30 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Philadelphia for Kids

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.
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
Walk through the twinkling lights of Tinseltown. Photo courtesy of the venue
Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in the Philly Suburbs
Places featured in this article:
Dilworth Park
Franklin Square
The Philadelphia Zoo
LOVE Park
Macy's Center City
Blue Cross RiverRink
City Hall
Elfreth's Alley
American Swedish Historical Museum
Academy of Music
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Koziar's Christmas Village
Hershey Park
LuLu Shrine Center
Elmwood Park Zoo
Longwood Gardens
Sesame Place
Dutch Wonderland
Shady Brook Farm
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Clipper Magazine Stadium
Buttonwood Park
The Court at King Prussia
Peddler's Village
Washington Crossing Historic Park