiday cookie-making table for young guests; classic tea sandwiches and seasonal sweets; a special holiday cocktail crafted for adults; allergen-friendly menu options available upon request; and a joyful atmosphere filled with holiday cheer. Enjoy the Sunday matinee performance at the Quick, then join us for tea just up the short path at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall, or begin with Clara’s Tea Party, and head to the evening show. Ticket packages available for an additional $35 per person.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, has become a beloved American holiday classic. Celebrated for its timeless message of hope, resilience, and community, the film’s heartfelt story reminds audiences of the impact one person can have on their community. Jay Rozgonyi, associate vice provost for pedagogical innovation and effectiveness, and film studies instructor will provide a brief introduction prior to each screening, a Q&A session at the conclusion, and share stories about the movie’s production, his insights on the film’s themes, and the post-World War II world that produced it.$10 General Admission. Free for faculty, staff, and Fairfield University students.
The Nutcracker & Storytime at Fairfield University Store
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Connecticut Dance School’s The Nutcracker will perform a piece from their show at the Fairfield University Store, on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. Prior to the performance, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a Nutcracker themed Children’s Storytime featuring some favorite Nutcracker stories and books in the children’s section, the Fairfield Forest.