Eastern State December 2025 Programs: A Celebration of Philadelphia’s Cultural Icons
The Eastern State December 2025 programs feature a powerful lineup of holiday-themed and justice-focused events at one of the city’s most storied landmarks. Throughout December, Eastern State Penitentiary transforms into a hub of reflection, creativity, and community connection—celebrating the city’s cinematic legends, examining the nation’s justice system, and illuminating diverse holiday traditions.
Kicking off the month is RockyFest on Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a citywide celebration marking the anniversary of Philadelphia’s most iconic film franchise. At Eastern State, visitors can explore the intersection of boxing and incarceration through specialty tours about Charles “Jack” Blackburn, a renowned boxer once incarcerated at the penitentiary. A short film in the central rotunda will showcase the legacy of boxing in Pennsylvania’s prisons, honoring a rich history of grit and resilience. Admission to RockyFest is included with general entry.
Later that evening, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Eastern State hosts a Justice 101 panel titled State of the Union: Excessive Punishment, the 8th Amendment, and the Justice System. Held both in person and online, the panel features Lauren-Brooke Eisen of the Brennan Center and legal scholar Kermit Roosevelt III from the University of Pennsylvania. Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State, the discussion will tackle questions surrounding excessive punishment, the evolving “standards of decency,” and the urgent need for reform. The program is free with advance registration.
Eastern State December 2025 Programs: Youth Learning, Civic Engagement, and Music
On Sunday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Virtual Scout Day: Architecture invites youth learners from Scouting America and Girl Scouts to explore the architectural design and legacy of Eastern State. Participants will engage in activities that meet badge requirements while learning how design influences experience—linking past innovations to contemporary perspectives on structure and space.
Justice 101 continues on Wednesday, December 10, with The Bill of Rights: Trial Amendments and the Rights of the Accused, featuring New York Times columnist David French and Yale Law professor Akhil Reed Amar. Hosted virtually from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., this program examines due process, liberty, and the ongoing balance between state power and individual rights.
One of the most meaningful events in the Eastern State December 2025 programs lineup arrives on Thursday, December 18, with Songs of Redemption: Stories, Music, and the Struggle for Justice. From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., both in person and online, this special evening honors the rededication of Eastern State’s historic synagogue—a sacred space within the former prison that now symbolizes resilience and community.
The event features music from acclaimed local artist Avi Wisnia, story readings by local actors, and a Hanukkah menorah lighting. Guests are invited to stay for Hanukkah-inspired treats and explore the synagogue’s restored interior. This marks the launch of The Aaron Reichlin Restorative Justice and Faith Conversations, a new series supported by the Reichlin and Tuck families in collaboration with The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Eastern State December 2025 Programs: Holiday Traditions and Sacred Spaces
From Saturday, December 20, through Wednesday, December 31, Eastern State hosts Shared Light: Winter Celebrations, a dynamic program exploring how people behind prison walls once found meaning in holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Included with general admission, this series offers hands-on activities, guided tours, and storytelling that reflect themes of hope, resilience, and human connection.
Visitors can create holiday cards to be sent to currently incarcerated individuals and participate in Finding Light, a collective storytelling activity where guests share brief reflections on strength during difficult times. These stories will be displayed inside the penitentiary, building a community tapestry of perseverance.
Two new 10-minute mini tours, Sacred Spaces in Unlikely Places and Chaplain’s Office Murals, run daily and dive into the penitentiary’s religious spaces and their impact. These tours reveal original furnishings, prisoner-created murals, and the evolving role of faith within prison rehabilitation.
The celebration continues with a Winter Scavenger Hunt for children and families—complete the journey to earn an exclusive sticker prize. Guests can also join the Winter Celebrations Guide-Led Tour & Discussion, which takes place at 12:00 p.m. on weekdays and 11:00 a.m. on weekends, offering additional insights into holiday observances behind bars.
With this extensive calendar, the Eastern State December 2025 programs offer you ample opportunities to reflect, connect, and celebrate in meaningful ways throughout the holiday season.
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