The 35th Annual Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House
The 35th Annual Holiday Open House, hosted by the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs, takes place in the Cathedral of Learning Commons. The event includes decorated rooms, traditional crafts, music, food, and a market for handcrafted wares.
What to Expect
Holiday open house in historic Nationality Rooms
Event Details
Duration
Afternoon
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Oakland
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs
Food & Drink
Traditional treats, handcrafted and cultural wares, and other items will be available for purchase.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Cultural exploration, holiday traditions, shopping
Vibe
Festive, educational, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parking is extremely limited on campus. Visitors may find on-street parking or use the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage. Buses and large vehicles must pull over to the right-hand side of the road completely with hazard lights on. Recommended drop-off locations for buses are on Bellefield Avenue or Bigelow Boulevard. No dedicated bus parking is available on campus. Parking long-term is not permitted in temporary pull-off areas. Parking tickets are 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. The Third Floor is fully accessible. Elevators can be used. Accessible parking is available in the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage. Guests requiring accessible entrances should be dropped off at the Fifth Avenue entrance.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early, especially if driving, as parking is extremely limited on campus. Consider using rideshare services or public transportation to ensure a smooth arrival.
- Download the free 'Nationality Rooms Official Audio App' before your visit to enhance your self-guided exploration with historical context and stories.
- While food and drink are available for purchase, they are not permitted inside the Nationality and Heritage Rooms themselves. Please enjoy them in designated areas.
- If you have specific room requests, communicate them to your tour guide for the best chance of seeing them during your visit.
- Check the event status and weather forecast before you go, as tours may be canceled due to poor weather or building closures. Contact them for rescheduling or refund information.
Special Events & Promotions
- Guests can purchase food and gift items.
- Members of Nationality and Heritage Room Committees will welcome guests.
- Traditional crafts and cultural demonstrations will be offered.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission cost for guided tours?
90-minute 'Highlight' Guided Tours are $10 for adults and $6 for youth. 30-minute 'Mini' Guided 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, checks, or Apple Pay.
Where can parking be found for visitors?
Parking is limited. On-street parking is available, and the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage is adjacent to the Cathedral. Buses and large vehicles have specific drop-off instructions and no dedicated parking. It is recommended to use rideshare services or public transportation.
What is accessibility like for the Cathedral of Learning?
Accessible entrances are on the West (Bigelow Boulevard) Ground Floor and East (Bellefield Avenue) First Floor. Ramps are on the First Floor, and the Third Floor is fully accessible. Elevators are available. Accessible parking is in the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage.
Are food/drink/bagged lunches allowed in the Nationality Rooms?
Food and drink are not permitted inside the Nationality and Heritage Rooms. Closed beverages may be brought in but must remain closed. Bagged lunches are best stored in vehicles, as there is no official indoor eating area and the Visitor Center cannot store them.
Are photographs of the Nationality Rooms allowed?
Personal photography is generally allowed. Prior approval from University Communications and Marketing is required for commercial photography or videography. Wedding photography is not permitted, and video recording by visitors is not allowed.
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.