15 Things to Do in Philadelphia This Holiday Season
Philadelphia has some of the longest-running traditions, with lively neighborhoods and a mix of old and new events. Most holiday spots are easy to reach on foot or by public transit. You’ll find big attractions near City Hall, and the neighborhoods here comes with their own style.
While many of the 2025 event dates haven’t been officially confirmed yet, they typically follow the same seasonal schedules, and final details will be released as the holidays get closer. Here are the holiday events worth your time this year.
Dilworth Park
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Right in front of City Hall, Dilworth Park turns into a busy winter hub. The ice rink sits at the center, surrounded by stalls selling local crafts and food. Lights run through the garden, and the Rothman Cabin keeps people stopping in for hot chocolate or cider.
Dates: The market runs from November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026. The ice rink typically operates mid-November through late February (exact dates TBD).
Franklin Square
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Franklin Square draws big crowds for its light show. The display of more than 100,000 bulbs is timed to holiday music. The show runs several times each evening and is free to watch. Families often mix it in with carousel rides or a turn at the iceless curling lanes, while adults head to the heated tent bar for a break.
Dates: The 2025 schedule has not yet been announced. In 2024, the event ran from November 21 to February 23.
Wanamaker Christmas Light Show
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The Wanamaker Light Show has been part of Philadelphia’s holidays since 1956. Inside the rotunda, snowmen and toy soldiers appear in lights, set to music from the Wanamaker Grand Organ, the largest functioning pipe organ in the world. Even with Macy’s closing in 2025, the tradition continues.
Dates: Typically runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 31.
Dickens Village
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Dickens Village has been another tradition tied to the Wanamaker Building. Visitors walk through scenes from A Christmas Carol brought to life by vintage animatronic figures. Kids stand surprisingly still for Scrooge’s whole journey. The display has been a reliable stop for families year after year.
Dates: 2025 details TBD, but usually matches the light show schedule (late November – December 31).
Christmas Village at LOVE Park
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LOVE Park gets busy in the evenings, though cultural performances and kid-friendly readings keep afternoons just as lively. The wooden stalls and mulled wine lean European, but the crowds are all Philly. People show up hungry for bratwurst and cheese-slicked bread, then stick around for ornaments and crafts.
Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2025 (closed Nov 24–26).
Shane Confectionery
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Shane Confectionery has operated in Old City since 1876. During the holidays, the shop highlights Clear Toy Candy, a glasslike treat poured into molds shaped like Santas and other figures. The tradition is distinct to Philadelphia and gives visitors a break from the usual store-bought sweets.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
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Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink is all about atmosphere. The riverside rink is lit with hanging bulbs. Plus, there are cabins you can rent, and firepits pop up across the space. A Ferris wheel and carnival games keep things moving for younger visitors, while food stalls and a cozy lodge serve everyone else.
Dates: Typically opens the day after Thanksgiving (Nov 28, 2025) and runs through early March 2026 (tentative).
Morris Arboretum Holiday Railway
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The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum is a favorite for families. The miniature trains travel along a quarter-mile track through tunnels, bridges, and small replicas of Philadelphia landmarks. During the day, admission is included with entry, but evening events add a new layer with lights strung in the trees and lasers across the garden. Evening tickets sell quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
Dates: November 23 – December 30, 2025.
Miracle on South 13th Street
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South Philadelphia residents go all out with their block-long light display known as Miracle on South 13th Street. Every house is wrapped in lights, inflatable reindeer, or Eagles-themed Christmas gear. The tradition has been going strong for over 25 years. Parking in South Philly can be tough, so taking public transit or allowing extra time is recommended.
Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
Holiday Performances
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December in Philadelphia means a packed calendar of live shows. Between The Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Glorious Sound of Christmas, December fills up quickly. Many shows take place at the Kimmel Center, with some events adding live scores to blockbuster films.
Dates: The Nutcracker runs December 5 – 31, 2025. The Glorious Sound of Christmas plays December 18 – 20, 2025.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars
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Bars around the city adapt to the season with themed decorations and festive drinks. Tinsel in Midtown Village is a favorite, serving cocktails in ornaments and snow globes. Over in Manayunk, Taqueria Amor’s Grinch theme includes green drinks and glowing décor.
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
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The Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature event is a nighttime light show. Visitors walk past illuminated animal sculptures, glowing jellyfish, and even a Christmas tree built from bright flamingos. Food stalls and hot drinks are also available. The event runs for several weeks and requires timed-entry tickets.
Dates: 2025 schedule TBD. In 2024, the event ran from November 21 to January 4.
Longwood Gardens
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A trip to Longwood Gardens during the holidays is a yearly tradition for many. Half a million lights cover Longwood’s trees, topiaries, and fountains. Inside the conservatories, each room features a distinct holiday theme. People book months ahead for night tickets, especially on weekends.
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
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On the banks of the Delaware, reenactors climb into wooden boats and row across the river in heavy 18th-century gear. Drums, muskets, and cannon fire carry over the crowd as the crossing is replayed in full. Despite the scale, the gathering feels rooted in the community, with families returning year after year.
Dates: December 14 and December 25, 2025 (weather permitting).
Brandywine Railroad
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The Brandywine Museum of Art hosts a model train display that winds through miniature villages and winter scenes. Children watch the engines at eye level, while adults enjoy the nostalgia. In the atrium, trees are decorated with handmade Critter ornaments crafted from natural materials, with sales helping to fund the museum’s programs.
Dates: Expected between November 16, 2025, and January 5, 2026.