The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: From upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Community) Still trying to master the art of sourdough bread? This class has everything you need to bake the perfect loaf, just in time for the holidays. The class includes everything you need to bake your loaf, plus a tasting with pre-made loaves served alongside seasonal bites and ligt refreshments.

⌚️Dec. 9, 6:30p.m., 📍1612 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $95

(Community) The best way to add a unique jewelry piece to your collection? Make it yourself. In this 4-hour workshop, you’ll learn all about lost wax casting and design your own ring that will be finished in sterling silver. All materials, free drinks and pastries from Persimmon Coffee, and up to 10 grams of silver are included in the ticket price.

⌚️Dec. 11, 5:30p.m., 📍11 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 moonkatstudio.com/, 💵 $145

(Community) Whether you’re a borderline pro baker or trying to pick up a new skill, you’re welcomed to join this tasty workshop. You’ll get a taste of Argentina and learn how to make traditional alfajores, a sweet and soft sandwich cookie. After class, you’ll enjoy your homemade sweet treats, along with tea. This event is also BYOB optional.

⌚️Dec. 13, 3-5p.m., 📍206-208 S. 45th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 $95

(Community) This art market is going all out for the holiday season. More than 15 local artists and makers will head to the Aiyah Market Garden with unique crafts, artwork and beautifully made pieces, perfect for gift giving. While you shop, enjoy live music, a cozy fire pit to keep warm and delicious Mexico City-style street food from Fenimex.

⌚️Dec. 13, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍1809 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 shopaiyah.com 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Get ready to run for a great cause. Lace up your sneakers and holiday-themed running gear for a 3-mile run along the Manayunk canal path. To help spread holiday cheer throughout the community, canned goods and other donations will be collected at the North Light Community Center.

⌚️Dec. 13, 8:30a.m., 📍4358 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19127, 🌐 manayunk.com, 💵 Free

(Theater) Visit the historic Victorian parlor at the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for a retelling of everyone’s favorite Christmas ghost story like you’ve never heard it before. This Charles Dickens story is the perfect family-friendly holiday activity to really get you into the spirit of the season.

⌚️Dec. 13 & 14, 📍200 W. Tulplehocken St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 tix.com, 💵 $12-60

(Community) Still shopping for holiday gifts? More than 60 vendors are heading to this one-of-a-kind craft fair, with different vendors selling on each day. They’ll offer everything from stationery to candles and other unique gift items. Come support local makers and cross off some items on your shopping list.

⌚️ Dec. 13-14, 10a.m. - 4p.m., 📍715 S. 50th St. at Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19143, 🌐 westcraftfest.wixsite.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) A viewing of The Nutcracker is truly a holiday season staple. The ballet follows a young Marie on a night of adventure where she is transported to a magical wonderland filled with enchanted toys, a Mouse King, sugarplum fairies and, of course, a handsome prince.

⌚️through Dec. 29, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 Varies

(Community) Shady Brook Farm is lighting up for the holiday season. The show features thousands of whimsical light displays highlighting your favorite holiday characters. Snuggle up in a wagon to experience the show up close or take it all in from the comfort of your car.

⌚️Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 📍931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, Pa., 19067, 🌐 shadybrookfarm.com, 💵 $45-120

(Community) Philly 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.

⌚️Through Dec. 24, 📍1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) 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.

⌚️Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 📍100 E. Penn Sq., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 🌐 phlvisitorcenter.com, 💵 Free

(Community) The train displays at the Morris Arboretum are officially in holiday mode. Thousands of twinkling lights provide the backdrop as G-scale mini locomotives wind and loop throughout the garden. The daytime experience is free to enjoy with general admission, and the Nighttime Express is ticketed.

⌚️Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12-17

Holiday shows and hands-on art fill the calendar this week — from a fresh take on Little Women to a brand-new musical at Bristol Riverside, high-energy toddler fun at the Miller Theater, and a Swiftie celebration for the ages. Families can make cards, meet classic storybook characters, and jump headfirst into the festive season.

(Theater / multiday) At Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, Louisa May Alcott’s beloved March sisters get a vibrant reinterpretation by director Kate Hamill, keeping the heart of family, growth, and friendship front and center. Ages 8 and up.

⌚ Through Dec. 28, dates & times vary, 📍64 Rose Valley Rd., Rose Valley, Pa. 19063, 🌐 hedgerowtheatre.org, 💵 $20–$35

(Musical / multiday) Bristol Riverside Theatre debuts a world-premiere holiday musical in which Santa steps away from the North Pole — leaving the all-important list in the hands of his elfin helpers. Chaos, comedy, and cheerful songs follow in a show aiming to become a new seasonal staple. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Dec. 9–28, times vary, 📍120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, Pa. 19007, 🌐 brtstage.org, 💵 $20–$74

(Music) Preschool superstar duo Blippi and Meekah bring their high-energy, educational antics to Broad Street for one night only — complete with music, dancing, and bucketloads of toddler enthusiasm. Ages 2–6.

⌚ Dec. 10, 6 p.m., 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $54–$96

(Dance) At the Annenberg Center, MOMIX performs a visually inventive, acrobatic retelling of Alice in Wonderland, with White Rabbits, Mad Hatters, and surreal choreography that keeps kids and adults enthralled. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Dec. 12–14, times vary, 📍3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 pennlivearts.org, 💵 $84–$119

(Art / free) Woodmere Art Museum invites families to create handmade holiday cards inspired by the work of the late, renowned Philadelphia children’s book illustrator Jerry Pinkney. All supplies — paper, stickers, ribbons, sparkles, glue — are provided. Ages 3–12.

⌚ Dec. 13, noon, 📍9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 woodmere.ticketapp.org, 💵 Free)

(Music) Collegeville’s Barn Yard hosts a holiday party tailor-made for Swifties: friendship bracelet-making, glitter crafts, photos, and plenty of opportunities to dance out your feelings (minus the heartbreak). Ages 8–14.

⌚ Dec. 13, 6–9 p.m., 📍305 2nd Ave., Collegeville, Pa. 19426, 🌐 barnyard4kids.com, 💵 $30

(Theater / multiday) At Old City’s Arden Theatre, Madeleine L’Engle’s sci-fi classic comes to life as Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace journey across time and space on a female-forward, family-friendly adventure. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Dec. 3–Jan. 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $30–$51

(Ballet / multiday) At the Academy of Music, Philadelphia Ballet’s lavish staging returns with Balanchine’s iconic choreography, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, ornate costumes, and intermission photo ops with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King. Dress up — it’s part of the fun. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Dec. 5–31, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 philadelphiaballet.org, 💵 $28–$271

(Theater / multiday) Walnut Street Theatre’s kid-friendly take on Dickens’ classic features a young cast, quick pacing, and plenty of matinees — ideal for families easing into holiday shows. Ages 6 and up.

⌚ Dec. 6–21, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $24–$29

(Holiday / multiday) 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.

⌚ Nov. 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov. 28–Dec. 23, noon–8 or 9 p.m.; Dec. 24, noon–5 p.m., 📍15th & JFK Blvd. and 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Free entry; pay-as-you-go

(Seasonal / multiday / free) 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.

⌚ Nov. 28–Dec. 24, times vary, 📍1 E. Penn Sq., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 phlvisitorcenter.com, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / multiday) 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.

⌚ Nov. 28–March 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental

(Musical / multiday) 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.

⌚ Nov. 18–Jan. 4, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $31–$108

(Seasonal / multiday) 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.

⌚ Nov. 20–Jan. 4, 5–7 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free; pay-as-you-go

(Seasonal / multiday) 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.

⌚ Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 5–7:30 p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $29

(Seasonal / multiday) Longwood Gardens goes all out with its winter spectacle: soaring trees, glittering fountains, a towering Wildlife Tree outdoors, and meticulously designed displays throughout the Conservatory. Timed admission required — and it sells out fast. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 21–Jan. 11, 10 a.m.–11 p.m., 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $25–$45

(Seasonal / multiday) Elmwood Park Zoo transforms its 16 acres into a holiday playground with lights, roaming performers, and animal demos. Mini Highland cow visits, carousel rides, and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus cost extra. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 5–7:30 p.m.; closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24–25, 📍1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa. 19401, 🌐 elmwoodparkzoo.org, 💵 $12.50–$33

(Seasonal / multiday) Morris Arboretum’s beloved outdoor railway winds through miniature landscapes and Philly landmarks, now with a new 60-foot illuminated tunnel. Daytime viewing runs daily; the “Nighttime Express” events tend to sell out early. Ages 1+.

⌚ Nov. 22–Dec. 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; select evenings, closed Dec. 24–25, 31 & Jan. 1, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12–$22

(Seasonal / multiday) The season’s early arrival brings the reopening of Dilworth Park’s ice rink, Wintergarden, and holiday market. Sip cocoa in the cozy cabin or skate beneath the lights — proof that Philly doesn’t wait for snow to get festive. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 14–Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

(Educational / multiday) The Please Touch Museum debuts its latest bilingual (Spanish and English) visiting exhibition, focused on brain development through play. Kids can test a light-up tilt table, dance in a mini studio, or dive into creative storytelling games, while parents learn about early childhood growth. Visit Saturday for a superhero theme. Ages 0–4.

⌚Sept. 20–Jan. 4, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays, 📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24, $2 ACCESS cardholder