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Getting into the holiday social media scene as a higher education marketer isn't just about festive cheer – it's also a savvy marketing move.
Sharing festive content allows you to connect with your higher ed community on a personal and emotional level, and foster a sense of belonging.
For prospective students, it gives them a glimpse into your campus culture, helping them picture themselves as part of community.
It's also a chance to showcase your brand personality and share positive feelings around your institution, whether it's through creative visuals, inside jokes, heartwarming messages, or festive activities.
With nostalgia running high and the heightened social media activity and sharing during this period, it's also an ideal time to reconnect with alumni.
So let's take a look at 20 very distinct ways that higher education institutions celebrated the holidays on social media.
In addition to posting a quick reel to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a quick ‘good luck with exams' message, Western University also posted about Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration that honors African-American and Pan-African culture and heritage.
University of Washington posted a reel from @boysintheboatmovie, which tells the tale of the Washington Rowing team who won the gold medal in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
New York University posted authentic on-the-ground videos of what their students hoped to accomplish in 2024.
4. Stanford University reels in future alum for Silent Night rendition
Stanford University went more traditional and reeled (!) in classical musician Jadon Geathers, Class of 2024, for a beautiful rendition of Silent Night.
5. Seattle University's Rudy gets a mission to decorate campus
President Peñalver gave the mascot a very important mission to accomplish before Christmas, visiting the entire campus and its people.
Share in the excitement as students share their joy upon receiving Vanderbuilt University admissions letters. Contagious joy.
The University very shares holiday vibes with a fully edible village, courtesy of the mysterious Harvard Pastry Chefs.
8. Penn State University showcases student production of A Christmas Carol
Nothing more authentic than sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how this theatre Christmas classic came together.
Best friends Albert the Gator and Alberta the Gator, the official mascots of the Florida Gators, got tangled up wrapping Christmas lights around each other.
Over in Ireland, we get a glimpse of University of Limerick students heading home to be with their families for Christmas.
Tsinghua University encouraged students to use a common hashtag to wish their community a happy new year, and put the videos all together for a joyful reel.
12. University of St. Thomas' What to Wear to the Christmas Party Dilemna
A cute lighthearted post on the ultimate post-exam question...
UBC took a different route and created a fun reel of facts and figures of 2023!
The University took a moment to playfully encourage 2024's graduating class.
15. University of Wyoming's plug for 2024 Study Abroad programs
This evergreen post was cleverly plugged in between holidays messages, at a time when so many of us dream of adventure and sunshine.
The University President ropes in his family for a higher education twist on Home Alone (best seen on mobile).
Even professors get in on the action, but the social media manager unmasked the oversized festive rodent.
LMU recaps the glorious moments of 2023 with a #2023seasoncomestoanend video.
19. Hofstra University graduate students' top moments of 2023
The University shows some #HofstraPride and shares Class of 2023's top moments of the year, and their hopes for 2024.
20. (Fictional) Bantshire University's tongue-in-cheek pre-emptive Happy New Year message
The last spot is reserved for notorious Bantshire University, a fictional parody university that posts playful and entertaining messages—and sometimes even interacts with real universities— on social media.
The holiday season is more than just tinsel and mistletoe—it's a strategic opportunity for higher education marketers and their institutions.
Did you make it yours in 2023? Share it with us in the comments below or on our social media channels.
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