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Five Free, Fun Things at Duke in December

Holiday celebrations, film screenings and puppies comprise events

A moment during last year's Puppies in Perkins event in Perkins Library.
A moment during last year's Puppies in Perkins event in Perkins Library.
Leanora Minai

Take a break from the hustle and bustle in December by attending an event at Duke. This month, holiday traditions abound, as do visits by some furry friends. Please be sure to check Duke Today throughout 2015 as we continue this monthly series of free and fun campus activities. Enjoy!Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Duke Chorale Christmas ConcertGather in Duke Chapel at 7 p.m. for the Duke Chorale Christmas Concert, an annual tradition of seasonal selections and traditional carols. While the event is free, organizers suggest bringing one non-perishable food item for families in need in Durham.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Queering Duke History film screening, panel discussionAs part of observing the LGBTQ historical path at Duke, The New Black documentary will be screened at Nasher Museum of Art. The film tells the story of how the African-American community is grappling with the gay rights issue in light of the recent gay marriage movement and the fight over civil rights. A panel discussion with faculty member Mark Anthony Neal and others immediately follows the film. The event begins at 6 p.m.Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Puppies, and birthday cakeOn Dec. 10, Duke University Libraries and Duke PAWS hosts Puppies in Perkins, a study break for students. New this year is a celebration of the 101st birthday of dachshund Pompey Ducklegs, who belonged to the first dean of the Trinity Law School. Everyone’s invited, and there will be cake. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Perkins Library, Room 217. Want more dog time? On Dec. 18, Duke Chapel is sponsoring Dog Adoption Day. Pups from Hope Animal Rescue will be on the Chapel's side lawn from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Come to play or adopt.

Thursday, Dec. 18 – Duke Chapel by CandlelightWhile enjoying puppies from Hope Animal Rescue during Dog Adoption Day on the Chapel side lawn, stop inside the Chapel for the annual candlelight open house. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy holiday music on all three Chapel organs and the carillon and hear carols sung by members of the Vespers choir.Saturday, Dec. 20 – Global holidays at the GardensVisit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for winter holiday fun featuring traditions from all over the world.

Activities in the Doris Duke Center include:

  • Peanut butter bird feeder
  • Diwali (Hindu festival of lights), Rangoli patterns
  • Chinese New Year lanterns
  • Paper snowflakes
  • A Hanukkah menorah of your own

While a free event, parking fees apply.