Winter Events at Drexel University

The 2025 Homecoming Court is honored. During Homecoming, the Homecoming Court and Royal Dragon are honored on the basketball court. 

Even in the winter, Drexel University stays busy with plenty of events to help students thrive socially, academically and in their budding careers — and especially celebrate their Dragon pride. These events are great for all Dragons, new and returning, to get to know the community and stay on top of college deadlines.

If you’re looking for more events to fill your calendar, DragonLink (where you can find on-campus and virtual student organization and University events), the University calendar and DrexelNOW will have you covered.

Campus Engagement

Campus Activities Board (CAB) Crystal Ball, January 16: At 7 p.m. in Main Building, Dragons can dance the night away in a winter wonderland at this annual event. CAB puts on events for undergraduate students, who can purchase tickets for $10.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19: The University is traditionally closed this day for a University Holiday, but it’s also designated as a day of service. This year, a new event at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships is open to all students who register in advance; you can sign up individually or in groups. Students will help pack more than a thousand support packs for people in need, as well as care packages with letters of support for local teachers. There are also other local activities highlighted on the Drexel Galaxy portal for civic engagement and service opportunities.

Homecoming, Jan. 23–24: The two big events of this annual winter tradition are the Kick-Off Bonfire from 5–7 p.m. on Jan. 23 on Lancaster Walk and the Homecoming Game between the Dragons and Northeastern University’s Huskies at 2 p.m. on Jan. 24. The former features giveaways, snacks and cozy treats, while the latter will feature two Drexel basketball legends, Malik Rose and former Coach Bill Herrion, being honored after their induction into the Janet E. and Barry C. Burkholder Athletics Hall of Fame. Those are far from the only events that weekend, however, with other festivities and games bringing current students and alumni together.

Pediatric AIDS Benefit Concert, Jan. 26: This concert will be held from 5–11 p.m. in Drexel’s Main Building Auditorium. For 32 years, the College of Medicine has held this concert to help provide financial support for the children and families affected by HIV in the Philadelphia area and has raised more than $785,000. Student and resident tickets are $25 and include a buffet, open bar, access to the auction and a livestream link.

16th Annual Inclusive Leadership Conference (ILC) Feb. 7: Drexel Student Life is partnering with Campus Philly and Temple University to host this conference. This year, it will focus on topics including social change, civility, self-discovery and bold inclusion through breakout sessions, keynote speakers, community events and games. Attendees will learn how to embrace authenticity, leverage the contributions of others and be who they truly are. Registration is $10 for Drexel students. 

Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) men’s basketball tournament, March 6–10: At the end of the regular season, the Dragons will play for their chance to make it to the conference championship game — and a trip to March Madness. Stay tuned throughout the season (and attend games with free student tickets!) to see where the Dragons will play.

CAA women’s basketball tournament, March 11–15: The Dragons will also play for the chance to win the conference, hoping to do so for the third time since 2021. Keep watch (and attend games with free student tickets!) to see how high these Dragons can soar.

52 Weeks of Firsts — First Women’s Medical College: 1850, March 14: Drexel is part of The Philadelphia Historic District Partners’ yearlong celebration of the U.S.’s 250^th birthday, which celebrates a special historical “first” every week. The 11^th “First-ival” week will honor the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. This legacy institution was the first degree-granting medical school for women in the world.

Academic and Career Reminders

Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: The University will be closed, so no classes will be held. Co-op students should check with their employers to see if they have the day off.

Feb. 9: Registration for spring quarter classes begins for some students, including athletes, graduating students, Pennoni Honors College students, ROTC participants, veterans and their dependents, BS/MD students and performing arts scholarship recipients. Other populations should check their time ticket information; registration continues until March 2.

March 14: Classes end for winter quarter.

March 16–21: Exams occur for winter quarter classes.

March 30: Classes begin for spring quarter.