The end of the fall semester entails more than just final exams at Barnard. From campus traditions like Columbia’s annual tree lighting ceremony to world-famous attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, there is no shortage of dazzling lights to see, delicious foods to try, and holiday markets to peruse. Barnard students have the unique opportunity to visit iconic New York City landmarks or indulge in the cherished activity of staying home with those closest to them — or both.
@barnard.college The holiday spirit is still all around in NYC! Where is your favorite festive spot in the City? #barnardcollege #newyorkcity #holiday #rockefellercenter #rockefellerchristmastree #unionsquaremarket #saksfifthavenue #lincolncenter #iceskating #centralpark #december ♬ Deck the Halls - Lofi - Gentle State
Below, students share some New York-centric things they are most excited to do this holiday season.
Julie Chow ’25, English
“I plan to stay in my dorm and finish up the first 20 chapters of my debut autofiction novel. The novel is rooted in my own life experiences, so it requires a lot of introspection and spending time alone. Even so, New York’s winter scene would be helpful for me to settle in.”
Lilja Hanson ’25, English and Economics
“Some of the things that I look forward to most during the holiday season are decorating my dorm with my suitemates, doing Secret Santa with my water polo club, and listening to holiday episodes of This American Life.
I definitely love going to the Union Square Holiday Market to shop for gifts for my friends and family. It’s so fun to go with a group of friends and try to hide your gifts from one another. Some of us can’t help ourselves and have to spoil the surprise. I’m always excited about the tree lighting on College Walk — the sparkling trees make finals seem much more manageable.”
Maimuna Islam ’25, Neuroscience & Behavior and Urban Teaching
“Each year, my family and I visit Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, to view the bright decorations on the houses there. Lincoln Center is the perfect place to spend a winter evening wandering under sparkling Christmas lights. I recently went to a New York Philharmonic orchestra concert there. Afterward, I stopped by K-town and ordered warm Sundubu Jjigae tofu (it’s a must!).
I’m most looking forward to indoor movie nights with my friends. Beforehand, we like to prepare something to eat together. Recently, we’ve had a lot of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, gochujang pasta, and the leftover biryani that my mom occasionally brings me from Queens.”
Jingying (Jamie) Lin ’25, Psychology
“This year, I’ve swapped my tradition from back home in Miami of having hot pots with my family for a rowdier, more chaotic, but just as fun New York hot pot with my friends.
I’m appreciative of the time I’m able to spend with people I love. Visiting the winter markets is always fun because of all the warm drinks and decor — and just walking around with friends scavenging for samples or cheap treats.”
Olivia Toevs ’25, Psychology and Urban Teaching
“The holiday season in New York City is one of my favorite times of the year because there is so much to do. I’m a pretty active person, so I like to take advantage of the ice-skating rinks that are open in Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park — it’s such a classic winter activity!
Before I go home to Kansas for winter break, I’ll head down to the Union Square Holiday Market for some of my Christmas shopping. There are so many vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, scarves, stained glass lamps, and more.”
Georgia Yu ’26, Economics and Film
“I’m traveling to Puerto Rico with my friends to enjoy sun, sea, and a lot of good vibes. After a heavy semester of studying and internships, we plan to have some rainforest adventures and waterfall chasing in the El Yunque National Forest and enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine like mofongo and tostones. I love that at Barnard, we don’t just bond over books in the library but also over global adventures.”
