The holiday season offers a valuable opportunity for schools to foster connection and celebrate community. Each year, Higher Education Marketing reviews holiday videos from institutions across the education spectrum to spotlight standout examples that capture the spirit of the season while supporting broader marketing goals.
This annual holiday video post brings together some of our favourite picks from this year’s festive content. From heartfelt messages of gratitude to creative student-led performances, these videos show how colleges and universities are using year-end storytelling to connect with students, staff, alumni, and prospective families in meaningful ways. Beyond tradition, holiday videos have become a strategic tool in higher education marketing, helping schools showcase their personality, values, and milestones from the past year.
Whether it is a lighthearted campus moment or a thoughtful message from institutional leadership, a well-crafted holiday video can generate goodwill, boost social engagement, and reinforce school spirit. The best part is that these moments do not require a Hollywood budget. With a strong concept, authentic voices, and a little seasonal creativity, schools of any size can produce compelling year-end content.
In this post, we will explore what makes an effective holiday video, share practical production tips, and highlight some of the best holiday videos of the season, according to the HEM team.
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What Is a Holiday Highlight Video for Schools?
A holiday highlight video is a short, engaging piece of content that schools create to celebrate the festive season while reflecting on the year’s milestones. Blending seasonal charm with storytelling, these videos typically showcase memorable moments, achievements, and community messages, wrapped in a festive tone that resonates with audiences across generations.
Unlike a standard event recap, holiday highlight videos often include holiday music, decorations, or creative themes to evoke warmth and cheer. They may feature snippets from campus events, student performances, messages of thanks from leadership, or lighthearted skits that show off your school’s personality.
These videos are usually concise and shareable, perfect for distribution across social media, email newsletters, and your website. Whether heartwarming or humorous, the goal is to celebrate your school community, express appreciation, and leave viewers with a lasting positive impression. Think of it as a year-in-review meets a holiday greeting card, brought to life on screen.
Why Should Colleges and Universities Create Holiday Videos For Their Community?
Producing a holiday video might seem like a lighthearted tradition, but it holds serious strategic value for educational institutions. From strengthening community ties to enhancing your brand visibility, here are five reasons why colleges and universities should consider creating a holiday highlight video:
1. Strengthen Community Connections
Holiday videos offer a powerful way to reinforce a sense of belonging. By featuring students, faculty, staff, and alumni, schools can celebrate their shared experiences and spirit. These videos become a reflection of community life, highlighting festive events, volunteer efforts, and everyday moments that matter.
For example, the University of Louisville once released a holiday video where its mascot delivered handwritten cards across campus, culminating in a warm message from an administrator. This kind of storytelling reinforces school pride and strengthens emotional bonds among viewers.
2. Showcase Values and Campus Culture
A holiday video is also a chance to communicate your school’s values in action. Whether it’s highlighting inclusivity, creativity, service, or academic excellence, these videos offer a glimpse of campus life through a seasonal lens.
Adelphi University, for instance, created a holiday video featuring its panther mascot distributing scarves and hats to students. Along the way, viewers were treated to quick scenes in the library, labs, and dorms, an engaging way to showcase school spirit while spotlighting facilities and values like generosity and community support.
3. Engage Students, Prospects, and Alumni
Video is a highly engaging content format, especially across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. A well-produced holiday video grabs attention more effectively than a typical end-of-year message and offers entertainment, recognition, and emotional connection in one package.
Students enjoy seeing familiar faces and moments captured, while prospective students gain a glimpse of campus life and the people who shape it. A great holiday video can humanize your institution and offer a feel-good experience that’s easy to share, extending your reach organically.
4. Celebrate Successes and Boost Morale
The end of the calendar year is the perfect moment to celebrate your school’s accomplishments. A holiday video allows you to highlight academic achievements, sports victories, community impact, and institutional milestones, all wrapped in a festive, uplifting tone.
The University of Michigan, for example, once released a holiday video of its annual tree lighting ceremony that featured pediatric patients as special guests. The message was heartwarming and celebratory, perfectly blending joy with meaning, boosting morale, and reinforcing shared values.
5. Build Tradition and Institutional Memory
Producing a holiday video each year can evolve into a cherished tradition. These videos serve as visual keepsakes, documenting your institution’s journey and growth. Schools like UNC Greensboro (UNCG) have become known for their annual holiday productions, consistently showcasing creativity and school spirit. Over time, these videos build anticipation, tradition, and a deeper emotional connection with your audience.
In short, holiday videos are more than just festive fun; they’re powerful storytelling tools that strengthen community, showcase culture, engage audiences, and leave a lasting impression.
Using Holiday Videos for Student Recruitment and Brand Awareness
Beyond community engagement, holiday videos can also be a strategic asset for student recruitment and brand visibility. How can a school use holiday videos to support student recruitment and brand awareness? Schools can use holiday videos to showcase campus culture, student life, and values in a warm, authentic way. These videos humanize the brand, create an emotional connection, and give prospective students a real glimpse of the community, helping strengthen brand awareness and support recruitment decisions.
Here’s how they support marketing objectives:
Showcasing Campus Life to Prospects
Prospective students want to feel a connection with a school before applying. Holiday videos, featuring real moments, smiling faces, and decorated spaces, offer a genuine snapshot of campus life. When students from diverse backgrounds or student clubs are included, the video subtly highlights key differentiators such as diversity, inclusivity, and student support services.
Highlighting Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Some institutions weave their USPs directly into their holiday messaging. Loyola Marymount University’s business school did this creatively with a festive jingle that spotlighted the school’s mission and LA location. Similarly, the University of Georgia released a video featuring the excitement of acceptance letters, reminding viewers of the transformative power of education.
Boosting Reach and Engagement on Social Media
Posting your holiday video on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can significantly increase impressions and engagement. These platforms are ideal for spreading festive content organically, with the potential to reach prospective students through shares, likes, and algorithmic boosts.
Humanizing Your Brand
Holiday videos put a friendly face on your institution. Whether it’s professors sending greetings, mascots dancing, or students sharing traditions, this content feels personal. Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences, for example, created a multilingual video featuring holiday wishes from staff and faculty, an inclusive gesture that made the school feel warm and welcoming.
Standing Out in the Recruitment Cycle
Not every school produces a holiday video. Doing so, especially with creativity, helps differentiate your institution. A joyful, thoughtful video signals school spirit, attention to detail, and a people-first culture. In short, holiday videos serve as soft-sell marketing: warm, memorable, and brand-enhancing.
Creative Holiday Video Ideas (Even on a Small Budget)
Producing a standout holiday video doesn’t require a Hollywood budget, just heart, creativity, and smart use of the resources at your disposal. In fact, many of the most engaging school holiday videos are simple in execution but rich in authenticity and charm. Here are cost-effective ideas to inspire your next festive project:
1. Leverage Student Talent
Involve students in video creation, whether through filming, editing, animation, or music. Georgia State University’s College of the Arts, for example, produced a delightful animated video created entirely by students and alumni. It doubled as a class project and portfolio piece. Similarly, student musicians can perform holiday tunes as soundtracks, adding personality while saving on licensing and production costs.
2. Use Smartphones and Free Tools
A smartphone, a tripod (or steady hand), and free apps like iMovie or TikTok are all you need. Many schools shoot short clips of decorated halls, festive events, or faculty greetings using DIY techniques. Planning your shots ahead of time and keeping edits tight will go a long way in producing polished results.
3. Keep It Short and Focused
Short videos (under 60 seconds) are cheaper to make and often more effective online. UWE Bristol, for instance, shared a short clip of its lit Christmas tree and the season’s first snow, a serene moment that resonated with viewers. Viewership stats show drop-off rates after two minutes, so brevity is best.
4. Pick a Simple Theme
Stick to one clever idea. Clackamas Community College parodied Home Alone with its president on an empty campus, while James Madison University reimagined ’Twas the Night Before Christmas for finals week. Both relied on humor, recognizable formats, and minimal props, proving that creativity trumps complexity.
5. Crowdsource Clips
Ask students and staff to submit short videos or photos answering a seasonal prompt (“What’s your favorite winter tradition?”). Compile the submissions into a festive montage with background music. UNC Greensboro’s Bryan School used this approach for a holiday tips video, creating a lively, inclusive piece with no production costs.
6. Repurpose Existing Content
Footage from recent concerts, service events, or campus celebrations can be repackaged into a highlight reel. Layer in a new narration or a simple greeting to refresh the narrative and give it a festive twist.
7. Add Holiday Magic with Simple Effects
Basic editing tricks, like sparkles, snowfall overlays, or festive text, can elevate even the simplest shots. Trent University created a magical moment by using a glowing book effect in its holiday greeting. Free overlays and royalty-free music can help polish your final product without added expense.
8. Embrace Authenticity
When production quality is limited, lean into warmth and sincerity. A candid thank-you message from your president or a casual walk through campus celebrations can feel more genuine, and often more engaging, than a heavily scripted production.
Ultimately, holiday videos are about joy, gratitude, and connection. With a little planning and a lot of heart, even a small-budget project can leave a lasting impact.
Optimal Length and Platform: Making Sure Your Holiday Video Hits the Mark
When planning a holiday video, two key questions often come up: How long should it be? And where should it be posted for the best engagement? Getting these right can make a big difference in how your video performs.
Ideal Length
The sweet spot for holiday videos is typically between one and three minutes. Shorter videos tend to perform better across all platforms. Data shows that videos under one minute retain up to 70 percent of viewers, while completion rates drop sharply after the two-minute mark. Unless your content is highly compelling, longer videos are at risk of losing viewers before the message is delivered.
Platform-Specific Strategy
Each social platform has its own best practices. TikTok and Instagram Reels are ideal for short-form content under 60 seconds. Facebook and YouTube are more accommodating for videos in the one-to-three-minute range. If your video is for social sharing, create a quick version under a minute. For website placement or email campaigns, a slightly longer version may be appropriate.
Editing for Pace and Impact
A well-edited video can deliver a meaningful message in a short amount of time. Quick cuts, engaging visuals, and upbeat music help keep viewers interested. If you have a lot of content, consider creating a teaser or trailer version for social media, with a call to action to watch the full video on your website.
Aim for clarity, energy, and brevity. Your audience will appreciate a concise, thoughtful message that respects their time.
Best Platforms for Sharing School Holiday Videos
To maximize the reach and impact of your holiday video, share it across multiple platforms. Each channel offers unique advantages:
YouTube
YouTube is essential. It functions as both a content hub and a search engine, making it ideal for embedding on your website and sharing in emails. Optimize your video with a descriptive title, a thoughtful caption, and tags that include your school’s name and keywords like “holiday video” or “seasonal greeting.” YouTube is particularly effective for reaching a wide audience, including prospective students, alumni, and the public.
Facebook and Instagram
These platforms are perfect for community engagement. Upload the video directly to Facebook for better reach and visibility in the algorithm. On Instagram, short videos (under 60 seconds) work well as Reels or posts. For longer content, consider sharing a teaser with a link in your bio or stories. Both platforms allow easy sharing, which helps spread the message organically.
Twitter (X)
While not a primary video platform, Twitter is useful for posting short clips or teasers, especially if you want to reach media or partners. Keep videos under the platform’s time limit, or link to the full version elsewhere.
TikTok
If your school has a presence on TikTok, share a short, creative version of your holiday message here. This could be a behind-the-scenes moment, a student-led skit, or a festive transformation. TikTok content thrives on authenticity and trend alignment, making it a powerful tool for reaching Gen Z.
School Website and Emails
Feature your holiday video prominently on your homepage, news section, or in year-end emails. A dedicated landing page adds a professional touch and provides space for a message or photo gallery.
Final Tip
Use strong thumbnails and captions. A festive visual and on-screen text can capture attention and ensure your message gets across, even when the sound is off.
Planning and Timing: When to Start Working on Your Holiday Video
Timing is crucial to producing a successful school holiday video. Here’s how to ensure your video comes together smoothly and on schedule.
Begin Early in the Fall
Start brainstorming in September or October. This gives you time to develop the concept, write a script, recruit participants, and schedule filming. If your video needs approvals from administration or marketing, building in lead time is essential. Early planning also allows for creativity; you’ll have time to troubleshoot or reshoot if needed.
Work Around Academic Calendars
Aim to film before the busiest part of the term. November is ideal, before finals and year-end events begin. If you plan to include winter decorations, schedule shoots for late November when the campus is typically dressed for the season.
Target a December Release
The first two weeks of December are the sweet spot. Audiences are still engaged, and the festive mood is building. Releasing too late, such as during winter break, means missing students and staff who have already checked out for the holidays.
Leave Time for Editing and Approvals
Once filming is complete, allocate at least one to two weeks for editing and stakeholder review. You’ll need time for feedback, fine-tuning, and adding polish such as titles, transitions, music, and captions.
Consider a Campus Premiere
Launch your video at a holiday event or on the last day of classes. Play it on big screens or in student lounges to create buzz, then share it widely online.
Promote Everywhere All at Once
Coordinate your launch across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, email newsletters, and student portals. Simultaneous posting helps your video gain traction and reach the widest audience.
Learn for Next Year
After launch, note what worked and what you’d change. Holiday videos often become annual traditions, and each cycle brings opportunities to refine the process.
Examples of Outstanding School Holiday Videos
Looking for inspiration for your school’s next holiday video? These 10 standout examples from colleges and universities around the world illustrate the wide range of creative approaches available. From lighthearted skits to heartfelt messages, these videos show how festive storytelling can connect and delight on any budget.
The University of Vermont
The University of Vermont’s 2025 holiday greeting video, titled “Holiday Gratitudes, from UVM to You,” compiles touching moments of gratitude from across the campus community. It features students, faculty, and staff expressing what they’re most thankful for amid warm, wintry scenes of campus. This uplifting montage works as a holiday message because it fosters a sense of community and reflection, leaving viewers feeling appreciative and connected.
Source: YouTube
Camosun College
Camosun College’s 2025 holiday video features President Dr. Lane Trotter delivering a warm thank-you to the community and a hopeful outlook for the year ahead. Filmed at the new John Horgan Campus, the video highlights the resilience and spirit of the Camosun community. This personal approach works because it puts a familiar face front and center, making the gratitude and optimism feel genuine and resonant.
Source: Facebook
University of Toronto (New College)
New College at the University of Toronto’s 2025 holiday video takes an inclusive approach, uniting heartfelt greetings from alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and students into one festive montage. This warm compilation works well because viewers see themselves represented, which truly reinforces a sense of belonging for all and community pride during the holidays while celebrating the entire New College family’s diversity.
Source: YouTube
Simon Fraser University
Marking SFU’s 60th anniversary, the 2025 holiday video asks the community, “What is your favourite holiday tradition?” and features students, faculty, and alumni sharing cherished customs old and new, showcasing SFU’s rich tapestry of celebrations.
This concept shines by inviting personal storytelling and nostalgia. Celebrating both long-held and emerging traditions creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere that honors the university’s history and diverse holiday spirit.
Source: YouTube
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University’s 2025 video, “Home for the Holidays,” mixes fun and heart by having Boomer the Bobcat (the mascot) host a festive holiday party. It’s designed to capture the sense of belonging the community gave the new president and her family.
This “home” narrative works because a beloved mascot and charming storyline showcase the university community as a family, yielding a feel-good message full of school spirit and inclusivity.
Source: YouTube
Kutztown University
Kutztown University chose a daring and endearing route this time. Seeking to do something different, the university settled on recreating scenes from some of the most beloved Christmas movies (including, you guessed it, Home Alone), with Kutztown University President Dr. Phil Cavalier dressed as the protagonists each time.
Later on, the president appears alongside the student government president and secretary to wish everyone in the community a safe, happy holiday. The simplicity of this concept is its strength: uniting administrators and students in one sincere greeting makes it feel authentic and inclusive to the whole K.U. family.
Source: YouTube
Widener University
Widener University’s 2025 video, “Holiday Lights: A Chester & Melrose Story,” is a playful short film starring the university’s lion mascots, Chester and Melrose. Framed as a mini holiday movie (even earning cheeky “reviews” like “the purr-fect holiday movie”), it follows the mascots on a festive adventure to light up campus.
This fun approach brims with school spirit and works by using mascots in a humorous narrative that makes the message memorable.
Source: Facebook
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews’ 2025 festive video celebrates tradition with a beautiful performance by the St Salvator’s Chapel Choir set against a festively decorated campus. It also thanks the global St Andrews community for their support.
This concept succeeds by showcasing a cherished university tradition (the chapel choir), evoking nostalgia and pride. The blend of music, scenery, and gratitude creates a heartfelt connection with alumni and students around the world.
Source: YouTube
Loyola Marymount University (College of Business Administration)
LMU’s College of Business Administration goes musical with a catchy holiday jingle. Students wrote and performed custom lyrics (set to a familiar holiday tune) that highlight the school’s programs and its Los Angeles locale. The video feels like a mini music number. A group of business students don Santa hats and LMU gear as they sing about CBA’s offerings, from entrepreneurship to the sunny L.A. campus, all to the melody of a well-known Christmas song. It’s professionally shot but student-driven.
Notably, LMU credited two student marketing interns for leading the production, emphasizing the student involvement. It’s catchy, festive, and informative. The jingle sticks in your head while subtly conveying the college’s strengths (academic programs, location, vibe). This fun approach differentiates LMU CBA from more standard greetings. Plus, showcasing student talent (both on camera and behind the scenes) sends a message that CBA is a creative, close-knit community, one that knows how to celebrate in style.
Source: Instagram
Make Sure To Spread Your Message This Festive Season
The holiday season is a meaningful opportunity for schools to highlight community, values, and accomplishments in a creative and heartfelt way. A thoughtfully produced holiday video can engage students, alumni, faculty, and prospective families alike, while reinforcing your school’s brand and culture.
As we’ve seen, schools don’t need a big budget to make a big impression. With early planning, creativity, and collaboration, even small teams can produce memorable content that brings people together. Whether your video is humorous, reflective, musical, or student-led, the most impactful ones are authentic and community-driven.
So gather your creative team, involve students and staff, and let your school’s spirit shine. Your holiday video won’t just be a seasonal greeting; it will become a tradition, a marketing asset, and a lasting keepsake.
Are you looking for education marketing services?
Our expert digital marketing services can help you attract and enroll more students!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is a holiday highlight video for schools?
Answer: A holiday highlight video is a short, engaging piece of content that schools create to celebrate the festive season while reflecting on the year’s milestones. Blending seasonal charm with storytelling, these videos typically showcase memorable moments, achievements, and community messages, wrapped in a festive tone that resonates with audiences across generations.
Question: Why should colleges and universities create holiday videos for their community?
Answer: Producing a holiday video might seem like a lighthearted tradition, but it holds serious strategic value for educational institutions. From strengthening community ties to enhancing your brand visibility.
Question: How can a school use holiday videos to support student recruitment and brand awareness?
Answer: Schools can use holiday videos to showcase campus culture, student life, and values in a warm, authentic way. These videos humanize the brand, create emotional connection, and give prospective students a real glimpse of the community, helping strengthen brand awareness and support recruitment decisions.