Holiday Activities In and Around Philadelphia
The holiday season is full of fun in Philadelphia. Whether you are a local Philadelphian or planning a visit to the city of brotherly love, you are sure to find something to do all season long! If you are looking for something to do with the family, check out latest list of holidays activities around Philly.
Dilworth Park’s Wintergarden & Holiday Market
Wintergarden Dates: November 3, 2023 to March 17, 2024
The Wintergarden highlights include festive decor, playful reindeer topiaries, and twinkling lights. Children and adults are free to explore the Wintergarden at no cost all season. Adults 21 and older can purchase warm mulled wine at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk conveniently located within the space.
Holiday Market Dates: November 10, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Support local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade gifts, treats, and crafts at Dilworth Park’s holiday market! Returning favorites and new additions are scattered throughout the park, leaving plenty of space for guests to shop safely. The Market is open.
*Cost: Free to Enter*
Website: https://centercityphila.org/parks/dilworth-park/winter/market
Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink
Dates: November 10, 2023 to February 25, 2024
Experience the city’s most-anticipated wintertime destination, open 7 days from November 10, 2023 through February 25, 2024. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions.
*Cost: Kids: $6 Adults: $9*
Purchase tickets online beforehand, and find the full schedule at ticketsocket.rothmanrink.com
LOVE Park Christmas Village
Dates: November 18, 2023 to December 24th, 2023
Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an outside Holiday festival in Center City Philadelphia, modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Find thousands of holiday lights and the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst, and mulled wine will bring you and your family into the perfect Christmas spirit.
*Cost: Free to Enter*
Website: https://www.philachristmas.com/index.html
Winter in Franklin Square
Dates: November 16, 2023 to February 14, 2024
Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland starting November 16! Enjoy dazzling Electrical Spectacle Light Shows presented by PECO, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, and delicious seasonal bites and cocktails from the Ben On the Rocks heated tent!
*Cost: Free to Enter*
Link: https://historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/
IBX Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest
Dates: November 24, 2023 – February 19, 2024
This is one of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions on the Delaware River Waterfront! A festive celebration with thousands of sparkling lights in a winter wonderland with views of the Delaware River.
The site is free to enter and open to the public. Amenities such as ice skating, cabins and firepits, the Rinkside Lounge, and special event rental experiences can be reserved in advance. Winterfest is open seven days a week, including holidays.
*Cost: Free to Enter*
Link: https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/blue-cross-riverrink-winterfest
Chestnut Hill Holiday on the Hill
Dates: November 18, 2023 to December 25, 2023
During Holidays on the Hill, visitors can immerse themselves in the season’s spirit by strolling through one of Philadelphia’s most historic villages! Guests can enjoy the holiday cheer of Chestnut Hill with a brass quartet, view an outdoor model train display at Morris Arboretum, and take advantage of late-night shopping hours on Wednesdays. Refreshments are served at many local businesses to add charm to the season, and guests can have their picture taken with Santa!
From Small Business Saturday to the legendary Stag & Doe Nights every Wednesday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chestnut Hill has vibrant holiday traditions.
*Cost: Free*
Link: https://chestnuthillpa.com/events/holidays/
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Elmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, Wild Lights, returns this November, with more lights and decorative attractions than ever before! During this walk-through experience, guests will be surrounded by dazzling light displays, illuminated animals, and live entertainment.
*Cost: child: $18.95 adult: $21.95*
Link: https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/wildlights/
Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular
Dates: November 17 to January 1
FDR park turns into an outdoor winter wonderland featuring over 350 light sculptures, shopping at the Mistletoe Marketplace, and holiday-inspired treats and eats. Grab a pair of skates and take on the rink with your loved ones, take a ride down the ice slide, take photos with Santa, or read with Mrs. Clause. The options are endless at Tinseltown.
*Cost: Tickets Start at $23.99*
Link: https://www.tinseltownholiday.com/
Festival of Lights – Hanukkah Celebration
Dates: December 8, 2023 to December 10, 2023
Learn about the story of the Jewish Festival of Lights, listen to traditional music, and watch the Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Sesame Place.
*Cost: Tickets Start at $29.95*
Link: https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/events/hanukkah-celebration/
Manayunk gets Lit
Dates: November 16, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Manayunk goes all out for the holidays! While shopping and dining around town, get in the holiday spirit by joining them at one of their many holiday events and take a tour of our wonderful holiday light displays on the FREE Jolly Trolley! Make sure to vote for your favorite light display.
*Cost: Free*
Link: https://manayunk.com/events/holidays-in-manayunk.html
Philadelphia Zoo Luminature
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024
The Philadelphia Zoo goes all out at its annual Luminature event. Displaying more than a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones.
*Cost: Adults: $25, Kids: $20*
Link: https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/luminature/
A Very Furry Christmas @ Sesame Place
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024
See the park transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, whirling rides, and festive decorations all around. Sing along at special Christmas shows and a spectacular music and light show at the Christmas Tree.
*Cost: tickets start at $29.95*
Link: https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/
Yuletide at Devon
Dates: November 24, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Yuletide at Devon is located at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fairgrounds. Enjoy a holiday music festival, lights, rides, and shopping—29 days of live music, a food & beverage market, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
*Cost: $34.99*
Link: https://www.yuletidedevon.com/
Shadybrook Farm Holiday Light Show
Dates: November 18, 2023 to January 27, 2024
Shady Brook Farm’s spectacular Holiday Light Show features more than three million lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters as you drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride.
- Sun to Thurs – 5pm to 10pm
- Fri & Sat – 5pm to 11pm
*Cost: Starting at $45 per vehicle*
Link: https://shadybrookfarm.com/pages/holiday-light-show
Longwood Gardens – Longwood Christmas
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Experience a radiance of retro, a bevy of bright, and numerous nostalgic moments with us this holiday season! Stroll through a fab, festive holiday party scene decked out in mid-century magic. Reminisce amid a vintage Christmas street scene, make new merry memories amid dazzling, vibrant light displays—including some super-sized surprises.
*Cost: youth: $16 adult: $30*
Link: https://longwoodgardens.org/gardens/our-seasons/longwood-christmas
Morris Arboretum: Holiday Garden Railway
Dates: November 24, 2023 to December 30, 2023
The Holiday Garden Railway is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.
*Cost: Adults: $20, Youth 3 and up: $10*
Link: https://www.morrisarboretum.org/see-do/holiday-garden-railway
Kwanzaa Celebration @ Sesame Place
Dates: December 26, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Join your favorite Sesame Street friends each night of Kwanzaa for a Kinara lighting as we learn all about the celebrations and principles of Kwanzaa. Starts at 4:30PM on the Sesame Street Neighborhood. December 31st, Kinara lighting will take place at 4:00pm.
*Cost: tickets start at $29.95*
Link: https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/events/kwanzaa-celebration/
