Eastern State Penitentiary is hosting Shared Light: Winter Celebrations from Dec. 20 to 31, inviting visitors to explore how people found moments of connection and hope inside the prison during the winter season. The program blends history, personal storytelling and creative activities to show how holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s were experienced by people living under strict confinement.
The series centers on themes of resilience and community, highlighting the small acts of creativity and care that helped people cope during an isolating time of year. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on those experiences and consider how incarceration continues to affect individuals, families and communities today.
• Winter Celebrations hands-on activities
Visitors can create holiday cards for people who are incarcerated and add their own stories of hope to the Finding Light display. All materials are provided, so anyone can join in at their own pace.
• Guide-led tour and discussion
A guide walks through how winter holidays were once observed at Eastern State and what those traditions reveal about the experiences of people living in prison.
• Mini-tours
These short, 10-minute tours highlight meaningful spaces, including the Chaplain’s Office murals and the historic synagogue that served people held at the site.
• Winter scavenger hunt
Families can explore the historic grounds with a winter-themed scavenger hunt. Kids who complete it earn a sticker to take home.
Shared Light: Winter Celebrations
Dec. 20-31
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
All programs included with general admission
This content was generated by PhillyVoice Media Events, not by the editorial staff.