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UK December graduation 2026: a family's day at Rupp Arena

UK's December Commencement is Friday, December 18, 2026, with ceremonies at 10 am and 2 pm at Rupp Arena. Guests need no tickets and park free. Here is what UK says about the day, and where to find food and plans downtown before or after.

By Around Lex · Facts checked , some rechecked since · About 1 min read

Rupp Arena's angled glass and metal facade lit from inside at dusk, seen across West High Street from the brick plaza at Triangle Park in January 2023, with bare young trees and fresh mulch in the foreground.
Rupp Arena, . Historical photo.Photo: Ezugger · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Credits & changes

Quick answers

When is UK's December 2026 graduation?

Friday, December 18, 2026, at Rupp Arena, with one ceremony at 10 am and one at 2 pm. UK assigns each college to a ceremony and lists them on its Commencement page.

Source: commencement.uky.edu, checked .

Do guests need tickets?

No. UK's Commencement FAQ says guests need no tickets and there is no limit on how many guests may attend.

Source: commencement.uky.edu, checked .

Where do we park?

UK's FAQ says parking at Rupp Arena is free for guests and graduates. Accessible parking and seating are first come, first served, so UK suggests arriving an hour early.

Source: commencement.uky.edu, checked .

Can family watch online?

Yes. UK livestreams each ceremony on YouTube and posts the link on the Commencement homepage the morning of the ceremony.

Source: commencement.uky.edu, checked .

Edition ending . Check the date of each idea below.

Friday, December 18: 10 am and 2 pm

UK lists two ceremonies at Rupp Arena, 430 West Vine Street. Each lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, according to UK's FAQ. Bags follow UK basketball's rules, so pack light. Questions go to UK Commencement at commencement@uky.edu or 859-218-6699.

View UK December Commencement 2026

Before or after: downtown

Rupp Arena sits downtown, so restaurants, the Lexington Children's Museum and Triangle Park are a short walk away. Our downtown page lists checked places with their hours; check each one for holiday hours that week.

Staying through the holidays

UK men's basketball plays at Rupp Arena on December 22 and December 28, and the holiday lights and markets run through the month. The weekend list shows what is on the days you are here.

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Guide link: https://aroundlex.com/guides/uk-december-graduation-2026

Official sources for this guide

Conditions can change after a recorded check. Recheck visitor information before leaving.

A useful starting point, not a reservation.

Check the linked official sources for opening hours, admission, restrictions, and changes. These suggestions do not imply affiliation or a measured walking route.

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