The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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

(Community) Explore Philly’s Magic Gardens after hours, under the glow of hundreds of colored lights. You’ll be able to fully explore the outdoor space and check out the rarely-seen mosaicked basement.

⌚️Jan. 3, 5:30-8:30p.m., 📍1020 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 $10-20

(Community) Prepare to be surrounded by big-toothed giants at this massive dino event. You and the family will get the chance to excavate fossils, train a raptor, play with a baby dinosaur and so much more. With everything from life size dino displays to interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids under 2 receive free kids admission.

⌚️Jan 3-5, 📍100 Station Ave, Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 universe.com, 💵 $22-36

(Community) Aren’t we all hoping for more good news in 2025? This pop up cafe delivers just that, as The People’s Gallery Project transforms their art gallery into a cozy cafe with music, specialty tea and coffee, and printed news to browse through. All of the printed pieces of news will feature positive and uplifting stories that remind everyone that goodness still exists.

⌚️ Jan. 4, 6-9p.m., 📍1034 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Pay-what-you-wish

(Community) Looking to learn a new crafty skill in 2025. This class is the perfect first stop to teach you the fundamentals of knitting in a chill, relaxing environment. No experience is necessary, an instructor will guide you through everything, and all materials are provided.

⌚️ Jan. 5, 12:30p.m., 📍4000 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $47.99

(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

(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

When did New Year’s Eve turn into a celebration for kids? In Philly, it might have something to do with the Please Touch Museum’s lively daytime bashes and the early fireworks over the Delaware River. From confetti drops to superhero-themed fun, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained before bedtime.

(Ice skating / multi-day) Mickey Mouse and friends hit the Flyers’ ice at Wells Fargo Center, performing Disney’s greatest hits with characters like Asha, Ariel, Simba, Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. A magical experience for young fans. Ages 2-12.

⌚December 26-January 4, times vary, 📍3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148, 🌐 wellsfargocenterphilly.com, 💵 $22-$156

(Theater / multi-day) At Penn Live Arts, Jefferson Turner and Daniel Clarkson hilariously reenact all seven of J.K. Rowling’s magical youth adventures in just 70 minutes. This popular “unauthorized” parody promises laughs and a fire-breathing dragon. Ages 6 and up.

⌚December 26-January 5, times vary, 📍3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 🌐 pennlivearts.org, 💵 $50-$100

(Musical / multi-day) At the Players Club of Swarthmore, Dorothy’s classic journey to Oz and back home is brought to life in this charming Delco theater production. A treat for both longtime fans and new audiences. Ages 6 and up.

⌚December 20-January 4, times vary, 📍614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, PA 19081, 🌐 pcstheater.org, 💵 $18-$30

(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

(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) 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

(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