For a Christmas day activity visit a light display like Smedley Street Christmas Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the venue

Fun Activities Near Philly That Are Open on Christmas Day 2025

Residential Light Displays –– Multiple Locations

When it comes to getting in a festive mood, nothing beats Christmas lights! Head to South Philly for The Miracle on South 13th Street or the Smedley Street Christmas Spectacular. To see lights in the Philadelphia suburbs, pay a visit to the West Chester Griswolds or find another bedazzled location on this list.

Weitzman Museum Family Festival –– Old City

The Weitzman's annual family program "Being _______ at Christmas" features winter movies, snacks, crafts, percussion performance, art making, a sensory-friendly play zone, and more. 

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show –– Yardley

Over 3 million lights make up this remarkable Bucks County display, which is open 5pm–10pm. 

Outdoor Ice Skating –– Philadelphia

Lace up your skates and take the kiddos ice skating at an outdoor rink. Both Blue Cross RiverRink and Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink are open with limited hours.

Holiday cheer meets botanical splendor at Longwood Gardens. Photo courtesy of the gardens

A Longwood Christmas –– Kennett Square

Tour Longwood Gardens' beautiful Christmas displays which include an Open Air Theatre Fountain Show, Garden Railway, Organ Sing-a-longs, and a half-million decorative lights. Note that advance tickets are required!

Koziar's Christmas Village –– Bernville

Take a ride to Koziar's Christmas Village to see the spectacular light attraction, train displays, and Winter Wonderland showcase.

Festival of Lights –– Media

From 5pm–10pm, visitors can stroll through the glimmering walkways to view the peaceful beauty of this (free!) annual light display.

Ernie and company help celebrate the holidays at A Very Furry Christmas. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

A Very Furry Christmas –– ​Langhorne

Come out for a few hours with your favorite furry friends, all decked out for the holidays. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show, sing-a-longs, "Elmo's Christmas Wish," Rudolph's Winter Wonderland, holiday photos, a visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop, and much more. On Christmas, the park is open 1-6 pm. 

Adventure Aquarium –– Camden, NJ

Scuba Santa swims back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, but the aquarium and the rest of its sea life are open on Christmas Day from 11am-3pm. Plus, see the world's largest underwater Christmas tree!

Washington Crossing the Delaware –– ​Washington Crossing

Witness the reenactment of George Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776, at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The actual crossing begins at 1pm.

Herr's Snack Factory Christmas Lights –– Nottingham

Load up the car and drive through the Herr's Snack Factory property to view the 600,000 twinkling lights on display from dusk until dawn.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular –– Philadelphia

Stroll through the city and make time for this Philly favorite tradition that brings the magic of the holidays to life for 15 minutes at the top of the hour, 10am–8pm, with sensory-friendly shows daily at 2:30. 

Crayola Experience –– Easton

It will be a "Colorful Christmas" at the Crayola Experience, which is open from 12pm–6pm. A themed adventure, a story-telling snowman and tree friends, a life-sized snowglobe, and gift crafting await visitors. Note that online tickets are less expensive than buying in-person.

Museum of Illusions –– ​Philadelphia

Check out one of Philly's most unique spots for some indoor fun that will boggle the mind!

Local Movie Theaters –– ​Multiple Locations

Visiting the movie theater is often a go-to choice when it comes to things to do on Christmas Day. Start a new family tradition in front of the big screen!

Go out to eat! –– ​Multiple Locations

We've rounded up restaurants open on Christmas all over the area, so make your reservations now. 

Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Philly for Last-Minute Shopping

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Need some last-minute cards, small gifts, wrapping paper, or even batteries for that new batteries-not-included toy your kid just opened Christmas morning? CVS and Walgreens locations will be open with limited hours.

Select Grocery Stores

While many grocery store chains are closed on Christmas day, Acme will be open from 8-2. Smaller grocery stores like South Philly Co-op and Royal Farms will also be open. Most major grocery chains also have limited hours on Christmas Eve, so be sure to plan ahead when shopping for your favorite Christmas recipes.

Convenience Stores and Fast Food

Looking for a snack to tide the kids over until Christmas dinner? Wawa and 7-11 will be open on Christmas Day. Fast food options like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s are also open on Christmas Day with limited hours, so be sure to check individual locations.

Restaurants 

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or you’d like to enjoy Christmas dinner without having to cook, we’ve rounded up a list of the best family-friendly restaurants serving food on Christmas Day.

Gas Stations

Gas stations typically stay open on Christmas Day in Philly, and can be a great option for last-minute emergency needs.

Which Major Retailers and Grocery Stores are Open on Christmas Day in Philadelphia?

Wondering what’s open on Christmas Day? While most major chains take a break for the holiday, there are a few stores that remain open to meet your emergency needs. Look for your preferred retailer in our rundown below.

Is Walmart open on Christmas?

No, Walmart is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Target open on Christmas?

No, Target is not open on Christmas. Target will be open 7am to 8pm on Christmas Eve.

Is Costco open on Christmas?

No, Costco is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Acme open on Christmas?

Yes, Acme will be open on Christmas Day with limited hours from 8-2.

Is Aldi open on Christmas?

No, Aldi is not open on Christmas, and will have limited hours on Christmas Eve.

Is Giant open on Christmas?

Giant has not announced its Christmas hours yet, but is likely to be closed based on past practices. Check individual stores for details.

Is ShopRite open on Christmas?

No, ShopRite is not open on Christmas, and some locations may have a modified schedule on Christmas Eve. 

Is Sprouts open on Christmas?

No, Sprouts is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Whole Foods open on Christmas?

No, Whole Foods is not open on Christmas, and will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

Is Trader Joe’s open on Christmas?

No, Trader Joe’s is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Wegman’s open on Christmas?

No, Wegman’s is not open on Christmas, and will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

Is Wawa open on Christmas?

Yes, Wawa will be open on Christmas Day.

Is Fine Wine and Good Spirits open on Christmas?

No, Philly’s liquor stores will be closed on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

This article has been updated for 2025 by Sarah Jacknis.