The end of the semester is within grasp, which means battling the dark side with finals to reach our beloved winter break. Patience you must have fellow students, because the battle to get through the Fall semester is tough, but you either do or don’t because there is no try.
Once winter break is upon us, there are a plethora of activities and places to explore since we live in the central area of California.  
Whether it is traveling up to the snow, attending sporting events or even seeing the new “Star Wars” movie, there are many different options to choose from.
If you want to have some fun in the snow, one possible destination to check out that is relatively close by is Dodge Ridge Ski Area up in Pinecrest.  
The ski resort offers a great location for snowboarding and skiing, and they have a huge rental shop for those who need to borrow a board or a set of skis.
“I love that place, but haven’t been in a few years cause of lack of snow,” Nathan DeTomasi (senior, Anthropology/Kinesiology) said of the Dodge Ridge Ski Area. “I like it because it’s an easy drive, not too far away and has good back country to ride in.”
There have been flurries of snow recently in the area, with more expected to come so do not be discouraged.  You can also pick up discounted Dodge Ridge lift ticket vouchers at both Save Mart Supermarkets locations in Turlock.
To view snow and weather reports, pricing and additional information, you can check out the ski resort’s website at dodgeridge.com.
Farther north is the Boreal Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, which is home to amazing stretches of terrain to ski, snowboard, tube or whatever else you can think of doing in the snow.
The resort boasts having some of the lowest holiday lift tickets prices around and even has “$15 Fridays,” where college students can get in for $15 just by flashing a valid college ID card.
For more information on the Boreal Mountain Resort, you can visit rideboreal.com/winter.
Another fun activity that is indoors, but still gives off the essence of winter is attending a San Jose Sharks game during their 25^th anniversary season in the lively downtown area of San Jose.  
The “Shark Tank,” or SAP Center, is the place they call home. It gets very rowdy during the hockey games, especially when the Sharks net a goal.
The Sharks games feature an awesome atmosphere, good food and drinks and plenty of action with occasional fist fights.  The games are typically in the evenings and are a lot of fun to attend.
“I think it would be great to attend a game just because I’ve never been to a pro hockey game,” Aaron Thomas (senior, Criminal Justice) said.    
You can usually pick up some tickets on StubHub for around $50 per seat, with weeknight games being cheaper than weekend games.  For information on ticket pricing, the Sharks schedule or anything else, visit their website at sharks.nhl.com.
There’s been some buzz about where the closest ice rink is for Turlock locals. The famous R.A.M Farms in Turlock is known for their festive corn maze, which was sure to have you feeling the fall vibes, but they aren’t stopping there.
They are back in style with their 9,600 foot ice rink, Turlock Fields of Ice, located at 716 N. Daubenberger Road. They are now open for their third season as of Nov. 25 and will stay open until Jan. 18. 
Not only is this a great place to hit the ice with family and friends, but they also offer ice skating lessons and bookings for birthday parties.
Turlock Fields of Ice is also the home of “Ron’s Amazing Trees,” which offers families a chance to participate in two festive traditions in one trip. Picking out a Christmas tree and spending the day skating with family sounds like the perfect winter day.
For more information on Fields of Ice, visit their website at turlockfieldsofice.com.
Modesto has also jumped on the ice rink bandwagon with their brand new seasonal ice rink, located downtown near the Modesto Centre Plaza. “Modesto on Ice” offers a full ice rink with bleachers, birthday party bookings and concessions.
Students who commute from Modesto to California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) have noticed this new opening and are excited to try it out.
“I think it’s really great that Modesto is trying to involve the community and give us something fun and new to do with friends,” Megan Robertson (freshman, Pre-Nursing) said.
Each public skate will be sponsored by a local business. The times and ticket prices are located here for each session and date. 
If you’re looking for a day-long activity with the family, Del Osso Farms in Lathrop will be offering their annual “Holidays on the Farm” from Dec. 12 to Jan. 2. Another famous pumpkin patch turns Christmas themed when they fill their slopes with snow.
Del Osso is known for their 90 minute snow tubing sessions, which only cost $20 per person. If tubing isn’t for you, they also offer a zip line, express train, children’s rides and a light show.
Most hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, some special hours are listed on the Del Osso Farms website at holidaysonthefarm.com.
If you would like to experience some Christmas light fun at a more local setting, make sure to visit the Christmas Tree Lanes in either Turlock or Ceres and Light Show Lane in Modesto.
Both locations offer extremely detailed, residential houses which are decorated in Christmas lights or provide a musical light show corresponding to your radio station. This local option allows you to stay in your car and save some cash as well.
Light Show Lane, which is located in Modesto, is an exciting area that everyone should see and hear for themselves.
The light show uses about 236 computer operated channels and over 50,000 lights. The show is also operated to sync with 30 selected songs, lasting over an hour long.
This show can be heard from the street, or you can stay in your car and tune in on the appropriate FM station it corresponds with. Not only do they provide a great show, but they sponsor Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army.
Christmas Tree Lane is also a traditional way Turlock locals enjoy the holidays while staying on a budget. The decorated houses are located off on Michael Way. Ceres also boasts its own Christmass Tree Lane off Moffet Road.
The lights normally go up toward the middle of December, giving families a chance to get into the Christmas spirit.
Whether it’s a ski trip, hockey game or just a night stroll around a block of decorated houses, there is plenty to do as soon as winter break is in full force.