As the fall 2025 semester comes to a close, it’s typical to feel the overbearing weight of completing final exams, projects and essays, all while still trying to find time to enjoy holiday festivities. For those unsure of where to begin in these endeavors, here are some upcoming Chatham University holiday events and traditions to offer a little bit of warmth, community and a much-needed distraction before the transition into winter break commences.
Holiday Gift Making with Wax from Eden Hall Apiary
2-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Eden Hall
Make gifts such as ornaments and candles using wax sourced from Eden Hall’s two bee yards with the Eden Hall Apiary Team. As of publication, the specific location is to be determined. Candlelight 8-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 Campbell Memorial Chapel This annual event celebrates winter with the Chatham Choir performing a mix of seasonal and traditional songs, along with community members reading various passages set to a backdrop of glowing candles. Prior to Candlelight, join alumni, faculty and staff from 6-7:30 p.m. for a reception in Mellon Center.
Holiday Ball and Eggnog
9-11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Mellon Board Room
Mingle and dance with friends over free food and drinks in the Mellon Board Room to conclude a celebratory night of the longstanding Candlelight and Holiday Ball traditions.
Moonlight Breakfast
7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8
Anderson Dining Hall
Cramming for finals? Unload and take a break over breakfast for dinner. This free event allows students to unwind after Reading Day – a day with no classes making its return to campus this fall that’s dedicated to last-minute studying and preparation for finals. Additionally, all attendees at Moonlight Breakfast will be entered into a raffle, where prizes are distributed every 15 minutes starting at 7:45 p.m.
Survey
4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Art & Design Center (ADC)
Survey marks the close of each semester with a celebratory showcase. Upper-level students’ creative work fills the ADC, giving faculty, peers and visiting artists a chance to explore and connect over a range of mediums. It’s a standout moment to appreciate the effort students put into their practice throughout the term. The event also features free refreshments.
Piano Lumière
6-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Campbell Memorial Chapel
This year’s Piano Lumière will consist of two pianists – Jimmy Liu and Kevin Lee Sun – performing while surrounded by thousands of candles. This will mark the first two-piano candlelight performance in Pittsburgh. Organist Alaine Fink and youth piano-violin duo Alex and Katie Ding will also share performances. Tickets are required for admission to this event, with student tickets priced at $25 each (plus a $1.06 fee) and general admission at $50 each (plus a $1.80 fee). All purchases can be made through the link on my.chatham. edu or at pianolumiere.com.
In addition to these Chatham traditions, be sure to check my.chatham.edu under the “Happenings” page to discover more University and student organization-led events. The Screaming Squirrel newsletter, released every Thursday, is an additional way to stay up to date on weekly student happenings.
Note: Chatham Palooza was originally featured in this article, but the event was cancelled after publication.
