Holiday Open House
Step into a world of cultural celebration at the 35th Annual Holiday Open House. Explore the beautifully decorated Nationality and Heritage Rooms, engage in traditional crafts, and discover the rich traditions of diverse ethnic communities. Enjoy festive treats, world music, and shop for unique handcrafted items in the Cathedral of Learning Commons. This free event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and support student global learning.
What to Expect
Cultural exploration within 31 uniquely decorated Nationality Rooms
Event Details
Duration
4 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Oakland
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs
Food & Drink
Traditional treats and cultural wares available for purchase in the Commons. Food and drink are not permitted inside the Nationality and Heritage Rooms.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Cultural exploration and holiday traditions
Vibe
Festive, educational, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parking in Oakland may be extremely limited. Visitors arriving by car may find on-street parking or use the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage. Buses and large vehicles must not block traffic and should use designated drop-off areas on Bellefield Avenue or Bigelow Boulevard. There is no dedicated bus parking on campus. Parking is not validated.
- Accessibility: Accessible entrances are available on the West (Bigelow Boulevard) Ground Floor and East (Bellefield Avenue) First Floor. Ramps are available on the First Floor, and elevators can be used independently or during tours. The Third Floor is fully accessible.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early or consider public transportation/ride-sharing services, as parking in Oakland can be extremely limited during popular events.
- Download the free Nationality Rooms Official Audio App before your visit for an enhanced self-guided experience, available on Apple and Google Play stores.
- While food and drink are available for purchase, they are not permitted inside the Nationality and Heritage Rooms themselves; plan to consume them in the Commons area.
- If you have specific room interests, mention them to your Quo Vadis guide, as they can sometimes tailor the tour route to include them.
- Check the event's FAQ page for the most up-to-date information on tour availability, cancellations, and visitor guidelines before planning your visit.
Special Events & Promotions
- Fundraising event for scholarships supporting student global learning experiences.
- Opportunity for Pitt students to receive outside of the classroom curriculum credit.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission cost for guided tours?
90-minute guided tours are $10 for adults and $6 for youth. 30-minute mini tours are $5 for adults and $3 for youth. Children under 5 are free. No discounts are offered for seniors, students, or alumni. Pitt students do not receive free or discounted admission. Payment is accepted via debit/credit card or check; cash is not accepted.
How does self-guiding work?
Self-guided tours are available on weekends and during academic breaks when classes are not in session. A keycard is exchanged for a valid ID and must be returned within 2 hours. Visitors can use the free Nationality Rooms Official Audio App. Self-guided tours are not available Mondays through Fridays when classes are in session.
Are food and drink allowed in the Nationality Rooms?
Food and drink are not permitted inside the Nationality and Heritage Rooms. Closed beverages may be taken inside but must remain closed. Food and drink can be consumed in the Cathedral of Learning Commons or other areas.
Where can parking be found for visitors?
Parking in Oakland is limited. On-street parking and garages like Soldiers and Sailors are available for cars. Buses and large vehicles should use designated drop-off areas and are not permitted to block traffic. There is no dedicated bus parking on campus, and parking is not validated.
What is accessibility like for the Cathedral of Learning?
Accessible entrances are available on the West (Bigelow Boulevard) Ground Floor and East (Bellefield Avenue) First Floor. Ramps are available on the First Floor, and elevators can be used independently or during tours. The Third Floor is fully accessible.
More Christmas Events Near Pittsburgh
More Christmas Events near Pittsburgh
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.