Northwestern graduation events set for 2026
October 28, 2025
As fall quarter comes to a close, take a break from the rush or enjoy some holiday cheer with our December events. As always, all are welcome!
DIY holiday joy
Stop by Artica Studios to create holiday cards to share with friends and family this season. All materials will be provided.
Drop in from 3-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Artica Studios, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
‘A Canvas of Sound’
The Northwestern Medical Orchestra presents its fall 2025 concert with a program including “Pictures at an Exhibition,” “Danse Bacchanale,” “Superman March” and more.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in Thorne Auditorium, Rubloff Building, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Register here to attend in person or via livestream.
A contemporary classic
More than 30 Bienen piano studio students join special guest pianists Ursula Oppens and Jerome Lowenthal to perform Frederic Rzewski’s “The People United Will Never Be Defeated!” Oppens, a former Bienen professor, premiered the work, which was written for her, in 1976.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in Galvin Recital Hall, Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets here.
A closer look
Join a Block Museum Student Associate for a close look at one or two works on view in the exhibition “Pouring, Spilling, Bleeding: Helen Frankenthaler and Artists’ Experiments on Paper.”
The talk is at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. RSVP here.
Book talk
Writer, comedian and actor Marcella Arguello joins the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance’s Jorge Valdivia for “Charlar Mango,” a discussion of Sandra Cisneros’ book “The House on Mango Street” and its themes of gender, Latinidad and urbanism.
The event is at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Wirtz Theater (room 206), Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Buy tickets here.
Carols in the chapel
A beloved holiday tradition continues with this year’s installment of “A Festival of Lessons and Carols,” a combination of readings and music portraying the Christmas miracle.
The free concert is at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston.
Break for pancakes
Take a timeout from studying and enjoy late-night breakfast, a Northwestern finals relief tradition.
Stop by starting at 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, on the ground floor of Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston.
AI and our world
Northwestern Security & AI Lab hosts its 2025 Conference on AI & National Security. Hear from experts about AI’s impact on terrorism and warfare, cybersecurity and more during keynotes and panel discussions.
Events start at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Northwestern Room, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register and see full agenda here.
Winter Wildcats
It might be cold outside, but wrestling and men’s and women’s basketball will bring the heat this month during the Midlands Championships and home games against Valparaiso, Loyola and more. Get an extra dose of holiday cheer at Willie’s Winter Wonderland before the Sunday, Dec. 7, women’s basketball game.
See the full athletics calendar here and purchase tickets here.
