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 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) Philadelphia’s iconic Thanksgiving Day parade is back for its 105th year. Catch epic floats, marching bands, singing, dancing and more as the parade makes its way through Center City and up the Parkway. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

⌚️Nov. 28, 8:30a.m. - 12p.m., 📍Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 6abc.com, 💵 Free

(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

(Music) Relive the magic of the first Harry Potter film and books with this live concert. The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform the iconic score as your favorite characters return to the screen. ( ⌚️Nov. 29-30, 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $49-150)

(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) Get ready for the brightest holiday lights, grand decoration displays and one of the most stunning blocks you’ve ever seen in Philly. Parade characters will lead Santa to the block as he rides in to officially kick off the season. There will be plenty of festive snacks, sweet treats and, of course, hot chocolate.

⌚️ Nov. 30, 5-9p.m. 📍1600 Block of S.13th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 facebook.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Need to wind down after a food filled holiday? Come sip delicious drinks while tapping into your inner creative. No artistic experience or ability is required, just come ready to have a great time.

⌚️Dec. 1, 4-7p.m., 📍4206 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $30

(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

Things are getting busy, what with musicals and holiday attractions opening, free museum Sundays, and lots of things to do, bundled up or indoors.

(Holiday musical / multi-day) At Miller Theater, follow the rhyming journey of the Grinch as his heart grows three sizes. Narrated by Max the Dog, this musical is perfect for families. Ages 4-12.

⌚November 26-December 1, times vary, 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $55-$125

(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 / free) Celebrate the 105th year of America’s oldest Thanksgiving parade, featuring high school bands, giant balloons, floats, celebrities, and Santa. The parade runs from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to City Hall and is also broadcast on 6abc. Ages 2 and up.

⌚November 28, 9 a.m., 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. to City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 6abc.com, 💵 Free

(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

(Art) At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, kids can create self-portraits with artists Amy Sherald and Chelsey Luster, while grown-ups enjoy performances in the Great Stair Hall. Makes for great holiday gifts! Ages 3-12.

⌚December 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 philamuseum.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-wish

(Art / free) At the Barnes Museum, enjoy Mikalene Thomas’s first solo exhibition, storytelling, art-making for kids, and a performance by Philadanco. Reserve tickets starting November 28 at 10 a.m. Ages 2 and up.

⌚December 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 Free with reservation

(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