Harrisburg, PA - The State Museum of Pennsylvania is adding a few special holiday happenings to their regular schedule of programs and events: a planetarium show, museum store sales days, and a family-friendly way to ring in the new year. For a full listing of all available programs, visit www.statemuseumpa.org/events.
Special Seasonal Show in the Planetarium
The State Museum Planetarium presents Season of Light, a traditionally styled holiday show for all ages that looks at astronomy and holiday traditions. Although the season is cold and dark, it holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. Season of Light, a Loch Ness production, traces the history and development of holiday customs that involve lighting up the winter season, from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights, candles in windows, and luminarias to the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah menorah and the Star of Bethlehem. The show schedule follows:
Wednesday, December 13, to Saturday, December 16, at 12:00 noon
Saturday, December 16, to Sunday, December 17, at 2 PM
Wednesday, December 20, to Saturday, December 23, at 12 noon and 2 PM
Planetarium shows are $3 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 to State Museum Affiliate Members.
Museum Store Winter Sale Days, December 22 and 23
Shoppers can save 20 percent on a broad assortment of unique holiday gifts in The State Museum Store. This special savings excludes sale and clearance items and cannot be combined with other discounts.
The State Museum Store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM. Entrance to The State Museum Store is always free.
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Saturday, December 30, at 10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Museum visitors can ring in the New Year at this family-friendly event. Activities include crafts, trivia games, dancing, and the famous firefly and streamer drop at noon.
Noon Year’s Eve is included with general admission. State Museum Affiliate Members, Museums for All, and military discounts will apply. Group discounts, ASTC & TimeTravelers reciprocal benefits will not apply.
In conjunction with Noon Year’s Eve, Curiosity Connection will have limited timed-tickets available for 45 minutes of play per hour. Tickets must be picked up at the main entrance and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In addition, planetarium shows will be available for $3 per person, with shows scheduled at the Planetarium. Tickets must be purchased at the main entrance at least 10 minutes before showtime. The featured show is Not Your Average Star.
Designed for young viewers, Not Your Average Star explores the sun, the star at the center of the solar system. The sun is not as average as most people think. Learn about the sun and the important role it plays in our lives.
Not Your Average Star is scheduled to run at 10:15 AM, 10:45 AM, and 11:15 AM. Check our website for a full schedule of shows.
Holiday closures: The State Museum will be closed Sunday, December 24, and Sunday, December 31.
ABOUT THE STATE MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 23 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania’s fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, 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.
Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Admission is $7 for adults (ages 12–64), $6 for senior citizens (ages 65 and up), and $5 for children (ages 1–11).
For more information about the museum, including the full schedule of exhibits, programs and events, visit The State Museum online or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.