Kick off the summer with a spectacular dance party and fireworks display on the Delaware River. Photo courtesy of the Delaware River Waterfront
Memorial Day Weekend 2023: Top Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Enjoy water slides and water rides galore at the biggest outdoor waterpark in PA. Photo courtesy of Camelback Mountain Resort
Best Water Parks Near Philly for Kids
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions Photo courtesy of the Delaware-River-Waterfront
40 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Philadelphia for Kids
Philly families will find tons of great things to do with kids this summer around the city and the state
GUIDE
Summer Activity Guide for Philadelphia Kids
the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square this June. Photo courtesy of Franklin Square
Best of June: Top Things To Do in Philadelphia With Kids
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids
University City District presents free outdoor movies at Clark Park. Photo courtesy of University City District
Free Outdoor Movies in Philly this Summer with Kids
Bass River State Forest. Photo courtesy NJ State Park Service
Best Swimming Lakes near Philadelphia
Explore the Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park. Photo courtesy of Matt Stanley
The Ultimate Guide to Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers
At Johnson's Corner Farm, it's all about the berries.
Where To Go Strawberry Picking near Philadelphia
The Pocono Mountains are a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of the Lehigh River by Mommy Poppins
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Fishtown with Kids: 9 Things To Do in the Fishtown Neighborhood of Philly
Kith and Kin
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones for Philly Area Kids
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids
Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
Join the Phillies Kids Club, just in time for the home opener!
How to Join the Phillies Kids Club and Root for the Home Team All Season
Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
13 Best Coffee Shops in Philly to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine
Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Smith Memorial Playhouse is always free, with space for kids to make their own crafts. Photo courtesy of Smith
11 Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids: Indoor Playgrounds, Libraries, and More
Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings
Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey
Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
Great Stroller Walks and Stroller Hikes near Philly
Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers
Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots
Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up
Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
32 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
Harriet's Bookshop is full of titles that represent Black kids and kids of color. Photo courtesy of the shop
Black-Owned Restaurants, Shops, and Landmarks to Discover in Philly
Explore a house at PlayArts. Photo by the author
38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia
In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families
Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
GUIDE
Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
Enjoy the wildflower meadow at Delaware Canal State Park near the Giving Pond. Photo courtesy of PA DCNR
Best PA State Parks with Kid-Friendly Hikes and Attractions

30 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Philadelphia for Kids

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
11/11/22 - By Kristen Sullivan

Check this list twice for all the best holiday activities and Christmas events near Philly.

When the most wonderful time of the year arrives, in-the-know Philly parents appreciate a long list of ideas to celebrate with kids. November marks the arrival of twinkling lights, mesmerizing train gardens, and a jolly old elf from the North Pole. With that in mind, we've rounded up our favorite must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Philly, including some new additions to the calendar, that are sure to make the season memorable.

For additional seasonal fun, review our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, which includes the best Polar Express winter train rides in the area and our favorite outdoor skating rinks.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Visit the Holiday Garden Railway, where the trains and buildings are all dressed up for the season. Photo by Rob Cardillo for the Morris Arboretum
Visit the Holiday Garden Railway, where the trains and buildings are all dressed up for the season. Photo by Rob Cardillo for the Morris Arboretum

Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Philadelphia

Wintergarden

Center City - November 1, 2022 - March 26, 2023
Get outside and enjoy the chill with a visit to Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, which returns to Dilworth Park. Guests to the garden will find whimsically crafted reindeer topiaries, seasonal plantings, twinkling lights, and outdoor seating.  READ MORE

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink

Center City - November 4, 2022-Sunday, February 26, 2023
Lace up your skates seven days a week at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park. Visit the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin next door to warm up with seasonal drinks and tasty bites. READ MORE

Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square

Old City - November 16, 2022-February 26, 2023
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity, the Electrical Spectacle makes Franklin Square sparkle with its musical light show, reoccurring every 30 minutes. Enjoy 200,000 lights dancing to five festive songs that fill the square. READ MORE

LumiNature at The Philadelphia Zoo

Fairmount - November 17, 2022- January 7, 2023
Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. LumiNature takes guests on a magical journey featuring 200+ illuminated penguins, a 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel, and special surprises each night. Kids can also ride a new Wilderness Express Train, watch strolling performers, and sip hot chocolate. READ MORE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Center City - November 19-December 24, 2022
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

Dilworth Park - Deck the Hall Light Show

Center City - November 21, 2022-January 1, 2023
The west facade of City Hall in Dilworth Park lights up nightly in festive scenes with this free choreographed show every hour on the half-hour during the week, and more frequently on weekends. READ MORE

Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway

Chestnut Hill - November 25-December 30, 2022
Morris Arboretum’s popular Garden Railway returns. Visitors can enjoy a quarter-mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 rail lines, two cable cars, nine bridges, and bustling model trains, all set in a lovely winter garden. READ MORE

Macy's Center City Holiday Traditions

Center City - November 25-December 31, 2022
A Philadelphia tradition, the Macy's Christmas Light Show is back. The department store's lineup of holiday events also includes Dickens Village–a 6,000 square-foot walk-thru experience, pictures with Santa, and its iconic holiday window displays.  READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Penn's Landing - November 25, 2022-March 5, 2023
Grab your coat, gloves, and hat and head to Blue Cross RiverRink's Winterfest for some skating and cozy fun in a festive winter wonderland environment. Outside of the rink, kids can play boardwalk games and enjoy amusement rides. The space also offers outdoor seating with fire pits, warm cabins, and plenty of delicious food and beverages. READ MORE

Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade

Center City - December 3, 2022
The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade will send floats representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year marching down Market Street en route to City Hall, for a seasonal spectacular families won't want to miss. READ MORE

Deck the Alley

Old City - December 3, 2022
Guests can meander down Philadelphia’s most historic residential street for a glimpse of 21st-century life in historic houses from the 1700s and 1800s. Vistors can peek inside these historic homes for a glimpse into the past. READ MORE

Lucia Fest and Christmas Market

Philadelphia - December 3, 2022
Held at the American Swedish Historical Museum, Lucia Fest is an outdoor, family-friendly festival complete with Lucia processions. In addition, the Christmas market offers holiday deli items, decorations, and gifts. READ MORE

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Select dates from December 9-December 28, 2022
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

New Year's Day Fireworks Spectacular - CANCELED

Penn's Landing - January 1, 2023
Kick off 2022 with a colorful bang at a brand new fireworks display over the water at Penn's Landing. Love & Grit is the musical theme for the first-ever Visit Philadelphia New Year's Day Fireworks Spectacular. See the show for free along the Delaware River Waterfront from Blue Cross RiverRink, Race Street Pier, or the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. READ MORE
Walk through the twinkling lights of Tinseltown. Photo courtesy of the venue
Walk through the twinkling lights of Tinseltown. Photo courtesy of the venue

Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in the Philly Suburbs

Koziar's Christmas Village

Bernville - November 5, 2022-January 1, 2023
Experience the nationally renowned Winter Wonderland at Koziar's Christmas Village. Guests can expect to see displays including Santa's Post Office, a manger scene, an old-fashioned bakery, and the toymaker with his toys. READ MORE

Christmas Candylane

Hershey - November 11, 2022-January 29, 2023
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

FEZtival of Trees & Lights with Santa

Plymouth Meeting - November 17-20, 2022
LuLu Shriners hosts FEZtival of Trees and Lights with Santa. This annual family-friendly event features a forest of uniquely decorated trees, children's activities, shopping, raffles, and free digital photos with Santa. READ MORE

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

Norristown - Select dates, November 18-December 30, 2022
Elmwood Park Zoo's Wild Lights is back with dazzling new displays covering the zoo's 16 acres. Santa will be in attendance for photos, and kids can make cards and crafts outside of his workshop. Enjoy holiday hits spun bt DJ Brian while sipping hot chocolate and munching on seasonal treats as your family takes in live performances and animal encounters. READ MORE

A Longwood Christmas

Kennett Square - November 18, 2022-January 8, 2023
Walk through the gardens to see the lights, flowers, and trees, and stop into the conservatory to view the seasonal poinsettias. Don't miss the fountain show set to music. READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Langhorne - November 19, 2022 - January 1, 2023
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

Dutch Winter Wonderland

Lancaster - Select dates, November 19, 2022- January 1, 2023
Take a ride to Dutch Wonderland and experience a Winter Wonderland complete with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show. Santa can be found in Merlin's Restaurant to hear wish lists. READ MORE

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

Yardley - November 19, 2022- January 8, 2023
Experience the magic of more than 3 million bulbs illuminating acres of farmland at Shady Brook Farm's holiday light show. Drive through in the comfort of your car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. Then, set off on foot through Candy Cane Lane, where dancing lights are set to music. You can keep the holiday cheer going and warm up with a cozy fire. Buy a s'mores kit and some hot cocoa, and make holiday memories together!   READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium

Camden - November 25-December 24, 2022
Scuba Santa swims through the Adventure Aquarium alongside sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays during Christmas Underwater. Kids can see the world's tallest underwater Christmas tree amid submerged light displays. READ MORE

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular

Oaks - November 25-December 31, 2022
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is aglow in this outdoor extravaganza powered by over a million bulbs, that also includes photos with Santa, ice skating on Rudolph's rink, tasty treats and warm drinks in the Tinsel Lodge, and shopping in the Mistletoe Marketplace. READ MORE

Christmas Spirit Light Show

Lancaster - Select days, November 25-December 31, 2022
This one-of-a-kind light show at Clipper Magazine Stadium can be enjoyed from the comfort of your very own car. Guests can expect a mile-long track of thousands of color-changing lights that dance along with Christmas music. READ MORE

Christmas Around the Farm

Media - December 1-23, 2022
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

Yardley Olde Fashioned Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Yardley - December 3, 2022
Watch this old-fashioned Christmas parade which goes from Main Street to Afton Avenue. Afterwards, see Santa light the tree! Santa and Mrs. Claus are to visit with children at the pavilion in Buttonwood Park. READ MORE

PHestivaL of Trees

King of Prussia - December 3-4, 2022
Experience the joy of the season at this festive 3-day family event featuring uniquely decorated holiday trees, gingerbread houses, live entertainment, and a holiday shopping village. Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen hanging around, and families can book breakfast with the couple on Saturday morning. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler's Village

Lahaska - December 3-4, 2022
To kick off the holiday season, Santa Claus arrives parade-style to Peddlers' Village. Live entertainment is provided to get everyone into the spirit of the season. READ MORE

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Washington Crossing - December 25, 2022
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

Places featured in this article:

American Swedish Historical Museum
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Washington Crossing Historic Park