It’s finals time and as all things go, finals too shall pass. The inevitable stress of end-of-semester hurdles will subside and college students all over will usher in a most welcomed winter break which grants a glorious month of freedom. Generally speaking, cabin fever eventually sets in and idle hands make poor choices. Luckily, Broadside is here to help with a generous list of all the happenings over the break so that one might always stay busy.
If going to a movie seems like a fun time, there are several great movies coming out over break. Fans of action or sci-fi will be excited for “Tron: Legacy” on Dec. 17 along with “Season of the Witch,” Nicholas Cage’s latest attempt at relevancy on Jan. 1. Comic book fans will be looking forward to “Green Hornet” starring Seth Rogen when it comes out on Jan. 14, as the world will be interested to see if Rogen can actually throw a punch. For those wanting a good laugh, “Gulliver’s Travels” starring Jack Black and Ben Stiller’s “Little Fockers” both arrive in theaters on Dec. 22.
Movies might not provide enough mid-winter stimulation, so for those sticking around Northern Virginia and the District, there are a dozen nightclubs, bars and seedy concert venues hosting late night entertainment. After all, every day over break is a Saturday. 930 Club is hosting some big names, including Wale on Dec. 22, the Roots on Dec. 27 and 28 and Gogol Bordello on New Year’s Eve.
If a show is what you want, but the concert experience is too much, be sure to check out “A Christmas Carol,” which is playing all through December at Ford’s Theater. It’s an engaging rendition of the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens that features George Mason University’s own Edward Gero as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Of course, what’s winter break without winter sports? Just because Mason students don’t find themselves in the arctic doesn’t mean skiing isn’t a viable option. Bryce Resort is a short two-hour drive west from Fairfax in Bayse, Va. and offers eight slopes and competitive prices all season long. Just south of Bryce is Massanutten Resort, which is slightly more expensive but offers special “college days” on Wednesdays and Fridays.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia is four hours out and easily the most expensive, but offers the most slopes and the best value for the money. It truly provides that idyllic ski resort feeling and would make a great winter vacation to purge one’s mind of those awful memories from finals week. Plus, if another snowpocalypse hits, there’s no better way to ride it out than to literally ride it out.
If watching sports seems more appealing, there are a ton of games going on in the area. The Patriot Center will be featuring basketball games all break and the Verizon Center will of course be hosting Wizards and Caps games. More importantly, the Harlem Globetrotters will be at the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore on Dec. 28 with another mind-blowing display of basketball skill.
If all else fails, there’s always Cabo. Flying south for the winter is a sure-fire way to beat the cold. Maybe New Year’s in Miami is the way to do it right.
Either way, there’s a ton to do over winter break that’s sure to refresh and rejuvenate students for the spring semester.
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