Top Holiday Events in the Philadelphia Area This Weekend
As the holiday season approaches, Philadelphia and its surrounding areas are bustling with festive events and activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a romantic evening, there's something for everyone this weekend.
Holiday Light Show at Shadybrook Farm
Shady Brook Farm is lighting up for the holiday season with thousands of whimsical light displays. Visitors can snuggle up in a wagon to experience the show up close or take it all in from the comfort of their car. The event runs from November 22 through January 4.
- Date: Nov. 22 - Jan. 4
- Location: 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, Pa, 19067
- Website: shadybrookfarm.com
- Price: $45-120
Christmas Village in LOVE Park
Philly’s favorite open-air Christmas market is back for another magical year. More than 100 vendors will set up in LOVE Park with stalls offering unique gifts, delicious treats, spiced wine, and so much more.
- Date: Through Dec. 24
- Location: 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102
- Website: philachristmas.com
- Price: Pay-as-you-go
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Every year, the holidays come to life at the Comcast Center. Come see the magic for yourself and enjoy a sleigh ride over the city, alongside performances by the Philadelphia Ballet, sing-alongs, and more. The show will run at the top of the hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Date: Nov. 27- Dec. 2
- Location: 1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19103
- Website: comcastcentercampus.com
- Price: Free
Wannamaker Light Show
This holiday tradition dates back to 1956 and is back to keep the holiday magic going. The Light Show features thousands of dancing snowmen, candy canes, and the incredible sounds of the Wanamaker Organ. Upstairs, you’ll step into Dickens’ Village which brings the story of A Christmas Carol to life before your eyes.
- Date: Nov. 28 - Dec. 24
- Location: 100 E. Penn Sq., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107
- Website: phlvisitorcenter.com
- Price: Free
Small Business Saturday Market
Philadelphia has no shortage of small businesses you can support as you shop this weekend. Head to Bok to shop from dozens of local makers and businesses offering everything from fine art to handcrafted goods. While you shop, you can sip coffee from Two Persons or cocktails from the mobile Bok Bar.
- Date: Nov. 29, 11a.m. - 5p.m.
- Location: 1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148
- Website: goodthingsphl.com
- Price: Pay-as-you-go
Family-Friendly Holiday Activities
Thanksgiving week doesn’t just mark the start of the holidays — it is the holidays in Philly. From the 106th Thanksgiving Day Parade to the return of Christmas Village, light shows, skating rinks, and small-town tree lightings, this week is overflowing with classic, only-in-Philly traditions.
Christmas Village
LOVE Park transforms once again into a German-style holiday market with wooden huts, mulled drinks, ornaments, treats, and Santa visits on weekends. Across the street, City Hall adds even more holiday flair with a Ferris wheel, carousel, local vendors, and ice skating at Dilworth Park. All ages.
- Date: Nov. 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov. 28–Dec. 23, noon–8 or 9 p.m.; Dec. 24, noon–5 p.m.
- Location: 15th & JFK Blvd. and 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102
- Website: philachristmas.com
- Price: Free entry; pay-as-you-go
Light Show and Dickens Village
Even without Macy’s, the Wanamaker Building keeps its iconic traditions alive. The Grand Court Light Show — set to the famous Wanamaker Organ — runs throughout the season, while upstairs, Dickens Village brings back its vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol. Free timed tickets required for Dickens Village. All ages.
- Date: Nov. 28–Dec. 24, times vary
- Location: 1 E. Penn Sq., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
- Website: phlvisitorcenter.com
- Price: Free
RiverRink Winterfest
Penn’s Landing becomes a full-on winter playground with its outdoor skating rink, a cozy warming lodge, carnival rides, arcade games, fire pits, and plenty of food and drink. Skating is ticketed; entry to the waterfront space is free. Ages 3 and up.
- Date: Nov. 28–Mar. 1, times vary
- Location: 101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106
- Website: delawareriverwaterfront.com
- Price: Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental
New Hope Christmas Tree Lighting
The riverfront streets of New Hope glow for the town’s annual community tree lighting, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, carols, and a Santa sighting — all set among the charming shops and restaurants of Bucks County. All ages.
- Date: Nov. 30, 5–8 p.m.
- Location: 10 W. Ferry St., New Hope, Pa. 18938
- Website: visitnewhope.com
- Price: Free
Unique Experiences for Everyone
Whether you're looking for a musical performance, an educational exhibition, or a night out with the family, there are plenty of options to choose from in the Philadelphia area this weekend.
“A Christmas Story”
The Walnut Street Theatre turns the delightfully offbeat holiday movie into a full-fledged musical — frozen tongues, flying turkeys, leg lamps, and all. Bonus: for the Tuesday, Dec. 2 performance at 7:30 p.m., every adult ticket comes with a free child ticket (under age 17). Ages 6 and up.
- Date: Nov. 18–Jan. 4, times vary
- Location: 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
- Website: walnutstreettheatre.org
- Price: $31–$108
Holidays in Franklin Square
Just north of Independence Mall, Franklin Square rings in the season with its music-and-light fountain shows, Nutcracker previews from Philadelphia Dance Academy (Nov. 23), holiday mini golf, occasional Santa sightings, and a warming tent serving cocoa and treats. All ages.
- Date: Nov. 20–Jan. 4, 5–7 p.m.
- Location: 200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106
- Website: historicphiladelphia.org
- Price: Free; pay-as-you-go
Luminature
At the Philadelphia Zoo, the animals sleep but the lights come alive. Millions of bulbs illuminate giant animal sculptures — including a 40-foot dancing penguin and a flamingo “tree” — plus entertainment and snacks throughout the walk-through experience. Timed tickets required. All ages.
- Date: Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 5–7:30 p.m.
- Location: 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104
- Website: philadelphiazoo.org
- Price: $29
