My Ultimate Ouachita Christmas List
Campus and community events everyone should try
November 30, 2025
- Lilly MoseleyThe Christmas season is full of emotions and events, all fighting for a college student’s attention. As a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and spend time with loved ones, it’s exciting and joyful. On the other hand, students may feel stressed and overwhelmed as they prepare for finals, rehearse for concerts, or worry about what gift they will bring to the Christmas party.
There are many things to experience at Ouachita and in the Arkadelphia community during Christmastime, each providing much-needed study breaks with friends before leaving campus for the break. Below is a list of events that I think should be on every student’s “must-do” list this Christmas season.
Christmas on Ouachita Street • Dec. 1
Join the Office of Student Life for crafts, Christmas story readings and snacks in the Student Center at 4 p.m. The Flag Plaza Tree Lighting will begin at 5:15 p.m. with carols and scripture reading.
ResLife Christmas Movie Night • Dec. 1
ResLife will show “The Polar Express” in Walker Conference Center at 7:30 p.m. Free popcorn and hot chocolate — bring pillows and blankets!
Feaster Trail Christmas Lights • Dec. 1
This 500-foot-long walk-through light display is a festive experience for all and will have its official opening from 5-6 p.m., but is open throughout the season. Guests are welcome to park at the Feaster Park Recreation Center and walk over to the display.
Arkadelphia Christmas Parade • Dec. 4
Experience the best of small-town life with the Arkadelphia community during this brief parade down Main Street that starts at 5 p.m. There’s lots of candy, charm and even an appearance by Kris Kringle. Pro tip: get a spot by Java Primo to watch the parade!
Festival of Christmas & Deck the Delph • Dec. 5-6
Deck the Delph is an OSF-sponsored Christmas market in the Verser Theatre lobby, where students sell their homemade crafts, baked goods and a variety of other items. The market will run from 5-7:15 p.m. on Friday the 5th and 12-2:15 p.m. on Saturday the 6th. The JPAC lobby will open 30 minutes prior to Festival of Christmas for pictures with Santa and live music. The show is a singing and dancing Christmas extravaganza that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. It will start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Students can get a free ticket at the JPAC Box Office in advance with their ID.
Winter Wonderfest • Dec. 6
This free family event will last from 2-6 p.m. at Feaster Park (2599 Twin Rivers Drive). It will include bouncy houses, pictures with Santa, face painting, crafts, food trucks and much more!
A Very First Gen Christmas • Dec. 8
First Gen faculty, staff and students are invited to join together for a Christmas party with pizza and games at 6 p.m. in the Tiger Den.
Christmas Band Concert • Dec. 8
The Ouachita Concert Band will perform timeless Christmas classics at 7:30 p.m. in JPAC. It’s a great way to enjoy music and relax before the last week of classes.
Christmas Chapel • Dec. 9
Even if you’ve used all your chapel absences, this is a great Ouachita tradition to enjoy! Members of Ouachita Worship will kick off chapel at 10 a.m. in JPAC by singing Christmas carols, followed by a message from Dr. Jeff Root. The service will end with a song and candlelight service.
Christmas Lunch • Dec. 9
You won’t want to miss the annual Christmas lunch at the cafeteria! Delicious ham, a wide variety of side dishes and too many desserts to count are sure to fill you up — both your stomach and your Christmas spirit!
Lessons & Carols • Dec. 9
The Ouachita Singers will perform Christmas carols and worship songs, with Scripture readings in between telling the Christmas story. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.
Christmas Climbing • Dec. 12
RecLife will host a festive climbing event in the CRAG from 7-10 p.m. Wear your favorite Christmas sweaters, enjoy snacks and Christmas carols, and get a good workout all in one place!
Blitzen’s Bargain Market • Dec. 13
In this bustling Christmas market, regional vendors will come to sell handmade art pieces, clothing, Christmas gifts and much more. This event will last from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Arkadelphia Recreation Center (2555 Twin Rivers Drive).
Okay, you may not be able to check off every item on this list — and that’s okay! It’s important to study for your finals and finish the semester well. But don’t miss the chance to soak in the Christmas spirit that Ouachita has to offer while you can!
Lilly Moseley is a sophomore communications & media major from Centerton, Arkansas.
You Also Might Like
Recent
