Winter Break Events & Resources
Residential Education has developed an engaging and fun set of events and programs that will occur during Winter Break - all are welcome to join! Home athletics events and events hosted by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion are also listed below.
Dec. 17, 3 - 4 P.M.
Hot Cocoa Center Gathering
The Center
For any student needing a special retreat during the Winter Break, trade those end of the academic semester stress dreams for some sugary sweetness! Join us for a festive, hands-on hour of gingerbread house construction and decoration. We'll supply the houses, the icing, and all the candy-coated tools you need to create a masterpiece. Fuel your creativity with a decadent selection of hot chocolate and holiday desserts. It's the perfect way to kick off your winter break and get into the holiday spirit! The first 15 participants will receive a pair of festive holiday socks!!!
Dec. 18, 1 - 2 P.M.
Welcome to Winter Break Housing - Neighborhood Welcome with Pizza
Multiple Locations - Margaret Morrison Commons, Morewood Gardens 1st Floor Kitchen, and Fifth Ave Commons
Engage with staff and students staying on campus throughout Winter Break.
Dec. 18, 4 P.M.
Men's Basketball vs. Allegheny
Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Bring your Tartan pride to the Highmark Center as the Men's Basketball team faces off with Allegheny.
Dec. 18, 5:05 - 5:40 P.M.
Mid-week Recharge with SKY Meditation
Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Every week we explore new themes of meditation (like Yoga Nidra/NSDR). From breathwork to manage emotions, techniques and insights to manage stress to meditations for relaxation. There's always something new to experience!
Dec. 21, 9 - 11 A.M.
Heartfulness Sunday Meditation: Guided Meditation Masterclass
Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Gather every Sunday (meditation begins at 9:15 a.m.) for a practical session on Heartfulness Meditation with Yogic Transmission. Experience simple yet effective guided relaxation and meditation techniques. Reduce stress, calm your mind and improve the quality of life. Free and open to all.
Dec. 22, 3 P.M.
S'mores and Ginger Bread Houses Around the Fire
Fifth Avenue Commons
Join us in front of the fireplace at the Fifth Avenue Commons at 3 P.M. for making S'mores and creating Ginger Bread houses.
DEC. 23, 2 P.M.
Holiday Market Trip
Meet at the Cohon University Center, Lee Lobby (Brown Chairs)
Take the bus with your peers and enjoy a trip to the Peoples Gas Holiday Market downtown! View the list of vendors present and find out more information on their website.
DEC. 28, 2 P.M.
Warhol Museum Trip
Meet at the Cohon University Center, Lee Lobby (Brown Chairs)
Take the bus with your peers and enjoy a trip to the Andy Warhol museum to learn about the Pittsburgh native's legacy in defining pop art.
DEC. 30, TBA
Movie Night at the Manor
Meet at the Cohon University Center, Lee Lobby (Brown Chairs)
Take the bus with your peers to the Manor for an exciting movie night! Time and movie will be determined closer to the event. Tickets and popcorn will be provided by the Office of Residential Education.
JAN. 2, 3 - 5 P.m.
Crafts and Cocoa
Margaret Morrison Neighborhood Commons
Join the WInter Break RAs for crafts and hot cocoa. Flashback to 2008 with Rainbow Loom bracelet making, friendship bracelets and an opportunity to make puppets. Sponsored by the Office of Residential Education.
JAN. 3, 2 p.m.
Women's Basketball vs. Dickinson
Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Bring your Tartan pride to the Highmark Center as the Women's Basketball team prepares to face off against the Dickinsons.
JAN. 4, 4:30 P.M.
Phipps Holiday Lights
Meet at the Cohon University Center, Lee Lobby (Brown Chairs)
Walk with peers to experience the magic of the Phipps Holiday Lights with other CMU students.
JAN. 5, 1 P.M.
Schenley Skating Rink
Meet in the Margaret Morrison Neighborhood Commons
Ready to practice your ice skating skills? RSVP to resed@andrew.cmu.edu to reserve your free admission and skate rental. Sponsored by the Office of Residential Education.
JAN. 7, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
New Year, New Perspectives: Vision Boarding for 2026
The Center
The holidays are over, but your future is just beginning! Join us for an inspiring vision boarding session to help you map out your goals and intentions for the new year. Whether it's academics, career, travel, or wellness, we'll provide all the empowerment pictures, art supplies, and good vibes you need to visualize success. We'll also provide a light, healthy salad lunch to bring in that "new year, new health" energy. Start 2026 with a clear focus and a full stomach! To RSVP for this experience, please use this link.
JAN. 10, 1 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs. Case Western Reserve
Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Bring your Tartan pride to the Highmark Center as the Men's Basketball Team prepares to face off against Case Western Reserve.
JAN. 10, 3 p.m.
Women's Basketball vs. Case Western Reserve
Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Bring your Tartan pride to the Highmark Center as the Women's Basketball Team prepares to face off against Case Western Reserve.