Underrated Holiday Hidden Gems in Philadelphia

Christmas Week at Independence Library – Old City

Celebrate the holidays with a week of (free!) programming at the library, including a cookie decorating workshop, gingerbread house decorating, and a special Christmas storytime. Check the Free Library’s calendar to see if Santa is coming to your local branch as well.

Septa Holiday Pop-Up – Center City

The Septa Transit Store is a hidden gem for transportation-loving kids, and this year they are offering some brand new festive fun: The Holiday Pop-up Shop (featuring transit-themed gifts) and Jingle Rails (an interactive holiday experience).

The Gardens After Dark – South Street

Come see Philly’s unique Magic Gardens in a completely new light – literally. The entire outdoor space has been transformed into a glittery winter wonderland, and the rarely-seen mosaic basement will be open as well. 

Fairmount Park Holiday House Tours – Fairmount

Five of Fairmount Park’s beautiful historic homes are decked out for the holidays, with festive, period-appropriate decor. Learn some local history while getting in the holiday spirit at this blast-from-the-past attraction.

Unique Holiday Performances for Philly Families

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – Center City

This special hour-long musical adaption for kids uses traditional songs to showcase Dickens’ magical story. It’s a part of “Walnut Street Theatre for Kids,” a series designed to introduce children to live theater performance. 

Children’s Holiday Spectacular – Center City

Create cherished memories and sing along to the Philadelphia Orchestra performing holiday classics. The concert is a part of Ensemble Arts’ Family Discover Series and includes a special appearance from Santa himself!

A flurry of impressive wintery performers hit the stage in this circus. Photo courtesy of Cirque Dreams

Cirque Dreams Holidaze – Center City

This enchanting holiday event features aerial circus arts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and awe-inspiring acrobats. People of all ages will enjoy this magical performance where singers, dancers, toy soldiers, and reindeer bring dreams to life.

Tuba Christmas – Center City

For a truly unique musical performance, check out Tuba Christmas. A holiday tradition in cities all over the country, Philly’s event is free and features dozens of amateur and professional tuba players gathering together to play Christmas classics. 

Unusual Celebrations at Favorite Philly Attractions 

Winter Weekends at the Academy of Natural Sciences – Logan Square

Your family’s favorite destination for dinosaur-lovers offers special winter programming over Christmas vacation. Make a fizzy snowflake and learn how dinos adapted to cold environments.

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium – Camden

Check out the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree at this “winter waterland” which features indoor snow flurries, twinkling lights, and even a scuba-diving Santa!

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND – Plymouth Meeting

This top destination for builders and LEGO-lovers features lots of unique holiday activities, including photo ops in a giant DUPLO sleigh, build-your-own LEGO Gingerbread House, and meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa.

Catch performances from all your favorite friends in this Sesame Street parade. Photo by Erica Velander for Mommy Poppins

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place – Bucks County

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite furry characters from Sesame Street. Where else can you sing along to Christmas carols with Elmo or check out a light show with Oscar the Grouch? The season also includes Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations.

Unique Holiday Experiences at Philadelphia Restaurants 

Teddy Bear Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room – Rittenhouse

This special family-friendly version of Afternoon Tea includes live harp music, scrumptious treats, hot chocolate for the kids, and storytime next to a Christmas tree. Each child also receives a teddy bear and a bag of handcrafted treats. 

HALLidays at Frankford Hall – Fishtown

Always a kid-friendly dining destination, Frankford Hall offers special holiday programming on weekends in December. Visit the German biergarten to enjoy family-friendly activities, roast s’mores over the fire pits, and meet Weihnachtsmann (German Santa).

Walnut Wonderland at Walnut Garden – Rittenhouse

The outdoor beer garden has transformed into a holiday pop-up featuring themed trees, neon sculptures, twinkling lights, and festive food. The best part? The garden includes a small play structure and slide for the kids!

Santa Claus and his elves are coming downtown to meet all the kids. Photo by Russ Brown Photography

Santa at Reading Terminal Market – Center City 

Santa and his elves will be visiting Philly’s oldest public market every weekend in December, offering kids the chance to give him letters and take photos. Reading Terminal is always a great choice when everyone in the family wants to eat something different.