As winter approaches and the semester comes to a close, campus is starting to feel the familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety that comes with finals season. The trees are growing bare, the days crumble a little earlier into darkness and the air is colder, bringing with it academic panic. Students shuffle out of the library wrapped in jackets, still clutching onto their iced coffee, refusing to give up their icy sweet treat. Christmas lights glow from the dorm windows surrounding the Quad, quietly reminding everyone that a break is coming… eventually.
It’s during these last few weeks, when Blackboard notifications multiply and you feel like you are running on caffeine, that finding time for a break is super important.
Luckily, the area around campus is full of ways to destress. From cozy cafes to markets and small holiday trips, there are tons of ways to escape the pressure, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
After spending most of my life around the Fairfield area, I’ve learned exactly where to go when the holiday season kicks in. Here are a few of my favorite things to do around campus this time of year:
One of my favorite things about Fairfield is how easy it is to hop on the Metro-North and be in the city in just a little over an hour. If your week has been filled with screens, notecards and assignments, a quick trip to the city can feel like a reset. Once you are there, take a stroll through Bryant Park’s Winter Village, an entire holiday market wrapped around an ice-skating rink. Even if you don’t skate, the tiny shops and being surrounded by lights is enough to put you into a better mood and get you ready to tackle those finals. Plus they have some of the best hot chocolate of the entire season. From there, walk over to Rockefeller Center to see the iconic Christmas tree or stop into a few thrift stores for a little retail therapy. The city is a classic, perhaps a cliche, but absolutely worth your time.
If you don’t have the time or energy for a trip to the city, Candlewood Market, only a few minutes away from campus, is the next best thing. It’s cozy, quiet and the best spot for when you still kind of need to be productive but can’t handle another hour in the library. Their winter drinks make it even better. Try a Candy Cane Latte if you need something sweet and festive, or an Eggnog latte if you’re ready to jump right into the holidays.
If you are looking to escape campus for a night, Fairfield has a few dinner spots that feel extra cozy this time of year. Old Post Tavern, for example, is especially perfect with its dim lights, fireplace and holiday menu. It’s a great place to grab dinner with friends, sit down with a bowl of something warm and enjoy a calm moment.
Just a short drive from campus there is also “Glow” at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. One of the prettiest winter events in the area, the entire zoo puts up a glowing lantern festival with huge sculptures and pathways which feel straight out of a winter fairy tale. It’s perfect for wandering around with friends, taking a few study-break photos, or just enjoying a simple stroll.
Whether you head into the city, grab a seasonal latte or enjoy a warm meal, there is tons you can do to enjoy the last weeks of the year.
