Students had the opportunity to start their holiday celebrations by engaging with traditions that extended beyond the local, embracing customs from across the globe.

Brought by the Department of Modern Language Studies and the MOLA Language Clubs, the Winter Village took place on Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Scharbauer Hall lobby. 

The annual event has become a long-standing tradition within the department and has evolved over the years, offering a space for cultural connection, said Nicholas Albanese, the modern language department chair. 

“We do some sort of Christmas market every year, but this is my favorite so far,” Scott Williams, professor of German, said. 

Students and professors enjoyed exploring diverse cultural celebrations, tasting seasonal treats, and taking part in fun celebrations from China, France, Italy, Germany and Japan. 

“Despite the weather, everybody’s together, they’re showing their culture, their language, their traditions and everybody’s involved, everyone’s enjoying it,” Delia Sanchez Juarez, a sophomore computer science student, said.  

As finals approach and the campus prepares for winter break, the Winter Village offered students a moment to slow down, explore global traditions and connect.

“It’s a way to create community, provide an opportunity for students to come together, learn about other cultures, and celebrate the winter season in whatever traditions they are from,” Albanese said.