Memorial Union holiday coffee

An annual celebration of community and holiday traditions for ASU students, staff, faculty, and retirees. Sponsored by the Memorial Union and Sun Devil Dining.

About the Holiday Coffee

Since 1955, the Holiday Coffee has served as an annual celebration of community and tradition for Arizona State University at the Tempe campus for students, faculty, staff, and retirees. The coffee is regarded as a yearly opportunity to greet friends from all segments of campus as well as old friends who return to campus for the annual event. This free event is one of the longest-running traditions at ASU and is typically held the week prior to fall semester finals.

The Memorial Union (MU) has hosted the Holiday Coffee since its beginning. Known as the campus community center, the MU is a fitting location because of the numerous programs and services supporting the ASU community. The MU and catering staff has traditionally served on the planning committee coordinating invitations, decorations, refreshments and entertainment.

First called the Christmas Coffee, the name was changed to Holiday Coffee in the 1990s to reflect the diverse ASU population and to honor all cultural and religious holidays customarily celebrated this time of year.

Retirees from ASU have played a vital and active role in the Holiday Coffee. The retirees' affection for the Holiday Coffee was especially apparent in the early 1990s when budget cuts threaten to cancel the event. The association organized a special committee resulting in the generous donation of over 800 cookies, allowing the time-honored tradition to continue.

Students view the Holiday Coffee as a festive way to conclude the fall semester. "Students are stressed by the end of the semester and the Holiday Coffee provides a great opportunity to take a little break, gather, and socialize in the holiday spirit with the rest of the ASU family," said one student about her experience at the Holiday Coffee.

The MU is proud to host this annual event as a thank you to the ASU community in the spirit of the holiday season, please be sure to stop by this year's Holiday Coffee and experience this ASU time-honored tradition.