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UCL’s wacky wonderland: A glimpse into UCL’s unusual festive traditions

By IOE Blog Editor, on 12 December 2023

A Christmas tree lit up with lights. The UCL Portico is lit up in green behind it.

Credit: IOE Marketing and Communications.

by Navyasara Jaiswal, Education Studies BA

As the sun dips below the historic structure of UCL, a hushed anticipation blankets the iconic Portico. It’s that magical time of year when the campus comes alive with twinkling lights, the aroma and warmth of mulled wine filling the air. Arguably, the festive season only starts for members of the UCL community with the switching on of the Portico Christmas lights. Even with UCL’s diverse background, it is fascinating to see the sea of faces illuminated by the lights, celebrating the festive season united together for the beginning of the celebrations.

12 grapes

Fires lick over a barbecue.

Credit: Navyasara Jaiswal.

For me, as someone with an Indian background, the festive season has never been the typical white Christmas that one usually sees in the media with a tree and presents. However, we still call (more…)