As the semester winds down and we enter the throes of finals preparation (and winter weather), it’s tempting to stay indoors and buckle down with TV and textbooks. But instead of studying and streaming right up to the break, check out some of these fun, stress-free things happening in December.

Check Out Wax Buffalo’s Winter Market

Dec. 4, 12-6 p.m. | Wax Buffalo

Is retail therapy our first recommendation for treating those pre-finals jitters? No. Does it help? Maybe! Support local businesses and check out Wax Buffalo’s annual Winter Market under the viaduct on O Street. The Winter Market is a ticketed community shopping event that invites local retailers, food vendors, and other small businesses to share their unique wares and warm eats with bundled shoppers.

Desserts are prepared for a holiday meal in the dining halls.

Dig in at Dining Service’s Holiday Meal

Dec. 7 | Campus Dining Halls

Head to the dining centers for a delicious holiday dinner. As the end of the semester quickly approaches and you prepare for the holiday season, Dining Services wants to celebrate you and your accomplishments with this seasonal feast.

Serving hours:

• Abel Dining Center will serve dinner from 4:30-8:30 p.m.

• Cather & Harper Dining Centers will serve dinner from 4:30-8 p.m.

• East Campus Dining Center will serve holiday lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Attend a Fitness Class at Free Group Fitness Week

Dec. 11-17 | Campus Recreation Center and Recreation & Wellness Center

The City and East Campus recreation centers are offering their wide array of group fitness classes for free during finals week. From Barre, Pilates and Cycling to Combative Arts, these classes offer a great outlet for letting off some steam in a fun, communal environment.

Exercise is a great way to stay on top of your mental and physical health during finals, but self-care can look a lot of different ways. Check out these great self-care recommendations from our amazing Big Red Resilience & Well-Being staff for more ways to be kind to yourself as the semester comes to a close.

Make Soup

You know what’s good when it’s cold outside? Soup. You know what’s pretty easy to make? Soup. You know where you can find a bunch of delicious, easy soup recipes? Right here, at the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Recipe Central. Grab some friends and treat yourselves to some of these tasty recipes (plus, they make great leftovers).

Watch the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is running through Dec.18. Whether soccer (“football” to many) is your favorite sport or it’s simply just a curiosity, it’s always worth tuning in for the spectacle, passion and drama that occurs only once every four years in one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Take a break from studying to root on your favorite teams.