Oakland Winter Lights
This winter, we invite residents and visitors alike to rediscover Oakland through a season-long celebration of light, art, and community.
Running from December through February, Oakland Winter Lights transforms the neighborhood into a glowing destination where creativity meets connection, brightening some of the city’s darkest months with installations, displays, and experiences that bring people together.
Experiences
Carnegie Trees at Carnegie Museum of Art
For over six decades, the annual installation and decoration of the soaring evergreens in the Hall of Architecture, fondly known as the Carnegie Trees, has been the signature tradition of the Women’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art. Each year the trees are decorated in celebration of different themes with ornaments handmade by the committee. This year’s theme, Around the World in 80 Days, pays homage to Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel that follows Phileas Fogg as he attempts to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. On view through January 11.
Igloo Lounge @ The Oaklander
Escape the chill and settle into your own private heated igloo on the winter patio at The Oaklander — a cozy, twinkle-lit haven perfect for gathering with friends, date nights, or a festive evening out. Enjoy seasonal light bites, shareable plates, and craft cocktails while you relax under the glow of string lights and take in the winter atmosphere.
Glow Stop: Living Lights
“Living Lights” is a uniquely creative installation wherein trees are illuminated with sound responsive lights and custom curated patterns by local artist ProjectileObjects. This year you will find it in the trees that line Forbes Avenue along Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
Glow Stop: Love Glow
Returning this season is “Love Glow,” a beloved community piece by Naomi Chambers, originally featured during Glowland. You can view this piece in person on the corner of Fifth and Oakland set upon some construction trailers, bringing light to every corner.
Phipps Holiday Magic
The holiday season simply isn’t complete without a trip to Phipps Holiday Magic, where glowing gardens and festive displays make spirits soar. This year’s playful theme, “Wild Winter,” invites you into a wonderland of whimsical topiary wildlife and enchanting scenes at every turn.
Glow Stop: Projected Flow
Along Forbes, between Meyran and Atwood, you will find this year's newest addition to our Glow Stops. Projected Flow is visible along the entire block and lights up the iriquois building throughout the evenings to bring a little glow to the Oakland Neighborhood.
The Holidays @ The University Club
The University Club is open to the public and the lobby will be decked out for the holidays with plenty of photo opportunities. After taking in the decorations, stop into the College Room Restaurant & Bar, located on the lobby level of the University Club for dinner or cocktails!
Winter Whitening Special @ Kukunas Prosthodontics
$300 off- Smile Bright This Winter! Give yourself the gift of a radiant smile this holiday season with our professional in-office dental whitening. Our safe, fast, and effective treatment lifts stains and brightens your teeth in just one visit—perfect for holiday photos, celebrations, and the New Year ahead. We will even include a take home kit so you can feel free to freshen up your winter pearly whites all year 'round!
Eats & Drinks
Tipsy Snowman Cocktail @ The Porch
Cozy up by the windows and enjoy looking out over Schenley Plaza while enjoying the Oakland Winter Lights featured cocktail, The Tipsy Snowman, at The Porch this season.
Smashed Waffle Winter Combo
Bite into Frosty's Peppermint Crunch waffle and sip on Frosty's Peppermint Bliss Latte to warm up with Smashed Waffles Winter Special!
Events
Dec 6, 10am-5pm | Winter Tide at Carnegie Natural History Museum
You’re invited to WinterTide, a one-day festival celebrating resilience, adaptation, and joy during the chilly winter months. Explore stories of survival and togetherness across nature and culture through hands-on activities, chats with natural history experts, and more. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and baked goods available for purchase in the heart of the event. We invite you to gather your favorite people to share joyful tidings and good cheer with the museum community.
Dec 7, 12-4PM | Nationality & Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House
In the spirit of an open house tradition and to foster connections among neighbors, members of the Nationality and Heritage Room Committees will welcome guests into the Cathedral of Learning for an afternoon of exploration and engagement. Guests will be invited into the Nationality and Heritage Rooms which will be decorated for the holiday season and can participate in traditional crafts and cultural demonstrations to learn about the rooms, the committees, and their ethnic communities and traditions. In the Cathedral of Learning Commons, guests will enjoy traditional treats as they listen to world and holiday music and shop for handcrafted and cultural wares and other items that represent the cultural diversity of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms.
Dec 7, 1-6pm | Latin American Cultural Center Holiday Open House
Stop in for a festive afternoon at the Latin American Cultural Center! Their annual Holiday Open House is free and open to the public. Explore the museum, enjoy hot chocolate, and take photos by their holiday tree.
Dec 12, 12:30-3:30 & Dec 14, 1-4 | Heinz Chapel Holiday Open Houses
A festive Holiday Open House with holiday classics on the pipe organ, hot chocolate and cookies, and the opportunity to shop for handmade gifts for everyone on your list. Pitt students, staff and faculty receive a 10% discount at the Chapel shop when they show their Pitt ID. Free & open to the public.
Dec 12, 8pm-Midnight | Winter Heat @ Carnegie Museum of Art
Join us on the dance floor as Pittsburgh’s top DJs—Arie Cole, HUNY XO, and Big Phill—set the vibe in the iconic Hall of Sculpture. Experience the Black Photojournalism exhibition, enjoy drinks, dance the night away, and strike a pose as contemporary photographers capture your style, moves, and energy.
Jan 24, 10am-4pm | Quiet Reading Party: Winter Read-a-Thon
Winter blues got you down? Why not treat your s(h)elf to a book-lover’s party where you’re encouraged to read and discuss what you’re reading with other bibliophiles! Included is also an assortment of free refreshments to help fuel your reading stamina and ramp up the cozy vibes. This program takes place at Carnegie LIbrary Main Branch in North Wing Music Room on the Second Floor.