33 Free Things To Do with Philly Kids this Holiday Season

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

Free holiday events and ideas in the Philadelphia area
Photo by D Groff courtesy of Narberth's Dickens Festival

The holidays can be an expensive time of year as Philly parents make wishes come true. However, there are so many ways to celebrate the season without breaking the bank. After all money doesn't grow on trees! Throughout the Delaware Valley, Philly families can see twinkling lights, visit with Santa, listen to holiday stories, watch parades, and even see classic holiday performances without spending a cent. Read through our top FREE picks for the holiday season ahead.

Upcoming Events

Grand Illumination Celebration
November 16, 2018
6abc/ Dunkin Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 22, 2018
Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade
November 23, 2018
After Turkey Play Day
November 23, 2018
Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade
November 24, 2018
Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 24, 2018
Santa Arrives by Helicopter
November 25, 2018
Rittenhouse Square Holiday Lighting
November 27, 2018
Narberth Dickens Festival
December 2, 2018
Pages to Pirouettes' The Nutcracker
December 2, 2018
Caroling Night at Gorgas Park
December 2, 2018
Hanukkah Story Time
December 2, 2018
South Street Winter Wonderland
December 2, 2018
Menorah Lighting in Lansdale
December 2, 2018
Santa Arrives by Train in Ambler
December 6, 2018
Phoenixville Parade and Tree Lighting
December 7, 2018
Holiday Luminaria
December 8, 2018
Victorian Christmas Open House
December 8, 2018
Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade
December 8, 2018
Holiday Festivities for the Family
December 9, 2018
Family Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History
December 25, 2018
Washington Crossing the Delaware
December 25, 2018
Photo courtesy of Franklin Square

Ongoing Events

Byers' Choice Christmas Market
Open every day excluding major holidays
Franklin Square Holiday Festival
November 15, 2018-December 31, 2018
Gingerbread Competition & Display
November 16, 2018- January 5, 2019
Deck the Hall Light Show
November 19, 2018-January 1, 2019
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
November 22, 2018-December 24, 2018
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
November 22, 2018-January 1, 2019
Herr's Snack Factory Christmas Lights
November 22, 2018- January 1, 2019
Macy's Christmas Light Show
November 23, 2018-December 31, 2018
Storytime at Christmas Village
November 28, December 5, 12, and 19, 2018
Festival of Lights
November 30, 2018-January 1, 2019
Abington Lines Model Railroad Club Open House
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 29, and 30, 2018
Area/Neighborhood: 
Philadelphia