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) 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) Whether you go crazy for a good turkey or only show up for the desserts, this wine tasting is for you. Come try a selection of wines perfect for pairing with your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Wine will also be available to purchase so you can bring your favorites to Thanksgiving dinner.

⌚️Nov. 22, 7p.m., 📍1700 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 lunaphilly.com, 💵 $55

(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

(Community) Snag the perfect viewing spot to watch as thousands of runners run through Center City for this annual 26.2 mile race. The race begins on the Parkway, then makes its way through Center City and other neighborhoods, ending along Kelly Drive. Help to keep the runner’s spirits up by cheering them on along the route.

⌚️ Nov. 24, 7a.m., 📍22nd St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 philadelphiamarathon.com, 💵 Free

(Movies) This festival delivers ten days of unforgettable Jewish cinematic and storytelling. Jewish international films and media from across the globe will head to Philadelphia, and events will take place with local organizations across the city. Curate your festival experience by grabbing a badge or ticket to individual events.

⌚️ Nov. 12-24, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 phillyjfm.org

This fall weekend, Philadelphia brings its vibrant history, artistic flair, community spirit, and patriotic pride to life. From enchanting holiday displays to hands-on art experiences and historic reenactments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the city.

(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

(Science) The Franklin Institute celebrates its 200th anniversary with the reopening of the Giant Heart and new exhibits on perception and technology. First 200 visitors on November 23 and 24 get free admission; the first 500 get a free gift. Ages 3 and up.

⌚November 23-24, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $21-$25

(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