We are now fast approaching the end of Term 1, meaning Christmas break is right around the corner. Christmas decorations and trees are now everywhere to be seen! You might be leaving for home as soon as classes finished, ready to see family and relax. Or maybe you are staying at Exeter for all of the holidays. Regardless of what you might be doing during the break, the Christmas spirit is alive in Exeter for the entirety of December, so I am here to offer you 5 things to add to your ultimate Exeter Christmas Bucket List!
Attend an end-of-term / Christmas Ball or Dinner
Maybe you have already attended one (or two! the more, the merrier!), in which case you can happily cross it out already. But, if you haven’t, do not fret. There are still some societies’ balls happening this week and the next one! So put on your most dashing formal outfit and get ready to eat some great food and dance all night! While, it should be acknowledged that Christmas balls/dinners can be quite expensive (with some tickets being over £50, oof), there are exceptions to the rule. Look hard enough and you will find societies celebrating Christmas at much cheaper prices.
Visit Exeter Christmas Market + Winter Wonderland
Having opened in November 20th, you might have already taken a quick walk around the Christmas Market. Located right at the Cathedral Green, its perfect location leaves students with no excuse not to visit it at least once. If you happen to have some time to spend while at the city centre, why not go on a walk through the stalls? Take the opportunity to search for some delicious goodies or potential presents (for other people, or yourself, no judgement here). Moreover, why not go skating at the Winter Wonderland, or enjoy with your friends an evening of fun carnival games? From bumper cars / dodgems to archery, the options are plenty! Students get a discount for some of the activities, so don’t forget to bring your student ID with you.
Try some Christmas themed food
If you have passed through the Forum recently, you might have noticed both Pret and Starbuck’s signs, offering new drink flavours to get you right into the Christmassy mood. Many shops have released their Christmas food specials, so why don’t give them a go? Be it Isca Eats’ festive pizza, your local supermarket’s selection of Christmas sandwiches or frozen dishes, or gingerbread biscuits from your favourite bakery / coffee shop, it is up to you! Coming at different price points and in a variety of flavours, you are sure to find something you will enjoy.
Give a Guild Event a Go
If you take a small peek at the Exeter Student Guild’s fixr page, you will be pleasantly surprised by the great amount of festive events they are doing this December. From a trip to Bath’s Christmas Market to Gingerbread Biscuit Decoration and Christmas Ornament Making, there’s plenty of things to take a part in before term ends! If you are planning on staying over, there’s even more events at extremely discounted prices, such as a Christmas Party (with food and Christmas crackers) and ice-skating & bowling for just £1.50 (it can’t get better than that!).
If you are in student accommodation, the Residence Life team also offers many Christmas themed events, including a few fun activities even after term ends (such as a Christmas Dinner on the 25th!). Similarly, international students will be happy to know that the Intercultural Café will have a few appearances during the holidays.
So, with so many events to choose from, why not try at least one?
Play some festive music, films or read a Christmas book
You might have seen the Forum Library’s Christmas tree – with Christmas books and movies hanging from its branches – or posters advertising a Carol Service. As the 25th quickly approaches, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit! And what better way to do it than listening to some carols, watching a classic Christmas movie with your friends, or spending a cosy evening immersed in your favourite winter / Christmas book? Or, with Northcott Theatre being right next to the Forum, why not watch one of the many pantomime performances happening in Exeter? With deadline season nearing its end, watching/listening/reading will help you take a break and get ready for Christmas!
There are a hundred or more things I could have mentioned in this list: partaking in Secret Santa, exploring Exeter shops for Christmas presents, decorating your flat/house, buying an Advent Calendar, wearing a Christmas Sweater, taking a nice winter walk…
However, as the holidays approach, I feel like it’s important to highlight that the best thing to cross out in your Christmas Bucket List is having been able to relax (we all deserve it) and spend time with your loved ones.