Harrisburg, PA – As the year draws to a close, the State Museum of Pennsylvania invites residents from across the Commonwealth and visitors to experience a lively December filled with interactive programs, unique shopping opportunities, and the highly anticipated debut of a major new exhibit. For a full listing of all available programs, visit www.statemuseumpa.org/events.
A Blast from the Past: Rediscover the Holiday Traditions of the 1950s and 1960s
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 11:30 AM | While the holiday season spans generations, many of the decorations and customs we cherish today were cemented during the post-war boom of the 1950s and 1960s. Join the State Museum to explore the nostalgic toys, dazzling decorations, and timeless traditions that shaped the modern American holiday. Guests are invited to participate by creating their own glittering ornament to take home.
‘Revolutionary Things’: State Museum Exhibits Treasures at the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
Friday, December 12, 2025 | Join us as we mark the official opening of the State Museum of Pennsylvania’s landmark America at 250 exhibit, ‘Revolutionary Things’. This exhibition will allow visitors to discover the pivotal role Pennsylvanians played in shaping the course of a nation. The new exhibit is scheduled to remain open through August 2026.
Gazing at the Cosmos: Lighting Up the Holidays with Season of Light
Visitors of all ages can explore the wonder of winter traditions and stellar alignments in the Planetarium program, Season of Light. This show traces the history and astronomy behind holiday customs involving illumination—from the burning Yule log and sparkling Christmas tree lights to the ritual of the Hanukkah menorah and the Star of Bethlehem.
The show schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
- Friday, December 19 at 1:00 PM
- Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21, at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Planetarium shows are $4 per person in addition to general admission. Tickets must be purchased at the main entrance at least 10 minutes before showtime. Planetarium admission is free for State Museum Affiliate Members.
Holiday Sparkle: Museum Store Winter Sale
Shoppers seeking unique, thoughtful gifts can find them at The State Museum Store Winter Sale on December 20 and 21. A curated selection of merchandise will be offered at 20 percent off, making it the perfect chance to deck the halls and find treasures for loved ones.
The State Museum Store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 noon to 4:30 PM. Entrance to The State Museum Store is always free.
Countdown to Fun: Noon Year’s Celebration
Families are invited to ring in the New Year early at the Noon Year’s Celebration on Wednesday, December 31, from 9:00 AM to Noon.
The three-hour event will feature fun-filled crafts, lively trivia games, and a dance party. The festive countdown will culminate with a special appearance by Pennsylvania’s state insect, the firefly, dropping in at noon—the ideal way to celebrate the New Year without staying up late! The museum will close after the firefly drop at noon.
Tickets for the Noon Year’s Celebration are $6 for all visitors age 1 and up.
Enhanced Noon Year’s Eve Programming
In conjunction with the Noon Year’s Celebration, the Planetarium will offer multiple showtimes for Passport to the Universe. This exhilarating flight through a precise, virtual re-creation of our universe is an astounding visual adventure through space. Travel through our Solar System, out of our galaxy, and deep into intergalactic space to answer the question, “Where are we in the universe?”
Passport to the Universe is produced by the American Museum of Natural History and is narrated by Academy Award winner Tom Hanks.
Planetarium shows are available at $4 per person plus admission, with showtimes at 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 11:30 AM.
Additionally, Curiosity Connection will have limited timed-tickets available for 45 minutes of play. Tickets must be picked up at the main entrance and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Important Visitor Information: Renovation Update
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is embarking on a transformative $55 million renovation—the most significant upgrade to our building since we opened in 1964!
To prepare, Sunday, January 4, 2026, will be the last day to visit the third floor, including the Natural History exhibits and the Planetarium, until after the renovation.
We can’t wait to see you in 2026! Visitors will continue to enjoy full access to our galleries on the first and second floors, including our new exhibit commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, Revolutionary Things.
Holiday Closures
The State Museum will be closed Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026.
About the State Museum of Pennsylvania
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is one of 23 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History.
As one of PHMC’s premier cultural institutions, The State Museum of Pennsylvania offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Located adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, the museum houses expansive collections that illuminate Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in American history, from the dawn of geologic time, the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth's vast industrial age. The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America's story.
For more information about The State Museum of Pennsylvania, visit statemuseumpa.org or follow us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram or LinkedIn.