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The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
11/8/24 - 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.

 

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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
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

Wintergarden

Center City - November 15, 2024 - March 9, 2025
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

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink

Center City - November 15, 2024 - February 23, 2025
Lace up your skates seven days a week at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park. Visit the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin next door to warm up with seasonal drinks and tasty bites. READ MORE

Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square

Old City - November 21, 2024-February 23, 2025
FREE
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

LumiNature at The Philadelphia Zoo

Fairmount - November 21, 2024- January 5, 2025
Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. LumiNature takes guests on a magical journey featuring 200+ illuminated penguins, a 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel, and special surprises each night. Kids can also ride a new Wilderness Express Train, watch strolling performers, and sip hot chocolate. READ MORE

Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway

Chestnut Hill - November 23 - December 20, 2024
Morris Arboretum’s popular Garden Railway returns. Visitors can enjoy a quarter-mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 rail lines, two cable cars, nine bridges, and bustling model trains, all set in a lovely winter garden. READ MORE

Macy's Center City Holiday Traditions

Center City - November 29 - December 31, 2024
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

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Penn's Landing - November 29, 2024 - February 23, 2025
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.  READ MORE

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Philadelphia - December 6 - December 29, 2024
For years, families have been enjoying George Balanchine's Nutcracker at the Academy of Music. Make this a tradition in your family this season by attending one of the many performances available. READ MORE

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Street Theater

Philadelphia - Weekends December 6 - 21, 2024
Based on the story by Charles Dickens, adapted by Bill Van Horn. On one remarkable Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him the past, present—and possible future. READ MORE

Deck the Alley

Old City - December 7, 2024
Guests can meander down Philadelphia’s most historic residential street for a glimpse of 21st-century life in historic houses from the 1700s and 1800s. Visitors can peek inside these historic homes for a glimpse into the past. READ MORE

Children's Holiday Spectacular with the Philadelphia Orchestra

Philadelphia - December 7, 2024
A joyful holiday celebration filled with sing-alongs, your favorite sounds of the season, and special guests! Delight in the warmth of the holiday season at the Kimmel Center and create cherished memories with the whole family at this heartwarming event that is perfect for all ages. Plus, you might want to listen closely for sleigh bells—you never know who might pay a special visit all the way from the North Pole! READ MORE

Lucia Fest and Christmas Market

Philadelphia - December 7-8, 2024
Held at the American Swedish Historical Museum, Lucia Fest is a family-friendly festival complete with Lucia processions and live music. In addition, the Christmas market offers holiday deli items, decorations, and gifts in outdoor heated tents. READ MORE
Walk through the twinkling lights of Tinseltown. Photo courtesy of the venue
Walk through the twinkling lights of Tinseltown. Photo courtesy of the venue

Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in the Philly Suburbs

Koziar's Christmas Village

Bernville - November 2 - December 29, 2024
Experience the nationally renowned Winter Wonderland at Koziar's Christmas Village. Guests can expect to see displays including Santa's Post Office, a manger scene, an old-fashioned bakery, and the toymaker with his toys. READ MORE

Christmas Candylane

Hershey - November 15 - December 29, 2024
Experience Hershey Park during the Christmas season, when 5 million lights twinkle across the park. The choreographed light show NOEL dances to classic holiday tunes. Ride roller coasters, amusement rides, and visit Santa and his nine reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Stables. READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Langhorne - November 16, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Sesame Place hosts A Very Furry Christmas celebration, featuring a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and whirling rides. See Santa, Rudolph, and the whole Sesame Street gang. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show featuring holiday music and lights. READ MORE

Dutch Winter Wonderland

Lancaster - Weekends November 16 - December 29, 2024
Take a ride to Dutch Wonderland and experience a Winter Wonderland complete with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show. Santa can be found in Merlin's Restaurant to hear wish lists. READ MORE

FEZtival of Trees & Lights with Santa

Plymouth Meeting - November 21 - 24, 2024
LuLu Shriners hosts the FEZtival of Trees and Lights with Santa. This annual family-friendly event features a forest of uniquely decorated trees, children's activities, shopping, raffles, and free digital photos with Santa. READ MORE

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

Norristown - Weekends November 22 - December 29, 2024
Elmwood Park Zoo's Wild Lights is back with dazzling new displays covering the zoo's 16 acres. Santa will be in attendance for photos, and kids can make cards and crafts outside of his workshop. Enjoy holiday music while sipping hot chocolate and munching on seasonal treats as your family takes in live performances and animal encounters. READ MORE

A Longwood Christmas

Kennett Square - November 22, 2024-January 12, 2025
Walk through the gardens to see the lights, flowers, and trees, and stop into the conservatory to view the seasonal poinsettias. Don't miss the fountain show set to music. READ MORE

Holiday Light Show

Yardley - November 23, 2024- January 4, 2025
Shady Brook Farm's spectacular Holiday Light Show features more than three million lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters as you drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. DRIVE THROUGH: Load up your ride with family and friends, and enjoy the show from the comfort of your own vehicle! Open nightly from Nov 23 to Jan 5 Sun to Thurs - 5 to 10pm Fri & Sat - 5 to 11pm Tune your radio to 90.7 FM to listen to holiday faves as you drive... READ MORE

Christmas Spirit Light Show

Lancaster - November 29 - December 31, 2024
This one-of-a-kind light show at Clipper Magazine Stadium can be enjoyed from the comfort of your very own car. Guests can expect a mile-long track of thousands of color-changing lights that dance along with Christmas music. READ MORE

Yardley Olde Fashioned Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Yardley - December 7, 2024
FREE
Watch this old-fashioned Christmas parade which goes from Main Street to Afton Avenue. Afterwards, see Santa light the tree! Santa and Mrs. Claus are to visit with children at the pavilion in Buttonwood Park. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler's Village

Lahaska - December 7-8, 2024
FREE
To kick off the holiday season, Santa Claus arrives parade-style to Peddlers' Village. Live entertainment is provided to get everyone into the spirit of the season. READ MORE

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Washington Crossing - December 25, 2024
FREE
Hundreds of reenactors dress in Continental military uniforms as they make their way across the Delaware River in three replica Durham boats. The actual crossing ceremony begins at approximately 1 pm. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

American Swedish Historical Museum
Washington Crossing Historic Park