Winter at Independence

December 2025

Warm Winter Wishes from the Trust

The holiday season is in full swing! Last week, Maiti Gallen and Jonathan Burton from Independence Historical Trust, took a trip to Washington, DC for the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting. The Trust staff met up with folks at the National Park Foundation and our neighbors from Valley Forge Park Alliance on a chilly, but festive evening. The public menorah on Independence Mall is also up! The tradition dates back to 1974 when the first public menorah was lit in front of Independence Hall.

With 2025 coming quickly to a close, our staff has been busy planning for the semiquincentennial and all the milestone celebrations that 2026 will bring. We look forward to seeing you at all our upcoming events like the re-opening of the First Bank, summer programs, 52 Weeks of Firsts, and more! From all of us at the Trust. Thank you for all your support this year and have happy holiday season!!

P.S. We're super excited to have our wonderful friends and partners from the Independence National Historical Park back in the park! Send a quick note of thanks and appreciation through our We Heart Our Parks form. We'll share these messages with the hard-working staff at Independence!

Invitation to 2026!

In just a short time, Philadelphia will host the nation’s 250th birthday. The eyes of the world will turn to Independence National Historical Park. From Independence Hall to the beautiful pocket parks that enrich our city, every inch of this historic district will come alive with civic pride.

When you give to the Independence Historical Trust, you’re investing in the future of this national treasure.

Donate Today!

Your gift is more than a donation -- it’s your invitation to be part of America’s biggest celebration in 250 years. Make an end of the year gift today!

Independence NHP Updates

Brrr... winter is here! Be sure to check the Park Alerts & Conditions page when planning your next visit to the National Parks of Philadelphia and America's most historic square mile.

Please note that all park buildings will be closed on December 25 and January 1.

Important Independence Hall Notice

Independence Hall will be closed to visitors from November 13, 2025, to January 28, 2026, to enable preservation teams to complete comprehensive interior work to prepare the site for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The temporary closure of the entire building will expedite completion of the project and resumption of public tours.

Independence National Historical Park remains committed to providing a meaningful visitor experience. The park will provide alternate experiences for the public to learn about Independence Hall and the foundational documents debated and signed inside the historic structure. Those planning to visit the park during that time period should check the park website for updated information and closure alerts, as well as notifications on Recreation.gov.

Read the full News Release here.

Building Hours at Independence

Independence Visitor Center: 9am to 5pm

Liberty Bell Center: 9am to 5pm

Congress Hall: 9am to 5pm

Old City Hall: 9am to 5pm

Ben Franklin Museum: 9am to 5pm

Franklin Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Sat-Sun)

Carpenters' Hall: 10am to 4pm (Tue-Sun)

More of Philadelphia's National Parks

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: 12pm to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays

Gloria Dei Old Swedes' NHS: 5am to 11pm, grounds open daily

(for church hours and services, visit here)

America's National Park Stores

Museum Store in Old City Hall: 10:00am to 4:00pm, open daily

Benjamin Franklin Museum Store: 9:00am to 5:00pm, open daily

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Tickets for Independence Hall are fully mobile. Tickets can be reserved in advance through https://recreation.gov or on the recreation.gov mobile app. Tickets are free and up to 9 can be reserved per account. There is a $1 administrative fee to reserve each ticket. Please visit the NPS information desk at the Independence Visitor Center if you need assistance.

Greater Philadelphia Book Launch

Thank you to everyone who came out to the book launch for Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century, published by Penn Press! We were honored to have editors Charlene Mires and Howard Gillette join us and share some insights on the project and speak about Philadelphia's always-fascinating history.

This landmark 3-volume set, which made the Philadelphia Inquirer's Philly-Themed Gift Guide, highlights hidden stories about Philadelphia from history to pop culture!

If you missed November's launch, please join Penn Press at their forthcoming events.

Get Tickets!

Holiday Tea at Carpenters' Hall: December 14 & 21

Enjoy the holiday season with afternoon tea, Dolley Madison, and a delicious array of sweet and savory treats in the historic Carpenters’ Hall, meeting place of the First Continental Congress in 1774. Join Dolley Todd Madison, wife of President James Madison and the new nation’s most gracious hostess, on December 14th and 21st who will describe the important role tea played in the colonial economy and, indeed, in the American Revolution itself. The Boston Tea Party is only part of the story!

Carpenters’ Hall’s rarely seen historic six-piece silver tea service will also be on display.

This event is graciously sponsored by Pinemar, Inc. and presented in partnership with Carpenters’ Hall and Historic Philadelphia Inc. The event features American Heritage Chocolate.

Rising Sun Society Visits First City Troop Armory

Independence Historical Trust recently hosted its Rising Sun Society members for a special evening at the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry Museum. Honorary Captain Dennis Boylan and Quartermaster Ed Gabora led a fascinating one-hour tour, sharing the Troop’s distinguished history and highlighting remarkable artifacts from their collection.

Among the most memorable pieces was the original cavalry flag carried during the Revolutionary War.

The First Troop, America’s oldest mounted military unit, continues to serve today and has faithfully preserved its history, including this extraordinary original flag.

Following the tour, guests enjoyed cocktails and light bites in the Troop’s private NCO Club. The evening provided a meaningful opportunity for learning, camaraderie, and celebrating those Rising Sun Society members who have generously included the Independence Historical Trust in their estate plans.

Shop Museum Stores this Holiday Season and Support the Park

Support Independence National Historical Park and National Parks this holiday by shopping at park museum stores!

To celebrate the 250th anniversary, America's National Parks stores have special 2026 items. Passport To The American Revolution, with a foreword by renowned documentarian Ken Burns, takes a journey through the nearly 50 national parks dedicated to telling the story of the American Revolution. There's even an official Passport America250™ ink cancellation stamp to collect along the way!

2026 America the Beautiful Pass

The 2026 American the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is out and we couldn't help but notice a familiar sight... Shout out to Independence's own Todd Lacy. His photo of Independence Hall is featured on this year's Senior Annual Pass. We think it's pretty perfect as we celebrate 250!

Save the Date: Ben Franklin 320th Birthday Celebration

Franklin Birthday Celebration's annual event celebrating the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin will be held on Friday, January 16th. This year's theme is The Role of Military in a Democracy. A free morning seminar at the American Philosophical society will be followed by a procession to Franklin's grave at Christ Church Burial Ground.

A ticketed luncheon will honor General H.R. McMaster with the 2026 Franklin Founder Award.

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