As the sun faded on a clear Thursday afternoon, the MIT community came together to enjoy excellent food, music, and company at the annual Winterfest celebration.
Each year Winterfest kicks off the holiday season and all that comes with it for MIT’s community members, from final exams to a much-deserved year-end break to Independent Activities Period in January.
The event included a surprise lighting of MIT’s Great Dome in cardinal red, to honor President L. Rafael Reif, who will be stepping down from the helm at the end of 2022.
The Great Dome was adorned with the number 17 to honor L. Rafael Reif, MIT’s 17th president.
Image: Jake Belcher
A group including President Reif and his wife Christine gathered at the edge of Killian Court for the surprise.
Image: Jake Belcher
With music, food, and a variety of holiday treats, Winterfest provided ample reason for all community members to feel the holiday cheer.
Image: Jake Belcher
Tim the Beaver also made rounds, taking pictures and giving out hugs.
Image: Jake Belcher
A colorfully lit corridor connected the two buildings and served as the closest thing MIT could get to an igloo on the unseasonably warm afternoon.
Image: Jake Belcher
The dome lighting surprise came at the conclusion of Winterfest, making for a meaningful end to a lighthearted afternoon.
Image: Jake Belcher
