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 / Theater) STOMP is an internationally acclaimed percussion performance unlike any other. The eight member troupe uses everything outside of traditional percussion instruments to fill the stage with booming beats and magnificent rhythms. The performers will use everything from wooden poles to garbage cans to keep your pulse pounding through the show.

⌚️Dec. 26-29, 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $89-99

(Community) Come experience Philly’s Magic Gardens like you never have before. The South Street mosaic masterpiece will be placed 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.

⌚️Dec. 27, 5:30-8:30p.m., 📍1020 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 $10-20

(Community) Need a fun activity to unwind from the holiday chaos? Come test your bingo skills, hang with friends and enjoy a night at the waterfront at a festively decorated Cherry Street Pier. You’ll get to relax and play a few rounds of bingo for the chance to win fun prizes.

⌚️ Dec. 27, 6p.m., 📍120 Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Prepare to sing your heart out to your favorite karaoke songs at this talent showcase turned gong show. Make sure your vocals are up to pair, because if they aren’t, you may get gonged by Skeletor. Tickets are not required but reservations are highly encouraged.

⌚️Dec. 27, 8:30p.m., 📍3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 worldcafelive.org, 💵 Free

(Community / Art) On Friday’s, the Philadelphia Museum of Art opens up for a fun night of mixing, mingling and appreciating art. The museum’s Great Stair Hall will be filled with DJ beats, performers and musicians and the galleries are kept open late.

⌚️ Dec. 27, 5-8:30p.m., 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 philamuseum.org, 💵 $7-15

(Community) This family-friendly event highlights African diaspora culture through music, food and Kwanzaa traditions. Come enjoy a day focused on unity and learn more about how you can honor the principles of Kwanzaa.

⌚️Dec. 28, 12-5p.m., 📍761 N. 47th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19139, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Up your creativity this holiday season with this interactive and entertaining cake decorating class. Your ticket includes your first beer, a charcuterie cup and two hours with an expert cake decorator who will guide you to creating a masterpiece. No matter your baking level, come learn something new and leave with a tasty treat to bring to your next get together.

⌚️Dec. 28, 12:30-2:30p.m., 📍177 Markle St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19127, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $30-60

(Community) Celebrate the fourth night of Kwanzaa with the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Ujamaa means “to maintain our own stores, shops and businesses to profit from them together. To highlight this principle, you’ll be able to shop from a curated family-friendly marketplace featuring Black owned vendors from around the region.

⌚️Dec. 29, 5-8p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 oldcitydistrict.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Theater) You’ve never seen a take on a holiday classic quite like this. This version of the story follows a young girl who comes to reimagine the magic of the holiday season. The show is set to a holiday soundtrack, with a Cirque twist, and features thrilling acrobatics.

⌚️Dec. 19-29, 📍858 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 cirquedusoleil.com, 💵 $65-165

(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

(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

It’s the final countdown to Christmas, and this week offers plenty of ways to soak up the holiday spirit. From live performances and a visit with Santa to a peaceful walk in the woods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before the big day.

(Seasonal) At The Weitzman Museum, this annual family gathering ensures everyone feels included with activities like dough play, percussion experiments, dance performances, animated movies (Shrek, Frozen), a scavenger hunt, and a participatory concert. All ages.

⌚December 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 📍101 S. Independence Mall E., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 theweitzman.org, 💵 $15-$25

(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

(Seasonal / multi-day / free) At the African American Museum in Philadelphia, celebrate five of the seven principles of Kwanzaa with activities including a student resource fair, open mic, quizzo, a marketplace, and soul food. The final two days are virtual. All ages.

⌚December 26, 5-8 p.m.; December 27, noon-4 p.m.; December 28, 2-4 p.m.; December 29, 5-8 p.m.; December 30, 2-4 p.m., 📍701 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 aampmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(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

(Holiday / acrobatics / multi-day) Cirque du Soleil brings their acrobatic magic to The Met with a dazzling adaptation of Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Expect feats of strength, dance, and holiday classics. Ages 6 and up.

⌚December 19-29, times vary, 📍858 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 cirquedusoleil.com, 💵 $65-$181

(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

(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

(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) 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