York College to Celebrate Winter Fest 2025 with Global Theme and Campus Traditions
York College of Pennsylvania will kick off the season in festive style with its annual Winter Fest celebration on Tuesday, December 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring everything from glowing photo ops and food truck favorites! President Thomas Burns will kick off the night by “flipping the switch” on a campus-wide light display at 6 p.m., setting the stage for a celebration across main campus.
This year’s Winter Fest theme, “The Great Celebrations Race,” invites students to explore winter festivals from around the world through interactive table activities, crafts, cultural goodies, and themed takeaways stationed throughout campus buildings. Students who visit each table will have the opportunity to enter a special prize drawing.
Rev. Lisa Hair, M.Div., who is helping coordinate Winter Fest, said the theme is designed to spark curiosity and connection. “Winter traditions look different around the world, but they all share a sense of joy, community, and meaning,” she said. “We wanted students to experience that variety firsthand in a way that’s fun, engaging, and celebratory.”
In addition to the global-themed activities, Winter Fest will have “zones” across campus, each offering unique seasonal experiences. The Student Union Lobby will serve as the main check-in point, where students can pick up event bags, glowsticks, food truck tickets, and giveaway tickets. A cozy winter-themed prize basket will also be on display for students to enter to win.
York College will host three food trucks available to students with event tickets. At the Library, students can enjoy this year’s official Winter Fest giveaway (ticket required). Photo opportunities will be available across campus.
Campus favorites will return as well, including outdoor fire pits where students can make s’mores throughout the evening.
“Winter Fest is one of those moments in the year when the campus collectively exhales,” Rev. Hair added. “It’s a chance to pause, appreciate where we are, and share in something uplifting together. Our hope is that every student finds a moment of warmth, whether that’s through a conversation, a craft, or simply enjoying the lights.”
Winter Fest is free for York College students, and organizers encourage attendees to explore all the activities across main campus to get the full experience of this year’s global theme.
Happy Holidays, Spartans!
