Presented by Pages to Pirouettes, The Nutcracker returns to the Free Library stage! Photo courtesy of the event
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Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Photo by John Belleville Photography
Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Photo by John Belleville Photography
12/20/23 - By Nicole O'Donnell

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Snap a pic with Santa before the big night and find out what's on everyone's wishlist. Make magical memories by taking your family to an exciting show like Disney On Ice or The Nutcracker. If you love history, Washington Crossing the Delaware is the place to be on Christmas day. Grab some hot cocoa and ride on a merry-go-round at A Very Furry Christmas and celebrate the holidays with your favorite Sesame Street characters. 

More Things To Do in Philly this Week with Kids:

 

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There is a 26-foot-tall celestial-themed tree, three unique train sets , and multiple photo opportunities for you to discover at Franklin Frost. Photo by creatvishmom
There is a 26-foot-tall celestial-themed tree, three unique train sets , and multiple photo opportunities for you to discover at Franklin Frost. Photo by creatvishmom

Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Philly with Kids

Being ______ at Christmas: Family Day at the Weitzman

Monday, Dec 25, 2024
Philadelphia
Fill in the blank on Christmas day at the Weitzman Museum with live performances by Lolly Hopwood, a traditional Chinese lion dance by the Philadelphia Suns Lion Dancers, a drumming workshop with Joseph Tayoun, and hip-hop dance with Movemakers Philly. Get creative with make-and-take crafts including paper lanterns and charm bracelets, plus enjoy a sensory-friendly play zone and family-friendly film screenings. READ MORE

Washington Crossing the Delaware

December 25, 2024
Bucks County
Hundreds of reenactors dress in Continental military uniforms as they make their way across the Delaware River in three replica Durham boats. The actual crossing ceremony begins at approximately 1 pm. READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Let's Dance

December 26, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Philadelphia
Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds. READ MORE

Art Kids Studio & Tours: Winter Break

December 27 - December 29, 2024
Philadelphia
Get creative as a family between Christmas and New Year at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Explore paintings of interior scenes from Matisse in the 1930s, along with immersive spaces and fabulous places in the museum. READ MORE

Night Before Christmas Train (Strasburg Rail Road)

Last day December 23, 2024
Ronks
Experience the excitement of Christmas Eve even when it's not December 24 on this very special one-hour train ride. Listen to the classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on this journey aboard a decorated holiday train, where drinks and treats are available for purchase. READ MORE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Last day December 24, 2024
Philadelphia
Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Visitors can expect booths featuring conventional European food, sweets, drinks, and shopping. Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, ferris wheel, and train. READ MORE

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Now through December 29, 2024
Philadelphia
For years, families have been enjoying George Balanchine's Nutcracker at the Academy of Music. Make this a tradition in your family this season by attending one of the many performances available. READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium

Now through December 24, 2024
Camden
One of New Jersey's most unique holiday traditions, Christmas Underwater, is set to return to Adventure Aquarium. Guests can surf the yuletide and explore a winter waterland filled with holiday d-eel-ights like Scuba Santa, indoor snow flurries, the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree, and many more. READ MORE

American Heritage's Grand Illumination

Now through January 1, 2025
Northeast Philadelphia
American Heritage Credit Union welcomes visitors to its annual Grand Illumination celebration featuring the lighting of two 40-foot Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, and over 400,000 lights. This month-long display always gets families into the spirit of the season. READ MORE

Christmas Candylane

Now through December 29, 2024
Hershey
Experience Hershey Park during the Christmas season, when 5 million lights twinkle across the park. The choreographed light show NOEL dances to classic holiday tunes. Ride roller coasters, amusement rides, and visit Santa and his nine reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Stables. READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Now through January 5, 2025
Langhorne
Sesame Place hosts A Very Furry Christmas celebration, featuring a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and whirling rides. See Santa, Rudolph, and the whole Sesame Street gang. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show featuring holiday music and lights. READ MORE

Christmas Around the Farm

Last day December 24, 2024
Media
Linvilla Orchards celebrates the season with wagon rides to cut your own Christmas tree, visits with the Linvilla barn animals, caroling hayrides, and photos with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo

Now through December 24, 2023
Norristown
He knows if you've been good or bad... and he also bets you are hungry for brunch at the Elmwood Park Zoo. Meet Santa at this delicious all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. Guests can expect Christmas-themed crafts and photos with the Jolly Old Elf. READ MORE

North Pole Express on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

Now through December 30, 2024
New Hope
Wear your pajamas and climb aboard the North Pole Express at New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. Children can enjoy riding the rails pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive and a visit from Santa at the end of the journey. READ MORE

Santa's Polar Bear Express

Now through December 24, 2024
Boyertown
Colebrookdale Railroad's two-hour journey takes passengers on a trip while sipping hot chocolate and singing Christmas carols. Santa visits each child with a gift, and kids have the chance to give him their wish lists.  READ MORE

Holiday Bricktacular

Now through January 1, 2025
Philadelphia
Kids visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center can participate in seasonal build activities with holiday themes. Take a family photo on a LEGO sleigh, meet the new LEGO reindeer, build a LEGO ornament, and decorate the holiday tree. Drop your wish list in the LEGO Mailbox and enjoy a meet and greets with LEGO Santa (weekends only). READ MORE
Tis the season to enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner at Bank and Bourbon. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Tis the season to enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner at Bank and Bourbon. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

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What's Open on Christmas Day in Philly: A List of Awesome Things To Do

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