Shared Light: Winter Celebrations

This holiday season, learn how people at Eastern State Penitentiary marked winter celebrations like Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Day—finding moments of light, connection, and meaning within the confines of prison life. Plus, reflect on how people observe holidays while incarcerated in prisons today. This limited-time, family-friendly programming is included with admission:

• Drop-In Activities
  • Holiday Card Making
    Make holiday cards that will be sent to people who are currently in prison. Share a message of hope and warmth during a season that can feel especially isolating for people who are incarcerated.
     
  • Story Sharing
    Reflect on resilience, hope, and strength in the face of adversity. Write or share a brief story about finding light during a difficult period, adding your words to a collective display inside the historic site.
     
  • Scavenger Hunt
    Complete this winter celebrations scavenger hunt to receive an exclusive sticker prize. Designed with kids and their caregivers in mind, the scavenger hunt packet is available upon entry.
     
• Special Tour Programming
  • Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
    Our daily tour will feature additional content about winter celebrations at Eastern State Penitentiary and in prisons today. Subject to availability. Purchase Guide-Led Tour and Discussion tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
     
  • Mini Tour: Catholic Chaplain’s Office
    Join an educator for a 10-minute tour of the Catholic Chaplain’s Office—home to 23 preserved prisoner-made murals—and learn more about the role of faith at Eastern State Penitentiary and the complex relationship between rehabilitation and religion. Subject to availability. No reservations required.