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) First Person Arts showcases storytellers practicing across multiple disciplines such as theatre, visual, arts, spoken word, and dance. This showcase will feature stores themed around the holidays, and all that they entail. You must make a table reservation in addition to grabbing tickets to secure your seat.

⌚️Dec. 10, 7:30p.m., doors open at 6p.m.,📍3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 worldcafelive.org, 💵 $15

(Community) Whether you’re a bingo pro or just looking for a fun night out, this fun Bingo night is for you. Come test your skills and try your luck at winning prizes at a festively decorated Cherry Street Pier.

⌚️Dec. 13, 6p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Music) It’s time to make a joyful noise. Come gather with other Philadelphians at the Kimmel Center to sing the beloved Christmas song Silent Night. Singers will follow conductor John Conahan and his music arrangement. Singers of all ages and experience are invited to participate and come together as a community through song.

⌚️Dec. 13, 5:30-6:30p.m., 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 Free

(Community) A bottle of wine makes a great gift, but why stop there? Come shop at this holiday market which will offer everything from cookbooks to candles and curated wine and cheese packages. While you shop, you can enjoy hot cocktails in the garden.

⌚️Dec. 14, 1-5p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This North Philly holiday tradition is back for another year. Get ready for a night of traditional Latino music and dance, face painting, Christmas caroling and so much more. Food and beverages will be available for sale.

⌚️Dec. 14, 3-5p.m., 📍4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19140, 🌐 showclix.com, 💵 Free

(Community) More than 100 vendors are heading to Downtown West Chester to share their handcrafted and locally designed products just in time for the holidays. You’ll be able to shop ceramics, art pieces, homewares and more. To help you get into the holiday spirit, there will also be live music and photo ops with Santa.

⌚️ Dec. 14, 11a.m. - 7p.m., 📍Gay Street between Darlington St. & Matlack St., West Chester, Pa, 19380, 🌐 downtownwestchester.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Still shopping for holiday gifts? This craft fair, which features more than 60 vendors offering everything from stationery to candles, is the perfect on stop shop for unique finds. All of the vendors create original items, so you know you’re getting something one-of-a-kind.

⌚️ Dec. 14-15, 10a.m. - 4p.m., 📍4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 westcraftfest.wixsite.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Get into the holiday spirit with this Liberty City Radio Theatre adaptation of the Dickens Holiday classic. The show is in the style of old time radio, live on stage featuring all the music and sound effects.

⌚️Dec. 15, 7p.m., 📍624 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 libertycityradiotheatre.com, 💵 $20

(Music) It doesn’t get more traditional holiday season than a viewing of The Nutcracker. 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.

⌚️Dec 6-29, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $99-450

(Theater) See the story of a remarkable Christmas eve come to life on the stage. Come watch as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him Christmas past, present and future. This adaptation features traditional holiday songs to highlight the story and is perfect for kids.

⌚️Dec. 6-21, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $17-20

(Community) The holidays in Philadelphia aren’t complete without a stop at Christmas Village. More than 120 vendors from all over the world are setting up a Christmas marketplace, offering everything from food and drinks to unique gifts. Grab a mulled wine or steaming hot chocolate before the end of the season.

⌚️ Nov. 23 - Dec. 24, 📍1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) The Comcast Experience’s Holiday Spectacular is a must for your Philly holiday bucket list. This free show features a massive LED display depicting a virtual sleigh ride over the city that you won’t believe isn’t happening before your eyes. A sensory-friendly version of the show will take place at 2:30p.m. each day while the experience runs.

⌚️ Nov. 28, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025, 📍1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 comcastcentercampus.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Nothing says winter time like skating right alongside the Delaware River. The rink is reopening for the 2024-2025 winter season. Come skate, grab delicious hot chocolate, play games and make winter memories at the waterfront.

⌚️Nov. 29, 2024 - Mar. 2, 2025, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Varies

(Theatre) This farcical murder mystery and play within a play is back after selling out in spring 2023. The show follows the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they embark on producing a 1920s murder mystery. Watch as hilarious disaster after disaster ensues until the final curtain call.

⌚️Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 📍1714 Delancey Pl., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 1812productions.org, 💵 $55-61

(Community) Kick off the holiday season with this dazzling walk-through experience. Your visit will be filled with dazzling light displays, illuminated animals, live entertainment, festival decorations and so much more. This event is perfect for the entire family and makes for a great holiday tradition.

⌚️Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 📍1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa, 19401, 🌐 elmwoodparkzoo.org, 💵 $14.95-28.95

(Community) Longwood Gardens is transforming into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Take in a dazzling display of floating floral designs, stunning trees, bold blooms and more. Brand new spaces will be revealed this year offering even more chances to take in astonishing feats of horticulture and creativity.

⌚️Nov. 22 - Jan. 12, 2025, 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa, 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $8-42

(Community) Morris Aborteum’s annual holiday tradition is back and opening earlier to offer more chances to enjoy it. Come enjoy a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, model trains and a lovely winter garden. For an even more magical visit, stop by at night for the Nighttime Express to take in sparkling lights along the railway and laser lights in the trees.

⌚️Nov. 23 - Dec. 22, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12-22

Midway through December, both the city and suburbs come alive with festive events that bring communities together to celebrate the season with creativity, tradition, and plenty of holiday cheer.

(Theater / multi-day) At the Calvary Center for Culture and Community, Curio Theatre Company presents an interactive adaptation of this classic tale. Young audience members can create props or sounds before the show, which actors incorporate into the performance. Ages 3-8.

⌚December 12-29, times vary, 📍4740 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143, 🌐 curiotheatre.org, 💵 $15-$20

(Seasonal / free) King of Prussia Town Center invites families to an outdoor afternoon of holiday fun, including bubble houses, candy, face-painting, arts and crafts, and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. All ages.

⌚December 14, 2-7 p.m., rain date: December 15, 📍155 Village Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19406, 🌐 kingofprussia-towncenter.com, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / free) Fishtown’s annual ice-sculpting event features live sculpting demonstrations, public displays, and free trolley rides along Frankford Ave. Santa visits Frankford Hall from noon to 4 p.m. All ages.

⌚December 14, noon-8 p.m., rain date: December 15, 📍Frankford Ave. and Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125, 🌐 fishtowndistrict.com, 💵 Free

(Seasonal) On E. Passyunk Avenue, enjoy a family-friendly hot chocolate crawl with cocoa drinks ranging from classic to boozy, while shops offer specials and carolers serenade. Ages 4 and up.

⌚December 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128, 🌐 visiteastpassyunk.com, 💵 $12-$20 ticket, $3-$8 drinks

(Seasonal / free) At Esperanza Arts Center, celebrate Puerto Rican traditions with live music, snacks, and a market featuring Christmas crafts and toys. A festive afternoon for the whole family. All ages.

⌚December 14, 3-5 p.m., 📍4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19140, 🌐 esperanzaartscenter.us, 💵 Free

(Holiday / theater / multi-day) At Walnut Street Theatre, experience a family-friendly adaptation of the classic tale of holiday transformation. Perfect for introducing kids to Dickens’ timeless story. Ages 5 and up.

⌚December 6-21, various times, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $17-$24

(Musical / multi-day) Arden Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, featuring fairy dust, beloved characters, and plenty of joy. Directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Ages 6-12.

⌚November 27-January 19, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25-$46

(Holiday / multi-day) LOVE Park and City Hall transform into a festive holiday market with shopping, snacks, a Festival of Trees, a Ferris wheel, live performances, and visits from Santa. Key events include the city tree lighting on December 5 and a family weekend December 7-8. All ages.

⌚November 28-December 24, noon-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 📍15th and JFK Blvd. and 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Free

(Outdoors / multi-day) Penn’s Landing welcomes winter fun with a skating rink, fire pits, cabins, arcade games, and snacks. Construction is ongoing, but the venue remains a must-visit for winter break. Ages 4 and up to skate.

⌚November 29-March 2, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 $5 to skate, $12 to rent skates

(Musical / multi-day) At Walnut Street Theatre, Buddy the Elf’s journey from the North Pole to New York City comes alive with a festive score. Kids can attend free with an adult on December 12 and 13 via in-person or phone ticket sales. Ages 6 and up.

⌚November 19-December 29, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $25-$137

(Musical / multi-day) People’s Light presents a creative, interactive twist on the classic Peter Pan story with all your favorite characters, Broadway talent, and a TikTok-loving crocodile. Written by Philly’s own Jennifer Childs. Ages 5 and up.

⌚November 20-January 5, times vary, 📍39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, PA 19355, 🌐 peopleslight.org, 💵 $35-$64

(Seasonal / multi-day) The Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of lights, animal-inspired sculptures, entertainment, and snacks while the animals snooze. Timed tickets required. All ages.

⌚November 21-January 4, 5:15-7:30 p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $22-$29

(Holiday / multi-day)Morris Arboretum’s beloved outdoor toy train display returns, featuring over a dozen lines—including Thomas and friends—traveling through scenic gardens and past miniature Philadelphia landmarks. Ages 1 and up.

⌚November 23-December 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $10-$20

(Seasonal) City Hall’s front yard transforms for winter with the foliage and light-filled Wintergarden, a festive makers market, and an ice-skating rink (weather permitting). All ages.

⌚November 15-February 23 (rink; through March 9 for Wintergarden), 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free (Wintergarden), $7-$9 to skate; $10 to rent skates

(Holidays / multi-day) At the Brandywine Museum of Art, marvel at massive miniature train sets, Critter-adorned trees, and intricate dollhouse displays, all ready for the holiday season. Perfect for fans of trains, Wyeth art, and seasonal magic. All ages.

⌚November 16-January 5, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. December 26-30), 📍1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 🌐 brandywine.org, 💵 $8-$25

(Community / multiday) Can you teach toddlers and elementary school-age kids empathy? It’s certainly worth trying. The Please Touch Museum’s visiting exhibit aims to help children express feelings and understand others’ through lightbox silhouette-making, playing with empathy blocks, and negotiating a seesaw. Ages 2-10.

⌚September 27-January 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays,📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org , 💵$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2