Check out these in-person activities taking place on campus and in NYC during Thanksgiving Break. All events comply with the Columbia Community Health Compact, with limited group size, facial coverings and physical distancing.
Campus Opportunities
Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24: Alumni Dinners
Enter a lottery to enjoy an outdoor dinner (capped at a total of five attendees) with an alum at Le Monde or Community. The lottery will close this Saturday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m. Dates and times of dinners include:
- Monday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m. (Le Monde)
- Monday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m. (Community)
- Tuesday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. (Community)
Thursday, November 26: Complimentary Thanksgiving Pies Pickup
Grab an individual-sized pecan or pumpkin pie from noon–2:00 p.m. under the Hamilton tent from Dean Cristen Kromm. Limit of one pie per student, while supplies last.
Friday, November 27: Tote Decorating
Join Residence Hall Director Jacqueline Atkins for some holiday fun! Decorate a canvas tote bag you can keep for yourself or give as a holiday gift. Meet at the gazebo at Van Am Quad promptly at noon, and we’ll grab a few open tables to bedazzle our bags. All materials will be provided. The event is first-come, first-served and will be limited to 10 participants.
Saturday, November 28: Hungarian Pastry and Coffee Chat
Catch up with Dean Tara Hanna and Residence Hall Director Haley Carson over snacks and coffee from Hungarian Pastry Shop. Meet at the gazebo at Van Am Quad at 10:30 a.m. and we’ll grab a few open tables. Limited to 10 participants at a time.
Saturday, November 28: Butler Library open as a study space
Just in case you’re in need of a quiet indoor spot where you can focus over the weekend, Butler Library will be open as a study space this Saturday, November 28, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 29: Roti Roll Rendezvous
Join Hall Director Santiago Marquez on a physically-distanced adventure to Roti Roll for a free take-out lunch! We'll gather at the gazebo at Van Am Quad at noon, get to know each other a bit with a fun icebreaker and then walk together to Roti Roll where you'll place your order. Weather permitting, we'll eat together on Butler lawn, physically distanced. This event is limited to 10 students, and you must signup in advance.
Sunday, November 29: Butler Library open as a study space, 12:00–9:00 p.m.
Just in case you’re in need of a quiet indoor spot where you can focus over the weekend, Butler Library will be open as a study space this Sunday, November 29, noon–9:00 p.m.
NYC Opportunities
You can enjoy these free or low-cost activities with your “pod,” a friend or solo.
- Visit a museum (free with your student ID; timed ticket needed for some). Here are a few ideas for museum outings:
- As you walk down 5th Avenue to visit the MoMA (reservation not required), check out the holiday window displays.
- Head uptown to explore Fort Tryon Park and enjoy medieval art at the Met Cloisters (reservation required).
- Walk through Central Park and check out the Met (reservation suggested).
- Walk along the High Line, enjoying this innovative above-ground park with art installations throughout (reservation required).
- Venture through the holiday shops at Bryant Park Winter Village.
- Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and visit Brooklyn Flea (Saturday).
- Rent out a Citi Bike and bike down the Hudson River Greenway bike path.
Undergraduate Student Life will provide a free round-trip MetroCard to those of you attending a museum or enjoying another of our suggested off-campus activities over the weekend. Please email us at ugradstudentlife@columbia.edu on or before this Monday, November 23 at 9:00 a.m. to request a MetroCard and arrange a pick-up before 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25.