5 Free Things to Do at Duke in December 2025

Take in classical music, learn winter gardening tips, go on a midday walk and savor a holiday celebration in Duke University Chapel

A collage of five photos features two garden photos, two orchestra photos and a graphic for Duke Chapel by Candlelight

The final month of 2025 offers a range of musical performances for the Duke community to take in, along with tips for winter gardening and a viewing of seasonal beauty at Duke University Chapel.

Each month during the academic year, the Working@Duke editorial team searches the Duke Event Calendar to find five free things to do at Duke. The selections showcase the rich variety of activities and programming available to community members. Check back in December for the next batch of events.

Dec. 3 – Duke Symphony Orchestra: The Exaltation of Tragedy

The Duke Symphony Orchestra performs a program that explores “majesty, sorrow and transcendence” of the human condition through works by Robert Schumann, Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy and Johannes Brahms at this 7:30 p.m. performance at Baldwin Auditorium. Duke Symphony Orchestra is 80-100 musicians, primarily undergraduate students, under the direction of conductor Harry Davidson.

Dec. 7 – Durham Medical Orchestra: 15 Years in Harmony

The Durham Medical Orchestra celebrates 15 years of music with a 3 p.m. program at Baldwin Auditorium that features the sweeping power and soul of Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” the wit of Bernstein’s “Candide Overture,” the shimmering soundscape of Jennifer Higdon’s “Blue Cathedral” and the rhythms of Arturo Márquez's “Danzón No. 2.” The program will also be livestreamed. Durham Medical Orchestra is made up of health-related professionals, medical and graduate students of the life sciences and community members in Durham.

Dec. 11 – Seasonal Stewardship: Gardening for Biodiversity in Winter

Join Dr. Neeti Bathala, professor, author, gardener, graduate of the Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Gardens board member, to learn how to support local wildlife through winter gardening practices during this noon webinar. Registration is required.

Dec. 17 – Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House

Welcome the season at the annual candlelight open house at Duke University Chapel. All are invited to stay for as long as they like to see the Chapel fully decorated for the Christmas season and listen to familiar Christmas music during an open event from noon to 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 – Midday Meander

Join Sarah P. Duke Gardens’ Kavanah Anderson, Director of Learning and Community Engagement, for a conversational stroll through the garden. Swap plant stories, dig into horticultural history and deepen your relationship with plants. Meet at the 2000 Lewis St. entrance at 12:15 p.m.

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