Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo with LumiNature as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo by Georgi Anastasov
Holiday Markets, Elf the Musical, Nutcracker, FEZtival of Lights, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend
Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
Best of November: LumiNature, Thanksgiving Cruise, and More Fun Things to Do in Philly
The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids
Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.
The Giant Heart is Back and Better Than Ever at the Franklin Institute
Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia
Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Philly
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More
Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
100 Free Fun Things To Do in Philly with Kids
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
School Calendars 2024-2025: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District
Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center
Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
31 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
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
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
Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
14 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philly: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
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 and is 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
Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia
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

21 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids

Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park
Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park
12/3/23 - By Victoria Fox

The list of kid-friendly Christmas events is endless! There's no better way to spend time with family and friends than at an attraction that doesn't cost anything. All around the Philadelphia area, there are tons of places for families who want some holiday cheer without breaking their wallets. So we've put together this helpful list that will help you create memories this season.

For more ways to keep the season merry and bright, check out our Holiday Bucket List, Christmas lights, ice skating, and more, which can all be found in our Guide to Holiday Events and Christmas Activities.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar daily, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get outside and enjoy the chill with a visit to Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, which returns to Dilworth Park. Photo courtesy of Center City District
Get outside and enjoy the chill with a visit to Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, which returns to Dilworth Park. Photo courtesy of Center City District

Free Holiday and Christmas Activities Near Philly in 2023

Happy Holidays from Roxborough

Friday, December 6, 2024 to Saturday, December 7, 2024
Roxborough
This family-oriented event will celebrate the season with a tree-lighting ceremony, activities for kids, and the arrival of Santa to Roxborough. Live dance and musical performances will add to the holiday cheer. NEW this year is an indoor holiday pop-up market where you'll find the best gifts! READ MORE

18th Century Holiday Frost Fair

Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pottstown
Celebrate the season with Pottsgrove Manor’s holiday event, Frost Fair! Immerse yourself by going through the grounds and talking with the historic vendors and demonstrators about their wares. Discover if you have a talent for colonial games such as nine pin bowling or quoits, a ring toss game. READ MORE

The Creamery Holiday Village Market

Saturdays & Sundays December 7, 2024 through December 15, 2024
Kennett Square
The Holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than by stopping by the Holiday Village Market. This fun market offers a blend of shopping, food, drinks, and seasonal cheer. READ MORE

Holiday Light Nights & Jolly Trolley

Thursdays to Saturdays through Saturday, December 21, 2024
Manayunk
Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Holiday Light Nights. This event series features food and drink deals, shopping specials, festive live entertainment, and Santa himself. Take a ride on the FREE Jolly Trolley, running up and down Main Street, and stopping at your favorite businesses. It's the most magical way to take in all of Main Street’s dazzling holiday lights.  READ MORE

East Gate Square Photos with Santa

Saturdays through December 21, 2024
Mt. Laurel Township
Santa is coming to town at East Gate Square. Come to Santa's workshop, and take a free photo with Santa and his elves. Pets are welcome too.  READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade in Cherry Hill

Sunday, December 22, 2024
Cherry Hill, NJ
Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties hosts this unique South Jersey celebration of the Festival of Lights. Fire and police department vehicles are on hand to lead the parade of menorah-adorned cars.  READ MORE

Betsy Ross House - Old City Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 30, 2024
Philadelphia
The Old City Jewish Arts Center and Betsy Ross House will join together to host a community menorah lighting. Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with traditional foods like latke and doughnuts! READ MORE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Now through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Philadelphia
Running for its 17th season, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will transform LOVE Park and City Hall’s Courtyard and North Broad section into an authentic German Christmas Market. The event is free to attend and will run from November 23rd through Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2024. READ MORE

Holidays in the Wildwoods

Now through Sunday, December 22, 2024
Wildwood, NJ
Friends, family, and holiday cheer make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year in the Wildwoods. Seaside celebrations this winter include plenty of entertainment and activities to create family memories. Enjoy bonfires, parades, light shows, tree lightings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Holidays on the Hill

Now through Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Philadelphia
Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to a brass quartet, admire twinkling lights, festive window displays, and possibly catch Santa handing out candy canes–all while checking off holiday shopping lists at Chestnut Hill's 200+ businesses. READ MORE

Holidays in the Village

Now through Monday, December 30, 2024
Lahaska
One million lights are poised to be awfully merry and extremely bright. Take an open-air stroll through the enchanted village while taking in the beauty and magic of the season. There are 65 specialty shops and boutiques to explore, spectacular gingerbread houses to view, and a 1920s carousel to ride. Special programming will be held throughout the season.     READ MORE

Macy's Center City Holiday Traditions

Now through Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Philadelphia
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

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular

Now through Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s beloved holiday tradition returns. The free, 15-minute family-friendly show, presented on The Comcast Experience video wall in the Comcast Center lobby, features holiday songs, performances by the Philadelphia Ballet, and a sleigh ride around the world and into Philadelphia. READ MORE

The Miracle on South 13th Street

Now through Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Philadelphia
The 1600 block of South 13th Street (between Tasker and Morris) morphs into the Miracle on South 13th Street. Residents in this neighborhood join together to put on one of the best residential community light displays in the area. Park nearby and walk, or roll down the block in your vehicle, taking it slow as you take in the sights. READ MORE

American Heritage's Grand Illumination

Now through Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular

Now through Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Philadelphia
For over 50 years, South Philly residents on the 2700 block of Smedley Street have been wowing spectators with an impressive community display of blow-up decorations, beautifully lit trees, and sparkling string lights.  READ MORE

West Chester Griswolds Light Display

Now through Thursday, January 2, 2025
West Chester
If the name sounds familiar, that's because this West Chester family takes after Clark Griswold and company from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Trust us when we say this home does not disappoint, and this year's display features over 133,000 lights, 800 smart pixels, and a newly-added Cosmic Color Ribbon Tree set to music. Kids can also drop off letters for Santa at the home's special mailbox. READ MORE

Festival of Lights

Now through Saturday, January 4, 2025
Media
Shortly after sunset each night, Rose Tree Park comes alive with a beautiful light display. Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere.   READ MORE

Herr's Snack Factory Christmas Lights Display

Now through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Nottingham
Visit the Herr's Snack Factory in Nottingham and drive through their campus to view 600,000 dazzling lights making up a spectacular holiday display. Guests will see decorated trees, shrubs, and even some reindeer. READ MORE

Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square

Now through Sunday, February 23, 2025
Philadelphia
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity, the Electrical Spectacle makes Franklin Square sparkle with its musical light show, recurring every 30 minutes. Enjoy 200,000 lights dancing to five festive songs that fill the square. Nightly through January 5th and Thursdays-Sundays January 9 - February 23. READ MORE

Wintergarden

Now through Sunday, March 9, 2025
Philadelphia
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

Places featured in this article: