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) The holidays have officially reached Chestnut Hill. Come enjoy festive entertainment while you enjoy extended shopping hours, exclusive holiday specials and complimentary refreshments at select stores. From 6:30-8:30, you can catch Santa making his way down the avenue.

⌚️Dec. 18, 5-9p.m., 📍Various locations along Germantown Avenue, 🌐 chestnuthillpa.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) Prepare your ears for a joyful noise this holiday season. Come hear some of your favorite holiday songs, performed by amazing vocalists. Get to the show early and enjoy dinner and drinks ahead of the performance.

⌚️Dec. 19, 6:30-9:30p.m., 📍3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 tockify.com, 💵 $40-45

(Community) ‘Tis the season for delicious holiday cocktails. Learn how to shake, mix and stir the perfect drink just in time to wow your guests at holiday parties. Each ticket includes expert guidance, 2 Herradura Margaritas and 2 tacos to pair with your drinks.

⌚️Dec. 19, 5-7p.m., 📍624 S. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 $30

(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

(Movies) Enjoy this special screening of Lotte Reiniger’s animated film,The Adventures of Prince Achmed. The film tells the story of a wicked sorcerer who tricks the prince into mounting a magical flying horse and sends him on a wild journey.

⌚️Dec. 20, 8p.m., 📍4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 therotunda.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Come spread and receive a little kindness to take into the holidays. This annual celebration, hosted by PhilHarmonia and the German Society, was created to add another festival touch to your holiday celebrations. Come enjoy wine and beer tastings, delicious treats and a guest appearance by the A Cappella Pops.

⌚️Dec. 20, 8-10p.m., 📍611 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA, 19123, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $50

(Community) It’s time to defy gravity, and this event is bound to be popular. Whether you can’t stop seeing the new Wicked film or have long loved the Broadway show, this brunch unites every Elphaba and Glinda. You’ll get to sing along with drag queen Brittany Lynn and the dolls of the Philly Drag Mafia.

⌚️Dec. 21, 11a.m. - 2p.m., 📍1148 S. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $25-55

(Theater) The Chocolate Ballerina Company’s annual presentation of The Nutcracker Dipped in Chocolate is back for its fourth year. This family-friendly show follows Clara and the Nutcracker on many adventures of African descent and cultural experiences. You’ll leave the show inspired and filled with the holiday spirit.

⌚️Dec. 21-22, 📍3220 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $35-99

(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

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.

(Music / movies / holiday) At Marian Anderson Hall, enjoy the timeless Jim Henson classic featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit, with a live score performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Ages 7 and up.

⌚December 18-19, 7 p.m., 📍S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 philorch.ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $46-$123

(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

(Holiday / free) Your last chance to see Santa in the historic food hall. Kids can share wishes with St. Nick or drop their letters in the Christmas list letterbox. All ages.

⌚December 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 📍1136 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 readingterminalmarket.org, 💵 Free

(Outdoors / free) This Northeast Philly gem invites visitors to enjoy winter solstice festivities with walks through the woods, craft-making, and fireside fun. Free mansion tours, warm drinks, and refreshments are included. BYO camp chairs and flashlights. All ages.

⌚December 21, 2-5:30 p.m., 📍5001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19114, 🌐 glenfoerd.org, 💵 Free

(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

(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