70+ Great Holiday Events & Festivals in Philly for 2024

Through March 9, 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 (through Wednesday, 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 (through Sunday, 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 (through Sunday, 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 (through Sunday, March 9, 2025).

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: Don a coat and grab a club: 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.

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. The 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.

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.

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: 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 South 13th Street (between Tasker Street and Morris Street 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.

Holiday shopping is as sweet as candy canes and easy as pie with Philadelphia’s abundance of holiday pop up markets, creative craft bazaars, top-rated shopping malls, independent boutiques and charming main streets. Some of the city’s most popular shopping destinations — including Philadelphia’s Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, Old City, Mt. Airy and East Passsyunk neighborhoods  — get in on the fun, pairing small business shopping with holiday dining and festive entertainment. Keep an eye out for special activations, deals and more all season long including on Black Friday (November 29, 2024), Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2024) and Shop Black Business Fridays (Fridays in December).

Are you ready for the Phillie Phanatic’s transformation into Phanta Claus? Help him deck the halls of Citizens Bank Park during a full day of festive family fun, including crafts, coloring, carnival games, photo ops in the dugout and with the 1980 and 2008 World Series trophies, live music, and more. The celebration culminates when Phanta Claus is joined by 2008 World Series champion coach Milt Thompson, the Phillies Ballgirls and more for the official lighting of the Phillies Holiday Tree outside the Third Base Gate.

Among Philadelphia’s many holiday trees around the city, the one displayed outside Betsy Ross House has become one of the most beloved. Come witness 2024’s initial illumination at the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting, with the trimmed tree — designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville boutique floral and garden design shop — located in the adjacent courtyard. In addition to the countdown ceremony, join Historic Philadelphia, Inc. for seasonal drinks and snacks, musical and dance performances, special guest speakers, and appearances by Santa and the seamstress herself.

Displaying its thousands of colorful lights, the official Philly Holiday Tree — a magnificently trimmed towering Tannenbaum selected especially for this arboreal honor — illuminates the north apron of City Hall in early December. The five-story-tall tree lights up for the first time this season during a tree-lighting celebration on December 5, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. Musical guests will include the cast of Stomp, Mr. Hollywood DJ, Disney star Liamani and R&B singer and actress Keyshia Cole. The weekend continues with a holiday happy hour featuring festive cocktails and musical performances on December 6, 2024 and photos with Santa and pet-friendly fun on December 7, 2024.

Located in one of the city’s most popular retail hubs (perfect for holiday shopping!), Rittenhouse Square is one of William Penn’s original, beautiful city squares. Each year, thousands of lights and a 30-foot-tall live holiday tree turn the park into one of Center City’s most festive public spaces for the season. Celebrate the official tree lighting with Rittenhouse neighbors, local Philadelphians and visitors.

Philly couldn’t shine any brighter this holiday season, thanks to illuminated trees and impressive light displays of all types. In addition to popular traditions like the Macy’s Christmas Light Show and the bedazzled Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square (both above), places like the Herr’s Snack Factory, the 2700 block of Smedley Street, Yeager’s Farm in Phoenixville and more light up the night. Pro tip: If you’re feeling especially jolly, hop on a bus or trolley tour and knock out a few of the city’s dazzling displays at once.

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 1 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.

Adventure Aquarium brings the sea-sonal cheer with its annual Christmas Underwater celebration. Scuba Santa swims in from the North Pole, bringing with him the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree (clocking in at a whopping 18 feet and adorned with colors, corals and more). When he’s not deep-diving with the sea turtles and stingrays, the big man is stationed in his magic workshop for meet and greets and photos (weekends only during select times). The fish-tastic fun also features strolls through the Snowtundra’s faux snow flurries; the Merry Fishmas, Boris puppet show; tons of holiday-themed photo ops; and the chance to mail off letters for Santa.

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. 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).

Dates vary by event

History and shopping go hand-and-hand in America’s most historic square mile, especially during the holidays. Each year, Old City’s shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and more curate a festive lineup of holiday events (including the tree lighting at the Betsy Ross House, see above):

• Small Business Saturday in Old City: Shop exclusive deals and indulge in food and drink specials at dozens of Old City stores and restaurants as live musicians and holiday carolers serenade (November 30, 2024).
• Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll: The name says it all! Shop specials, sip seasonal drinks and sing out loud (or not) with live musicians as you stroll 3rd Street between Market Street and Arch Street unimpeded by vehicular traffic from noon to 5 p.m. Plus, the evening coincides with other Old City holiday happenings like Elfreth’s Alley’s Deck the Alley (below) (December 7, 2024).

December 5-27, 2024 (select dates)

How does a sailor stationed on a Navy ship far away from home and family celebrate the holidays? All aboard America’s oldest floating steel warship for a holiday-themed tour of the historic vessel. Featuring original materials from the Independence Seaport Museum’s collections, all-ages activities and complimentary hot cocoa, this tour explores the holiday traditions, entertainment, and celebrations of U.S. Navy servicepeople throughout history.

Built between 1720 and 1830, Elfreth’s Alley is one of the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential streets. And the charming 400-foot-long cobblestone walk’s annual Deck the Alley day is one of just a few times each year that visitors get to peer inside some of the 32 quaint private households. The festive ticketed open house event also includes carolers, refreshments, holiday decorations and, back for 2024, the famous Elfreth’s Alley holiday elves peeking out windows, around doors and lurking throughout the alley.

December 7, 8 and 14, 2024

Explore how different cultures around the world celebrate the holidays through music, food, interactive activities, decor and more at Lemon Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park. First stop: the Caribbean. Local nonprofit the Caribbean Community in Philadelphia highlights West Indian culture and holiday traditions on December 7, 2024. The following day, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia shares how the holidays are celebrated in Japan. And on December 14, 2024, South Philly’s popular Southeast Asian Market heads to Lemon Hill for the day, alongside cooking demos and pictures with Santa.

December 7-31, 2024 (dates vary by event)

One of the nation’s premier children’s museums, Fairmount Park’s Please Touch Museum has a jam-packed season of kid-centric holiday fun planned for little ones and their grown-ups.

• Winter Kick Off: The museum transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations, seasonal play areas winter-themed activities like a laser light show and Hide and Snow Seek, and holiday performances by the Chocolate Ballerina Company. The dress code? Comfy jammies (December 7, 2024).
• Christmas Celebration: Santa Claus knows quite a bit about creativity, so it’s only fitting that he stops by the museum dedicated to kids’ creativity and play. Get in the holiday spirit with storytime with Santa, ornament-making crafts, a Christmas-cookie-decorating workshop (pre-registration required) and more (December 14, 2024).
• Hanukkah Celebration: The museum celebrates the Festival of Lights with a day of interactive and educational activities, including a dreidel-making workshop, a performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Lisa Litman and Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, and a Hanukkah-themed Adoughma activity (December 15, 2024).
• Kwanzaa Celebration: Dig into the vibrant traditions and principles of Kwanzaa with a variety of storytimes, crafts and activities, including a Kwanzaa table painting workshop and cupcake decorating session (December 28, 2024).
• Countdown to New Year’s: Kick off the New Year a few hours early with music, dancing and a special ball drop at the Please Touch Museum’s Countdown 2 Noon party (December 31, 2024).

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History has an exciting schedule of events, exhibitions, and markets planned to celebrate Jewish American heritage and stories this season. Check out the full line-up, including the events below, on the official website.

• Nosh & Shop: Hanukkah Market: Support Jewish makers, artisans and food purveyors this Museum Store Sunday at the Nosh & Shop: Hanukkah Market. Authors Nikki Schreiber and Noah Rinsky are signing their books, and additional featured vendors include Huda, K’Far, Perrystead Dairy, Freida Rothman Jewelry and JackieG Gems (December 1, 2024).
• Being __________ at Christmas! Family Day: The museum hosts a variety of activities for folks who don’t celebrate Christmas (and those who do) during this annual event. In addition to the exhibitions within the galleries, guests can enjoy crafts, live music, storytelling, movies and a scavenger hunt (December 25, 2025).

‘Twas the night(mare) before Christmas when all through the (ware)house, nothing was stirring, except for Lincoln Mill’s murderous owner Viktor Kane and all of his un-dead workers-turned-henchman. One of Halloween’s scariest attractions undergoes a festive transformation, becoming the city’s first and only holiday-themed haunted house. Just like during Halloween season, guests can expect scare actors, special effects, creepy animatronics and spooky sets — this time decked in tinsel, ornaments and holiday lights.

Founded in 1987, the nonprofit organization Esperanza is dedicated to education and community economic development in North Philly, and its Esperanza Arts Center is the beloved heart of Latino performing arts in the city. Join friends and neighbors for the annual Christmas in the Barrio free celebration at Teatro Esperanza — held in the afternoon for the first time — for villancicos (Spanish Christmas carols), aguinaldos (traditional Christmas songs) and more festive Puerto Rican traditions that also include Latino music and dance, festive food, face-painting and activities for the entire family.

During the Historic Holidays Community Menorah Lighting & Hanukkah Celebration at the landmark Betsy Ross House, guests can join in a sunset lighting of the giant electric menorah. Also on tap: musical performances, children’s activities, latkes and doughnuts, and free take-home menorahs and gelt for kids (while supplies last). Note: While the event is on the sixth night of Hanukkah, the menorah will be publicly illuminated all eight nights.

November 19 – December 29, 2024 (select dates)

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!

He may be as cuddly as a cactus — and as charming as an eel — but the Grinch is coming to Philly to spread a little holiday cheer. Bring the little Whos out for this family-friendly production of the Dr. Seuss classic, which follows the heartwarming Christmas caper of a humanoid creature (?) whose heart is two sizes too small.

It’s time! The Queen of Christmas brings her iconic voice to Philly this holiday season to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her chart-topping album, Merry Christmas. Known for her powerful vocals and festive spirit, Mariah takes the stage with fan favorites, including her timeless anthem, All I Want for Christmas Is You.

Throughout the year, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion through its performances. With interim artistic director and conductor Michael Semancik at the podium, the chorus performs magical choral pieces like Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies of the Southwest, as well as as popular holiday favorites like Oh Come, All Ye Faithful and Dear Santa, Bring Me a Man for Christmas? during its 43rd annual holiday concert at the Avenue of the Arts’ Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

It’s just not the holidays in Philly without witnessing the peckish Sugar Plum Fairy, sword-crossing Mouse King and the magical inhabitants of The Land of Sweets twirl across the stage at Ensemble Arts Philly’s Academy of Music. Join the world-class dancers of the Philadelphia Ballet as they inhabit these curious characters during this traditional performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, the 1950s version that popularized the timeless tale in America.

December 7-31, 2024 (dates vary by event)

There’s no more special time at the Ensemble Arts Philly venue than the holiday season:

• Children’s Holiday Spectacular: Dress the kids in their holiday best to join in The Philadelphia Orchestra’s joyful celebration of the season with singalongs and special guests — maybe one from the North Pole? — during this heartwarming performance for children of all ages (Saturday, December 7, 2024).
• A Soulful Christmas: The sounds of the season take on a soulful vibe when Ensemble Arts presents the 11th annual rendition of this music-filled soul showcase (Tuesday, December 10, 2024).
• A Philly Holiday Spectacular: It’s a rousing good time as Philly’s own Na’Zir McFadden and the Philly POPS perform traditional carols and popular newer tunes with Broadway vocalists Nikki Renee Daniels and Jeff Kready, the St. Thomas Gospel Choir, and a special jolly visitor from up north (Saturday, December 14, 2024).
• The Glorious Sound of Christmas: The Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual holiday program, a Philly tradition since 1962, stages lively renditions of Christmas classics to celebrate the joy of the holiday season (December 14 to 15, 2024).
• Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert: While The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale — with Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Scrooge — on a giant screen above, The Philadelphia Orchestra plays the memorable score live along with the action (December 18 to 19, 2024).
• Messiah: In a more classical Christmas presentation, the full Philadelphia Orchestra, soloists and a chorus offer their interpretation of the 1741 George Frideric Handel choral holiday masterwork (December 21 to 22, 2024).
• New Year’s Eve Celebration: Say goodbye to 2024 and hey to 2025 with conductor Marin Alsop and The Philadelphia Orchestra during a party full of hits, classics and a rousing Auld Lang Syne singalong that still leaves plenty of time to catch Philly’s midnight fireworks show (more on that below) (Tuesday, December 31, 2024).

Based on the classic poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, ’Twas the Night Before… was Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday showcase. The troupe’s delicate version of the story tells of a jaded young girl rediscovering the magic of the holidays through thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a musical soundtrack filled with holiday classics re-invented by Cirque. The event, coming to The Met Philadelphia, is a festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families.

Throw your hands in the air and raise the roof as DJ Mickey and friends spin, scratch and remix beloved Disney songs when Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Dance comes to Wells Fargo Center. Experience a variety of colorful and interactive Disney worlds, while popular characters like Moana, Simba and Elsa skate and dance to the high-energy beats. Witness virtuoso figure skating, thrilling stunts and high-flying acrobatics performed to a playlist of your favorite tunes, with character cameos from Wish, Frozen 2, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and more.

Many more of Philadelphia’s performing arts venues celebrate the holidays with a season of delightful programming. Some additional highlights include An American Christmas Songbook at the Bristol Riverside Theater, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Street Theatre and The Complete Works Of Christmas (Abridged) at The Drake.

Through January 2025

One of the oldest taverns in the country continues its Christmas tradition with over-the-top decorations, a warming fire, and a Christmas cocktail menu featuring adult beverages like Eggnog Martinis, Mistletoe Margaritas and Ho-Ho-Hot Chocolates.

Opens Friday, November 29, 2024

Tinsel’s holiday pop up returns for another season of holiday magic — and is bigger than ever! There’s still plenty of shine in this former jewelry store, thanks to the glistening string lights and over-the-top holiday decor. This year, the Midtown Village hotspot debuts a brand-new second floor, doubling the festive cheer. Expect creative cocktails and plenty of seasonal spirit.

Opens Friday, November 29, 2024

Philly’s specialty espresso martini bar embraces the holiday season with elegant decor and creative cocktails. Named after the beloved gift-exchange game, White Elephant: The Christmas Pop-Up dazzles with floor-to-ceiling pink tinsel, sparkling disco ball ornaments, pink Christmas trees and plenty of garland. Sip on festive holiday cocktails and enjoy slices of tomato pie from Carlino’s Market.

Dates vary by restaurant/bar

Each holiday season, Philly’s bars and restaurants go all out with decorations, themed cocktails, festive events and more. Find even more holiday pop ups and festively decorated restaurants in our guide for the 2024 holiday season in Philly.

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025 (dates vary by event)

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 some holiday fun with Elmo and friends. Here’s what up for this holiday season:

• A Very Furry Christmas: See the park transformed with millions of lights, holiday-themed rides and festive decorations during A Very Furry Christmas. Enjoy 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 (through January 5, 2025).
• Hanukkah Celebration: Celebrate the festival of lights with the Sesame Street crew. Light the Menorah and learn about the holiday with Baby Bear, play a game of dreidel, make a Hanukkah-inspired craft, and dance along to all your favorite holiday songs at the Furry Friends Dance Party (December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025).
• Kwanzaa Celebration: The seven principles of Kwanzaa come to life on Sesame Street. Light the Kinara, learn about the holiday during a special storytime, and enjoy a special performance by the Universal African Dance and Drum ensemble (December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025).
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Ring in the new year with a dazzling display of red, green and blue during this festive fireworks display (December 31, 2024).

Through Sunday, January 19, 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 amid 1 million twinkling lights. Don’t miss the Gingerbread Competition & Display (through January 19, 2025), featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free, and Holly Jolly Weekend (December 7 to 8, 2024), with two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades.

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.

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 — 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.

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.

Philadelphia celebrates New Year’s Eve (NYE) with two unforgettable fireworks displays — one at 6 p.m. (perfect for sleepy kiddos) and one at midnight — over the Delaware River. There are plenty of perches to catch the show for free along the waterfront, including Race Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Pier 68 and Washington Avenue Pier, while several waterfront hotspots host special events, like:

• New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown with PopUpPlay & New Year’s on the Pier (21+) at Cherry Street Pier: Get a front-row seat to the fireworks show at Cherry Street Pier. The waterfront destination hosts two parties to ring in 2025. The first, the New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown, starts at 5 p.m. and features games, make-and-take crafts and more, while the adults-only New Year’s on the Pier celebration kicks off at 10 p.m with music and dancing.
• New Year’s Boat Bash Aboard the Moshulu: Welcome 2025 with arms spread wide on the starboard bow during the Moshulu’s New Year’s Boat Bash. General admission begins at 9 p.m. with access to an open bar. VIP reservations are available beginning at 8 p.m. and include added perks like passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet stations.
• City Crusises New Year’s Eve Signature Dinner Cruise: It’s impossible to get closer to the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront than from the water itself aboard a vessel from City Cruises Philadelphia. The three-hour cruise includes an open bar, buffet dining and DJ sets before the big show at midnight.
• New Year’s Eve ULTIMATE Fireworks Bash at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing:  Welcome the new year in style at this lavish waterfront hotel. The evening begins at 9 p.m. with dancing, DJs and an open bar and ends with a champagne toast and stunning view of the fireworks.
• Philadelphia Under the Fireworks Yacht Party aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht: This boat is rocking right into 2025. All aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht for four hours of music, dancing, a premium open bar and 360-degree views of the stars and fireworks.

Chester County’s horticultural haven rings in 2025 with an evening of back-to-back musical performances among its lush gardens, fantastic fountain shows and spectacular light displays. Guests can enjoy two performances on the attraction’s signature Longwood Organ — the largest residential Aeolian ever constructed. New Year’s Eve visitors can also expect performances by the Olde Towne Carolers, the Duly Noted Quartet and the Galena Brass band.

The cute town of Kennett Square, with its specialty shops and farm-to-table dining, doubles as both a charming travel destination and the mushroom capital of the world, producing about 60% of the the country’s mushrooms. Fittingly, the small town celebrates the start of every new year with its music, entertainment and its annual midnight Mushroom Drop, where a giant, illuminated ʼshroom (instead of a ball) is hoisted 80 feet into the air and descends just in time for the clock to strike midnight.

There are few traditions more Philly than the annual Mummers Parade. Each New Year’s Day, 10,000 costumed marchers strut their stuff five miles through the streets of Philadelphia performing skits, dances and music divided into Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades. The 120-year-old Mardi Gras-esque march down South Broad Street begins at City Hall south and ends on Washington Avenue.