November 2024 in Philly: The 84 Biggest Events, Fests & Exhibitions

Through Sunday, November 3, 2024

Catch the last of the orange delights at Linvilla Orchards’ annual Pumpkinland fall festival before they’re gone. The Delaware County gourd gala features a slew of daytime ticketed activities, like harvest hayrides around the farm, corn and (slightly harder) straw bale mazes, apple blaster target shooting, pick-your-own crops, fishing in Orchard Lake, and pony and train rides. Things get spooky after dark with moonlight hayrides around the farm or to the nearby Witch’s House, ending at a campfire with cider and marshmallows.

Through Sunday, November 3, 2024 (select dates)

They say big girls don’t cry, but they (and the boys and everyone else) might when the Jersey Boys jukebox musical closes this month. Take one more peek behind the music and witness the story of Frankie Valli and his band The Four Seasons as they rise from the streets of Belleville, New Jersey on a rocky journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with an original sound that radio just couldn’t get enough of in the 1960s. Oh, what a night at the historic Walnut Street Theatre!

Through Saturday, November 9, 2024 (select dates)

Say goodbye to “spooky szn” during the waning days of Halloween Nights at abandoned prison Eastern State Penitentiary. Before the ghosts, ghouls and goblins depart America’s largest haunted house for the year, wander the cell blocks after dark for an immersive and terrifying experience of thrills and chills. The legendary prison (which once housed infamous criminals from Willie Sutton to Al Capone) offers over a dozen different attractions across its 11 acres including multiple haunted houses, walking tours and themed bars, plus Triple Bottom Brewing’s Fair Chance Beer Garden.

Through Sunday, November 17, 2024 (extended)

We mean it this time: Now is your last chance to enjoy The Art of the Brick exhibit, ending its two-month extended run at The Franklin Institute. Every piece in the impressive display — including over a hundred art masterworks recreated in LEGO like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, plus original LEGO sculptures like a 20-foot-long T. rex skeleton — is made completely of LEGO. It’s all the handiwork of contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, who’s the first to create a full exhibition of LEGO art.

Through Saturday, November 23, 2024 (select dates)

The doors to the room where it happened are closing for good. The room? The historic Academy of Music. The happening? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway blockbuster hip-hop musical Hamilton, marking its final days of performances in the city of its namesake’s highest highs (from influential presidential advisor to First Bank of the United States founder) and romantic downfall (see: the Maria Reynolds Affair). Don’t throw away your final shot to hear from Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Eliza Schuyler, King George III and the rest of the revolutionary gang on Philly’s Avenue of the Arts.

Ongoing

The world just got little bit smaller. Most recently seen in New York City, the hit art installation comes to Philly’s LOVE Park. Created by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, the Portal links the City of Brotherly Love to faraway countries around the world via a massive 24/7 video livestream.

Through Sunday, December 1, 2024 (select dates)

Hop aboard a 34-passenger, open-air trolley for 90-minute guided Trolley Tours at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The tours start at the Visitor Center, then follow the Encampment Tour, hitting up seven more locations across the park, with extended stops at Muhlenberg’s Brigade and Washington’s Headquarters. Two tours run each Saturday and Sunday, except Thanksgiving weekend which offers three daily options. Advanced purchase is recommended, with ticket pickup at the Encampment Store gift shop.

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025 (select dates)

The crucial second half of the NFL season kicks off as winter’s chill starts to descend over Lincoln Financial Field for two Philadelphia Eagles’ nationally televised nighttime home games this November. Catch Jalen Hurts, Jalen Carter, Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert and the green gang during week nine as the Jacksonville Jaguars return for a late afternoon matchup on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Two weeks later, the Birds are back to face the division rival Washington Commanders for a Sunday Night Football tilt on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025

In the fascinating Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent exhibition, visitors discover rare documents, inspired works of art and historical objects that paint a fuller picture of the shelter used as George Washington’s headquarters throughout the War for Independence. The tent — the Museum of the American Revolution’s signature artifact — served as the battlefield home, strategic meeting place and office quarters for General Washington, and the exhibition tells the stories of the many individuals who worked to preserve and pass down this vital symbol of America.

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025

You may not recognize the artists who are the focus of Monuments and Myths: The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French, but you know their work: French’s Seated Lincoln is the centerpiece of Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial and Saint-Gaudens’s Diana sits atop the balcony of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Great Stair Hall. Doylestown’s James A. Michener Art Museum brings sculptures of the two contemporaries (and rivals) together for the first time, exploring the role public art plays in reflecting, informing and sometimes obscuring truths about our nation.

Through Sunday, January 12, 2025

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway’s Barnes Foundation presents the East Coast debut of new exhibition Mickalene Thomas: All About Love. The exhibit showcases a series of vivid works (spanning the early 2000s to today) by the Camden, New Jersey-born artist utilizing mixed media — including paintings, collages, photography, videos and installations — highlighted by stunning large-scale rhinestone-bejeweled painted tableaus. The exhibit — spotlighting Black femininity, agency, desire and an empowered vision of beauty — runs through January 2025.

Through Sunday, March 2, 2025

Curated in collaboration with award-winning actress CCH Pounder over the course of two years, this new exhibition at the African American Museum in Philadelphia highlights contemporary art spanning the African diaspora. The exhibition — composed of 40 works of art in multiple media — features Black figures and explores identity, presence, beauty, autonomy and power. Featured works include pieces by world-renowned artists like Bisa Butler, Elizabeth Colomba, Samella Lewis and Lezley Saar, along with art from emerging artists like Luke Agada and Alex Peter Idoko.

Through Sunday, April 13, 2025 (select dates)

Play the song … 1-2-3-4-5-76ers! The 2024 NBA season’s action is just heating up, so ring that bell to help the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate the franchise’s 76th year. Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George (PG) hit the Wells Fargo Center floor for seven key early season contests, including two intraconference spots versus the Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers, bouts with heated division rivals the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, a date with the Los Angeles Clippers — as PG takes on his former team — and a Thanksgiving Eve showdown with the Houston Rockets.

Through Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (select dates)

The orange-and-black head into the heart of the NHL season’s first half as the Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice at Wells Fargo Center for eight home faceoffs in November. The month begins on Saturday, November 2, 2024 against the defending Atlantic Division champ Boston Bruins and wraps on Friday, November 29, 2024 with a can’t-miss duel versus the archnemesis New York Rangers. In between are head-to-heads with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Vegas Golden Knights and the division rival Carolina Hurricanes coached by Flyers legend Rod Brind’Amour.

November is National Native American Heritage Month, and Philadelphia honors Indigenous peoples with a number of special events. Want to learn more about the region’s Indigenous art, history and legends? Comb through our new guide on Where to Explore Indigenous Culture in Greater Philly.

• Little Free(dom) Libraries: Visit Philadelphia’s Little Free(dom) Library initiative encourages residents and visitors in Philadelphia to pick up banned books for free at over a dozen locations throughout the city. For Native American Heritage Month, find the latest addition: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard (illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal). Hours vary by location, so be sure to check current hours before heading out (ongoing).
• Native American Heritage Month at the National Constitution Center: The National Constitution Center hosts a series of programs and activities exploring the history of Indigenous peoples in pre- and post-colonial America. Daily programming includes a history of Thanksgiving show, activity tables highlighting historic maps from before the arrival of the Founding Fathers and Lenape language activities. On weekends, visitors can create their own take-home corn husk dolls, like those made by the Wampanoag people during the 17th century (November 1 to 30, 2024).
• Exploring Lenape Culture, Art & Traditional Craft at Morris Arboretum & Gardens: The language of Pennsylvania’s original founding fathers and mothers can be heard in the iconic names of streets (Passyunk) and landmarks (Wissahickon) across the region. Learn more about the culture and heritage of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania with Adam Waterbear DePaul (Lenape Nation Tribal Storykeeper and Director of Education) and Teri Hislop (Lenape Nation Clan Mother and Keeper of Traditional Craft) during this four-part, virtual series (November 3 to 24, 2024).

Presented by CraftNOW, each November is CraftMONTH in Philly, a celebration of art where the city highlights exhibits and events at various museums, studios and galleries — all focused on a single theme. This year’s theme: Connectivity. Featured exhibitions for CraftMONTH include:

• The Future of Clay at The Clay Studio: Experience the ever-evolving landscape of ceramic art during this new community-centered exhibition. Curated with the current social and political climates in mind, the show celebrates diversity (and the 50th anniversary of The Clay Studio) with colorful and meticulously crafted ceramics by several contemporary artists (on display through December 31, 2024).
• Walking Round My Head: Works by Stephen Wright at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: This mixed-media exhibition by London-based artist Stephen Wright showcases portraits, masks, tapestries and textile figures — built out of beads, dyed fabric, jewels and more — to communicate themes of love, loss and the human experience (on display through January 12, 2025).
• La Famiglia: Mark Sfirri at the Museum for Art in Wood: This Old City museum dedicated to nurturing and championing those at the intersection of art, craft, and design in wood celebrates renowned artist and woodturner Mark Sfirri’s exhibition La Famiglia. The deeply personal exploration of family features pieces from 45 artists that depict “immigrants” through the lenses of identity, heritage and more.

Now that the pumpkins have had their day, it’s time to celebrate the beloved and ubiquitous apple at Apple Festival, one of the most popular annual events at the Peddler’s Village shopping haven in Bucks County. Now in its 49th year, the fest invites visitors to sip warm apple cider, catch some live entertainment, enjoy apple-themed eats and treats, and grab fresh-picked apples by the bushel. Admission to the rain-or-shine event is free (as is parking) with pay-as-you-go food and drink, and shopping hours are extended to 8 p.m.

Monday, November 4, 2024 (times vary by event)

It’s Big Monday for the Big Five. The six members of the seven-decade-old Philly college basketball alliance all tip off their seasons on the same date, with five playing at home. Opening night games include Villanova taking on Lafayette at Finneran Pavilion, Temple battling Sacred Heart at Liacouras Center, St. Joseph’s clashing with Navy at Hagan Arena, LaSalle matching with American at newly-remodeled John Glaser Arena (formerly Tom Gola Arena) and Drexel hosting New Jersey’s Georgian Court at Daskalakis Center. Penn, on the road to start, opens The Palestra home season on Thursday, November 7, 2024, versus Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Get your after-hours shellfish fix on at one of the nation’s oldest and largest public food markets during the annual Oyster Fest at Reading Terminal Market. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the walk-around experience offers over a dozen varieties of East Coast oysters and mignonettes paired with craft beers (from Molly Malloy’s Kitchen & Bar). Highlights include New England clam chowder at Pearl’s Oyster Bar and oyster and andouille sausage gumbo from Beck’s Cajun Cafe. New for 2024: VIP passes which include exclusive oyster and wine pairings, a raw bar and access to the private lounge.

Sometimes, you’re your own Best Of. Local institution Philadelphia magazine returns to host the annual Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival, where fest-goers can enjoy over 250 premium whiskies, scotches, vodkas, gins, rums, tequilas, cordials and handcrafted cocktails, back at Lincoln Financial Field for 2024. Accompanying the spirited drinks are interactive “spirit lounges,” live music and entertainment, and savory bites from a selection of the city’s best eateries. Participating restaurants include Amada, Spice Finch, Village Whiskey, Twisted Tail, Tradesmans BBQ and more. Entrance is limited to those aged 21 and older.

Among the largest festivals of its type, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival — marking its 17th anniversary in 2024 — celebrates and showcases the stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders in film, performance art, music and other creative expressions during its multi-day run and during special events throughout the year. The hybrid fest, held at the Asian Arts Initiative in Chinatown, features the best in AAPI diaspora filmmaking and storytelling, presented through panel discussions, in-person cinema screenings and online showings. Don’t miss the opening night film — and nominee for Best Narrative Feature — All That We Love, a series of award-nominated shorts, the powerful documentary Canadian Adobo and the feature-length dramedy Chaperone.

The city of Philadelphia fell under British control in 1777, occupied for nine long months — with Independence Hall serving as a prisoner-of-war camp. Learn more about those dark days during Occupied Philadelphia, the annual flagship event at the Museum of the American Revolution. Over two days, enjoy free public living history interpretations on the outdoor plaza featuring costumed historical interpreters, soldiers, civilians and spies, along with family-friendly activities, special programming and guided walking tours depicting life during that period. Free museum admission is available to active military, veterans and Blue Star families.

Traveling all the way from the National Portrait Gallery in London, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure makes its North American debut at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. Curated by trailblazing journalist and globally known curator Ekow Eshun, the exhibit (which takes its name from James Baldwin’s 1963 essay on desegregation) features 28 contemporary artists from across the Black and African diaspora, including Amy Sherald (you may know her mural at 1108 Sansom Street), Michael Armitage and Claudette Johnson. Through painting, drawing and sculpture, the collection celebrates Black contemporary life in all its nuance, richness and beauty.

One of the popular Pottstown brewery’s signature events, the Sly Fox Cyclocross returns to Sly Fox Brewing Company to celebrate 10 years of mud, thrills, bikes and beer. The adventurous cross attracts racers from around the region to battle the challenging terrain’s climbing hills, sharp turns and famed Fox Hole. An annual crowd of over 1,000 spectators is encouraged to cheer and jeer as riders traverse a variety of terrains and obstacles, with beer available around the track, including at the rowdy outdoor beer garden.

Celebrate the 70,000 vets who live in the Philadelphia region at the 10th annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival. The parade — featuring marching bands, honorarium brigades, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, local celebrities, and over 250 motorcyclists — travels a new route for 2024, kicking off in front of the Barnes Foundation before proceeding down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The procession ends at Eakins Oval, where the Veterans Festival takes over with food trucks, vendors and giftsellers, plus stilt walkers, face painting and giant games for the kids.

Returning for the 44th year, the Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media (PJFM) organization hosts the PJFM Fall Fest film and cultural festival. The annual cinema showcase presents over a dozen programs that appeal to diverse communities and encourages understanding across divides. The festival opens with a screening of The Blond Boy from the Casbah, about a young Jewish boy growing up in war-torn Algeria in the 1950s, and closes with Legend of Destruction, both at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, one of multiple venues presenting festival screenings.

Presented by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and held at Pennsylvania Convention Center (be sure to head to the right location!), the 48th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show features museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles and mixed media displayed and for sale. The juried show includes nearly 200 of the finest craft artists in the nation working in over a dozen diverse categories from basketry to furniture, plus 24 guest artists from Italy. A Preview Party is held on the eve of the event, on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

With more than 60 specialty shops perfect for holiday shopping, picturesque Peddler’s Village rings in the holiday season with festive events and plenty of decorations. The celebration starts with Holiday Kickoff Weekend (November 15 to 17, 2024) featuring live performances, pay-as-you-go food and drink, and a Grand Illumination celebration (November 15, 2024) where the village is set aglow with 1 million twinkling lights. Plus, don’t miss the Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 15, 2024 to January 19, 2025), featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free.

November 15, 2024 – February 23, 2025 (Dates vary by attraction)

Located mere steps away from Christmas Village in Philadelphia (below), Winter in Dilworth Park adds to the seasonal fun around City Hall, arguably one of the most festive square miles in the city, with these wintertime attractions:

• Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market: Shop local at this holiday market exclusively featuring the talents of homegrown Philadelphia artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers (November 15, 2024 to January 1, 2025).
• Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink: Strap on your skates and hit the ice at Dilworth Park’s popular outdoor skating rink. Note that tickets are required (November 15, 2024 to February 23, 2025).
• Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin: Laps around the rink not your thing? Swing by the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin right next door for a bite and drink indoors or by the toasty fire pit (November 15, 2024 to February 23, 2025).
• Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn: Step into a whimsical winter wonderland and explore this outdoor topiary garden decked in shimmering lights and playful reindeer sculptures (November 15, 2024 to March 9, 2025).

November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (select dates)

There are only two Sesame Street theme parks in the world, and one of them is right in Bucks County. With its sister park far away in sadly unseasonal San Diego, Langhorne’s Sesame Place is the only true wintry locale for enjoying the annual A Very Furry Christmas celebration. The event transforms the park with millions of lights, themed rides, festive holiday decorations, a special Christmas Parade, gifts and a visit with Santa in the Furry Workshop, plus the spectacular 1-2-3 Christmas Tree music and lights show.

The 2024 version of the annual Siege Weekend at historic Fort Mifflin commemorates the 247th anniversary of the British bombardment of the site — one of the oldest active military bases on the continent — during the Revolutionary War. Watch reenactors recreate historic battles, view musket and cannon demonstrations (bring noise-canceling headphones for the young ones), play with 18th-century toys, enjoy guided tours, and even take a one-hour sail aboard the schooner Northwind (separate charge). Come early Saturday for a special Veterans Day commemorative flag raising at 10:15 a.m.

As Buddy says, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Do just that during Elf: The Broadway Musical at iconic Walnut Street Theater, the oldest continuously operating theater in the English-speaking world. This fun musical version of the Will Ferrell holiday film classic tells a story of family, forgiveness, redemption and identity, chronicling the adventures of a human-sized adopted elf who leaves the North Pole behind to search for his birth father, first love and the world’s best cup of coffee. Great job, everybody!

Leading up to America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026, Visit Philadelphia and its partners — in collaboration with TED Democracy — celebrate the city’s legacy as the birthplace of modern democracy through high-profile events centered around concepts essential to preserving those freedoms. The tentpole program for 2024 is the TED Democracy Fireside Chat series, hosted TED Talks from esteemed thought-leaders followed by moderated Q&A sessions with the audience (plus light bites and refreshments). The fireside series’ third and final event — hosted by filmmaker and TED curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers and focused on finding common ground in moments of profound disagreement — takes place at Reading Terminal Market with talks from business strategist and champion debater Julia Dhar and author and curiosity expert Scott Shigeoka.

November 21, 2024 – January 4, 2025 (select dates)

The immersive LumiNature display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a multimedia spectacular with 16 zones illuminated with a million twinkling lights. While the animals sleep, humans can ride the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train under a canopy of lights, go on a scavenger hunt or walk through a 100-foot long lighted jungle tunnel. Don’t pass up that perfect selfie in front of a 22-foot tall butterfly tree, a 40-foot tall glowing penguin and the new sparkling waterfall of lights. Top it off with seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages. Tickets are required.

November 21, 2024 – February 23, 2025 (dates vary by attraction)

Historic Franklin Square welcomes the season with a bevy of family winter attractions, festive activities and holiday celebrations including:

• Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO: The centerpiece of the park’s holiday festivities, Franklin Square’s free nightly light show — inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s kite-and-key electricity experiment — illuminates the square every half hour with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes (November 21, 2024 to February 23, 2025).
• Chilly Philly Mini Golf: Grab a club and don a coat: Center City’s only outdoor mini-golf course showcases 18 holes of festive lights, holiday music, winter characters and iconic Philly landmarks (November 21, 2024 to January 26, 2025).
• Street Curling: Gather a team, channel your inner Olympian and push your stones to glory with Street Curling! Curling rinks must be rented in advance and tickets are required (November 21, 2024 to February 23, 2025).

Plus, don’t miss the relaxing firepits and warming tent with hand-crafted cocktails and seasonal treats.

Opens Friday, November 22, 2024

Visitors returning to Longwood Gardens — one of the world’s premier horticultural displays — in late November are in for a grand new adventure as the century-old botanic wonder opens Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, a sweeping transformation of 17 acres of Longwood’s core conservatory area, creating a seamless connection from lush formal gardens to open meadows. Upgrades include a new 32,000-square foot floating West Conservatory, standalone glasshouse for the tropical Cascade Garden, outdoor Bonsai Courtyard, expanded orchid display, Central Grove and public restaurant.

One of the country’s top — and most scenic — running events, the Philadelphia Marathon sends thousands of athletes through the city. Racers traverse Center City, Fairmount Park, University City and Manayunk past iconic landmarks like Penn’s Landing and Boathouse Row before ending at the Rocky Steps … all while hordes of spectators (and their memorable signs) cheer them on. The marathon is part of a full weekend that also includes an 8k, a half-marathon and a children’s run, plus a full Health & Fitness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

November 22 – December 30, 2024 (select dates)

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Why not make a few more furry friends this holiday season? Norristown’s Elmwood Park Zoo shines (quite literally) during the holiday season, with millions of LED lights illuminating the Montco attraction’s 16 acres during Wild Lights. The walk-through experience features brilliant light displays, live entertainment, animal meet-and-greets and photo ops with characters and Mr. Claus during the evening hours. Tickets are required.

November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (select dates)

A European Christmas market, a live music festival or a community carnival … which do you choose? You don’t have to pick just one thanks to this gorgeous Yuletide celebration. This picturesque holiday attraction transforms the sprawling grounds of the Union League Liberty Hill golf course into a literal winter wonderland with free fair rides (including a giant Ferris wheel), an ice skating rink (requires an additional cost), lots of live music, craft drinks (hot chocolate, cocktails and more), locally sourced eats, and over 30 high-end holiday fair vendors. Tickets are required.

Half a million twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas, named the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights for four years by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Visitors can stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens — now even more spectacular across the brand new spaces of Longwood Reimagined (see above) — to marvel at miles of lights glowing in the trees, seasonal plants decorated with ornaments, a festive outdoor railway, cozy fire pits and the famous colorful fountains dancing to holiday music.

Two of the most beloved exhibits at The Franklin Institute come back to life this November. The Giant Heart (first installed in 1953) and the Baldwin 60000 Steam Locomotive (on display since 1933) have been shuttered for renovation, but stand ready for a grand reintroduction. The new Body Odyssey exhibit, featuring the refurbished 18-foot-tall heart, takes visitors on an immersive journey through the human body. And the new Hamilton Collections Gallery, centered on the 350-ton locomotive suspended on a cutaway floor, displays hundreds of important artifacts from Franklin’s lightning rod to Edison’s lightbulb.

November 23 – December 30, 2024 (select dates)

One of the country’s largest outdoor model train displays gets its annual winter makeover, becoming the Holiday Garden Railway. Located inside the 100-acre Morris Arboretum & Gardens, G-scale mini locomotives wind through loops, tunnels, bridges and replicas of beloved Philly landmarks beneath a canopy of thousands of twinkling lights. The daytime light experience is free with general admission, but come sunset, the display transforms into The Nighttime Express (beginning Saturday, November 30, 2024) with sparkling lights along the railway and laser lights in the trees (separate timed tickets required).

Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night at this rolling Bucks County farm. Take in the show from the comfort of your car or in the open air while snuggled up in a wagon with loved ones (weather permitting, tickets are required). After taking in the whimsical light displays, be sure to stop by Santa’s Village for some face-time with the big man and to warm up with festive drinks and snacks by the firepits.

It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. But it does come to Miller Theater (the former Merriam Theater) this holiday season. You know all the songs, from You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch to Welcome Christmas, now see the family-friendly Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, based on the beloved book and animated special, starring all your favorites including ol’ Grinchy Claus himself, Max the Dog and a who’s-who of Whos. Because maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

There are few local traditions like the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country dating back to 1920. Join the masses along the route from North 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, around City Hall, and down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with special viewing areas at Logan Square, LOVE Park and Eakins Oval. Don’t miss massive floats, grand balloon characters, celebrities, choirs, dance groups, clowns, cheerleaders, marching bands, and of course, Santa himself.

Every year, LOVE Park transforms into the open-air Bavarian holiday marketplace Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Over 100 vendors set up in wooden stalls offering gifts, ornaments, accessories and wintry apparel along with tasty treats like raclette sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels and more. At the LOVE Park Visitor Center (the “flying saucer”), the event’s Festival of Trees offers an indoor lineup of nearly 20 stunning Christmas conifers on display, decorated by local designers and artists. Across the street at City Hall, find more vendors, plus the double-decker Christmas Village Carousel in the City Hall Courtyard and the 65-foot Ferris wheel and Kids Express train along the building’s north apron. Kick off the holiday festivities early at the preview weekend November 23 to 24, 2024.

There’s no holiday tradition in the world like the Comcast Holiday Spectacular in the Comcast Center’s seven-story lobby. Now in its 16th year, the free 15-minute, super hi-res show depicts a photo-realistic virtual sleigh ride over the city, interspersed with a performance by the Philadelphia Ballet, holiday sing-alongs and more. Shows run at the top of the hour every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pro tip: This year, make it a double-header. Across the street, the Comcast Technology Center debuts an immersive short film called DreamWorks Shrek’s Festive Flight — starring everyone’s favorite ogre and his friends Donkey and Gingy — in The Universal Sphere. Also on deck: visits with Santa, holiday crafting workshops with local nonprofit MANNA and giveaways.

Grab your wizard money and follow the owl back to Hogwarts for this very special presentation of the first Harry Potter film as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert comes to the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall, scored with a live soundtrack. While Harry, Ron and Hermione battle He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named on the large-scale high definition screen behind them, The Philadelphia Orchestra (conducted by Anthony Parnther) perform John Williams’ iconic score live along with the action.

After selling out its run last year, farcical play-within-a-play The Play That Goes Wrong returns to the circa-1913 Plays & Players Theatre, one of the oldest continuously running theaters in the nation, located on quiet residential Delancey Place in Rittenhouse Square. In-house theater troupe 1812 Productions brings to life the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society cast-within-a-cast who start to crack under the pressure of producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery as hilarious disaster after disaster ensues.

The holidays in Philadelphia aren’t complete without a visit to Macy’s Center City. Since 1956, thousands of dancing snowflake-, candy cane- and snowman-shaped lights have illuminated The Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building (the site of America’s first department store) as the 110-plus-year old Wanamaker Organ plays. Macy’s continues the tradition, hosting five free light shows daily at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Upstairs in Dickens Village, guests step into the world of Charles Dickens with a vintage, animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol and get their photos taken with Santa. (Note that reservations are required for both Dickens Village and photos with Santa.)

Experience a Penn’s Landing winter wonderland as Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest sets up on the Delaware River waterfront for its 31st season. Glide around the NHL-sized ice skating rink, enjoy games and amusement rides on the boardwalk, or indulge in seasonal treats and hot drinks around firepits, in warming cabins or at the rinkside lounge. 2024 also promises the return of fantastic light displays shimmering on the water and a new slate of weekly programming including Holiday Markets, Bingo Nights, and Theme Skate Nights. Winterfest admission is free, but food and drink are pay as you go. Wintry amenities, including ice skating, can be reserved in advance.

November 30, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (tentative)

Neighbors on the 1600 block of S. 13th Street (between Tasker and Morris streets in East Passyunk) have worked together every year for over three decades to create elaborate presentations that adorn their neighborhood for the Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display. Stroll the block and take in each home’s decked-out decor from traditional twinkles to elaborate themed dioramas between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly. Check out the official Facebook and Instagram for special events and theme nights. If driving expect traffic slowdowns, or take the Broad Street Line to Tasker-Morris Station.

• Iron Maiden at Wells Fargo Center (Friday, November 1, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.)
• André 3000 at The Met Philadelphia (Friday, November 1, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• The Hooters at Keswick Theater (November 1-2, 2024 | 7 p.m.)
• Clairo at Franklin Music Hall (November 1-2, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Pedro Capó at Theatre of Living Arts (Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Don Toliver at Liacouras Center (Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.)
• Air Supply at Xcite Center at Parx Racing (Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Sturgill Simpson at The Met Philadelphia (November 12-13, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Cody Johnson at Wells Fargo Center (Friday, November 15, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.)
• Tokyo Police Club at Brooklyn Bowl Philly (Friday, November 15, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Slowdive at Franklin Music Hall (Friday, November 15, 2024 | 8:30 p.m.)
• Ben Folds at Penn Arts Live (Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Pop 2000 Tour feat. Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, BBMak, L.F.O. and Ryan Cabrera at Rivers Casino (Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• G-Eazy at Franklin Music Hall (Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 8:30 p.m.)
• Michael W. Smith at Lansdowne Theater (Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.)
• Modest Mouse at The Fillmore (Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Sonic Symphony at The Met Philadelphia (Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Godspeed You! Black Emperor at Union Transfer (Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 8 p.m.)
• Daughtry at Franklin Music Hall (Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 7 p.m.)
• Rod Wave at Wells Fargo Center (Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.)

Just because holiday celebrations are underway doesn’t mean the last haunted and fall festivals should escape your family calendar. Catch the final vestiges of fall foliage, harvest hayrides and farm markets at spots like Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards and the Corn Maze at Chester County’s Lytle’s Farm, plus Adventure Farm at Doylestown’s Hellerick’s Family Farm (which remains open all month). Or keep spooky szn going with the last scares at area haunted houses like Chester County’s Pennhurst Asylum, Bates Motel in Delco and Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.

You don’t have to wait for December to get into the holiday spirit, as scores of winter events get underway in November. Philly’s two favorite holiday markets — Christmas Village in Philadelphia at LOVE Park and City Hall and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, part of Winter at Dilworth Park — open the season for early gift list shoppers. Plenty more festive fun kicks off in November like A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place, the twinkling lights of LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo and A Longwood Christmas’ spectacular fountain shows at Longwood Gardens.

We’re full of gratitude in Philly come Thanksgiving. The annual 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest in the country dating back to 1920, features massive floats, towering balloons, marching bands and more (plus Santa!) promenading down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. And leave the cooking to the pros at the annual Cock ‘n Bull Harvest Buffet at Peddler’s Village or with special turkey day menus at spots like Square 1692, Urban Farmer or Bank & Bourbon.

Fall menus at local restaurants are more than turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Across Philadelphia, many of the city’s top restaurants switch to cozy, seasonal menus during November, sprinkling cartes du jour with warm, hearty selections crafted from autumnal ingredients like root vegetables and squashes. Check out the freshest of fall farm dishes at city restaurants including Northern Liberties’ Pietramala, Miles Table on South Street, Forsythia in Old City and Fishtown’s Suraya, or in the countryside at New Hope’s Sprig & Vine, The Perk in Perkasie and Pipersville’s historic Piper Tavern.

If you enjoy partaking in the vino and love autumn, what better way to spend the remaining days of fall than a weekend excursion to a local winery or vineyard? Slip on that flannel jacket and enjoy incredible atmospheres, crisp fall air, final foliage views and seasonal flavors as the region’s wine farms transition into winter. Experience seasonal tastings, mulled wine selections, firepits and heat lamps at fantastic fall-tasting retreats like Chaddsford Winery, Newtown’s Crossing Vineyards & Winery, Penns Woods Winery in Delaware County or Blue Bell’s Karamoor Estate Vineyard & Winery.

If caffeine is more your speed, fall is an excellent time to seek out a pumpkin spice latte, maple macchiato or just a good ol’ cup of joe as iced coffee season transitions into warm mug fall. During November, sit and sip bundled up on an outdoor café patio or huddle inside a cozy indoor nook at coffeehouses like Old City staple Menagerie Coffee, Center City’s Cafe Square One, Vernick Coffee Bar in the Comcast Technology Center, a foursome of Elixr Coffee Roasters spots or one of O.G. La Colombe’s five area locations.

The leaves may have fallen and a chill may permeate the air, but those are actually great reasons to hit up parks and green spaces across Philly for hiking and biking before winter’s chill arrives. The hundreds of miles of trails throughout Philadelphia’s parks are open, safe and waiting to explore on foot or bicycle. Some perfect locales include Forbidden Drive and the Wissahickon Creek trails of Wissahickon Valley Park, the uncrowded offseason paths throughout Pennypack Park and the brisk views from up on Fairmount Park’s Belmont Plateau.

The first half of the season is where mettle is tested, new stars emerge and schedules harden. That’s the intense action of November at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The grind is just starting for 76ers basketball and Flyers hockey, players performing under the echoes of hardcourt legends Julius Erving and Joel Embiid and icemen like Bobby Clarke and Claude Giroux during key fall matchups at Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile across the street at Lincoln Financial Field, Eagles football is hitting the season’s midpoint and the playoff push kicks into high gear.

Fall chill comes to Philly in November, but winter’s cold is still weeks away. Daytime high temperatures average a brisk 56 degrees Fahrenheit with overnight lows at 39 degrees. In the first month of Standard Time, the sun shines just over five hours per day, with around 10 days experiencing some rain. November accumulated snow is rare, averaging under a quarter-inch for the month, though the city did receive almost nine inches from a 2012 storm. The November high temperature record is 84 degrees, set in 1950, with a lowest high temperature of 29 degrees as recently as 2000.

Warm, rustic, rich, nutty, golden, delicious. These are the flavors of fall and there’s nowhere like Philly to grab a bite. Hit up harvest fresh, farm-to-table restaurants across the region to experience the taste of autumn with Thanksgiving-inspired menus from five-course extravaganzas to the famous Wawa Gobbler, roasted chestnuts from street vendors in spots like Rittenhouse Square and, of course, pumpkin-flavored everything like pies at bakeries like Termini Brothers and beers at local breweries. If you’re really adventurous, there’s even a pumpkin pie cheesesteak.

Whether your holiday shopping list is long or you’re picking up fun stuff for yourself, there’s no time like the present to find the perfect … present. Head to dual City Hall-area gift markets Christmas Village in Philadelphia and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, both popping back up in November. Up in Bucks County, Peddler’s Village turns charming and festive for the holiday season and offers extended store hours. Or just stroll some of Philly’s best seasonally decorated shopping districts like Chestnut Hill, Manayunk, Rittenhouse Row, East Passyunk Avenue and Suburban Square.

The word for the November sports scene in Philly is anticipation. At Wells Fargo Center, the 76ers and Flyers are into their season’s first halves, with eyes on hopeful postseason runs. Over at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles kick off the second half as every game becomes crucial for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, collegiate athletics shine during that wonderful overlap of college football and basketball seasons. But the winner is you, the fan, who gets to take in the action with friends and family, yummy stadium food, cheers and boos and, of course, Gritty.

Yes, November is a key month for international and multicultural celebrations around Philadelphia, highlighted by dual film festivals. The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival celebrates stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders centered on Chinatown, and the Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Fall Fest showcases productions from diverse creators at multiple venues including the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. And don’t miss the Día de los Muertos Celebration & Procession at Fleisher Art Memorial, as well as events around the city honoring National Native American Heritage Month and Transgender Awareness Week.

If everything here hasn’t convinced you just how jam-packed Philly is for fun, exciting and belly-filling events in November, come experience for yourself. Tucked neatly in between the end of haunted house and harvest festival season and the rush of the holiday season, November is a great (and busy) time to visit Philly before wintry weather sets in with a myriad of things to do from massive parades for veterans and for Thanksgiving to the opening of holiday markets and winter carnivals to a plethora of family-friendly events indoors and out.