At Keystone College, the month of December means more than just final exams at the end of the semester. December is also the time for Keystone’s annual Winterfest celebration.
During Winterfest, the Keystone community comes together to enjoy the holiday season with a variety of festivities and community projects. The campus comes alive as students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends mark the end of the academic year and look forward to the start of the next semester.
The 2019 holiday season begins Monday, Nov. 18, throughout campus with a Christmas Card Drive sponsored by the Keystone Assembly and comes to a close Friday, Dec. 13, with the Celebration of the Season reception for Keystone employees and friends from 5-8 p.m. in Hibbard Campus Center.
We hope you will join us for our Winterfest events.
Complete list of Winterfest Events
Monday, Nov. 18 – Friday, Dec. 13
Christmas Card Drive
Monday, Nov. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 4
Campus-wide
Keystone Assembly is sponsoring a Christmas Card Drive for the Factoryville Christmas Market. Donate unused Christmas cards for children to fill out and send to veterans and active duty military personnel. Donation boxes will be set up throughout campus.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 30
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Evans Hall, Hibbard Campus Center
Join the Keystone College Alumni Association at the 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa! Children, young and old, will enjoy a full breakfast buffet and photos with Santa.
*The Alumni Association Breakfast with Santa is sold out. To be added to the wait list, please email: elena.oconnor@keystone.edu.
Festival of Lights
Thursday, Dec. 5
5 p.m. Atrium, Hibbard Campus Center
The Keystone College community will gather together in the Hibbard Atrium and stroll from Victorian to Victorian singing carols as the houses are lit for the holidays. We’ll finish our journey back at the Atrium to light the tree and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.
Tree Decorating Contest
Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6
Campus-Wide
Faculty and staff are invited to decorate Christmas trees and compete for prizes. Awards will be given to first, second, and third place winners, along with the Keystone College People’s Choice Award (KCPC) and Student’s Choice Award! Judging will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. After official judging closes, the Keystone community is invited to cast their own votes through Wednesday, December 11 at 4:30 p.m. by placing a dollar in a designated container, $1=1 vote. The office that collects the most money wins the “KCPC” trophy! Students can cast votes for the Student’s Choice Award by entering their names in labeled containers. One student will win a Steak n’ Shake gift card!. Winners will be announced at the Celebration of the Season Dinner on Friday, Dec. 13. Student winner will be notified via email.
Factoryville Christmas Market
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m
Sunday, Dec. 8., noon to 6 p.m., Christy Mathewson Park, Factoryville
Join your neighbors for a true community celebration! Factoryville will hold its annual European-style Christmas Market with carols by Keystone VOICES, delicious food, warm drinks, Christmas music, pictures with Santa, and vendors selling amazing Christmas gifts! Contact Elena O’Connor at 570-945-8160 or elena.oconnor@keystone.edu for more information.
Factoryville Borough Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 7
6 p.m., Christy Mathewson Park, Factoryville
Join us as the Christmas Market closes at Christy Mathewson Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting with carol singing and Santa! Contact Elena O’Connor at 570-945-8160 or elena.oconnor@keystone.edu for more information.
Keystone College Department of Performance Music presents “The True Meaning”
Saturday, Dec. 7
7 p.m., Theatre in Brooks
Enjoy a free concert and a special visit from Santa! Multiple charities will be collecting donations in the lobby, so please consider bringing a food pantry item, a new and unwrapped toy, or a monetary contribution. Contact Jeffrey Tylutki at 570-945-8599 or jeffrey.tylutki@keystone.edu for additional information.
Santa for Seniors Gift Wrapping Party
Sponsored by the Keystone College Sport and Recreation Department
Monday, Dec. 9
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Evans Hall, Hibbard Campus Center
The Santa for Seniors program identifies local seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season and works with the Sport and Recreation department to help facilitate the wrapping and distribution of gifts. Celebrate the true spirit of the season and join the Sport and Recreation department in their annual gift wrapping party and/or purchasing a gift. Those interested in purchasing a gift as well should contact Adrienne Mellott at 570-945-8434 or adrienne.mellott@keystone.edu.
Keystone Assembly Cookie Swap
Wednesday, December 11
2 to 4 p.m., Fireplace Lounge, Hibbard Campus Center
Keystone Assembly invites the campus community to its annual Cookie Swap. Bring your favorite holiday cookies to share and sample others! RSVP no later than December 9 to Kyrie Kirn at 570-945-8269 or kyrie.kirn@keystone.edu. Not a baker? No worries. Come and enjoy the treats and good company!
Holiday Spirit Day
Wednesday, Dec. 11
All day
Show your holiday spirit by donning your favorite festive attire. Prizes will be awarded at the Cookie Swap. Please contact Melanie Smith at 570-945-8371 or melanie.smith@keystone.edu for more information.
Celebration of the Season Dinner
Friday, Dec. 13
5 p.m., Hibbard Campus Center
President Tracy L. Brundage, Ph.D., cordially invites faculty and staff and a guest to join in celebrating the holidays. There will be a special dinnertime performance by the Keystone Jazz Ensemble. If you’re able, consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to the Giants’ Food Pantry. RSVP by Monday, Dec. 9.