14 Great Things to Do for Presidents Day Weekend in Philadelphia 2023

Fittingly, Philly is the first stop for the national tour of this bold production, which details the fierce debates surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence right here in Philadelphia back in (you guessed it) 1776. And, trust us, you’ve never seen the Founding Fathers quite like this. This updated version of the classic, Tony Award-winning musical features a cast of performers who identify as female, trans and non-binary. The diverse cast and rock-tinged melodies will have you humming for days, and perhaps, thinking about our nation’s founding in a new light.

Special Presidents Day weekend activities at the National Constitution Center include presidential trivia contests, make-your-own campaign poster stations and presentations in the kid-friendly story corner. On Monday, enjoy free admission to the museum all day long and meet presidential reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt from noon to 2 p.m. (Friday through Monday).

The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates Presidents Day weekend with special gallery talks on the peaceful transition of power, inaugural button-making crafts for the kiddos and hands-on activities examining the furniture that would have been used inside Washington’s headquarters tent. All Presidents Day programming is included in regular museum admission.

And while you’re there, be sure to check out Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia. This brand-new exhibition highlights the life and family of James Forten, a Black businessman, abolitionist, and philanthropist whose story spans the American Revolution through the early days of the Civil War and women’s suffrage movement.

It’s a celebration of a few of our favorite things as Oaks hosts the Philly Chocolate, Wine and Whiskey Festival. The 21-plus event features unlimited samples of premium wines, whiskeys, craft beers and ciders — not to mention enough chocolate to make Willy Wonka blush. Pair your sips with bottomless bites of tasty treats like cupcakes, cookies and candies. Tickets are required for each three-hour session, while VIP packages grant an extra hour of indulgence.

Ice, ice, baby. This daylong celebration of frozen fun features ice dance performances, opportunities to skate with ice princesses, dueling ice carving stations and a special ice piano performance from the Philly POPS. The festival is free to attend, but tickets are required for ice skating.

Two dozen animatronic dinosaurs roar to life inside the Wells Fargo Center during this immersive pre-historic stage show. In addition to the life-size robo-saurs, practical effects, music and high-tech projections help to transport audiences 65 million years into the past. Tickets are required and grant access to pre-show photo opportunities with some of the creatures, props and vehicles from the Jurassic World movie series.

The Walt Disney Company turns 100 in 2023. And the makers of childhood cheer and movie magic are celebrating in Philadelphia with a brand-new exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Disney100 gives visitors a peek inside the company’s famous and mysterious “Disney vault,” with more than 250 pieces of rarely seen original artwork, costumes, props and behind-the-scenes memorabilia. Just a few of the items on view include Walt Disney’s original Disneyland employee badge and a steamboat whistle from Steamboat Willie (which marked Mickey’s iconic film debut.) In addition, a number of immersive installations offer insights into the creation of some of the world’s most iconic characters and cherished movie moments. The best part: When you book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and choose the Disney Perk, you get two complimentary tickets to the exhibition.

Commemorate the 291st birthday of our nation’s first president during this special celebration in Washington Crossing Historic Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 1:45 p.m., head inside the visitor’s center to sing Happy Birthday to George and watch him cut his cake with a sword. Kiddos are encouraged to make birthday cards for the general and enter the Let’s Draw George Washington contest to win special prizes (Sunday).

Looking for even more to do this Presidents Day weekend? For an extensive guide to new exhibitions, live performances, local eats and other Philly highlights, head right this way. Enjoy the long weekend and treat yourself to something awesome.

You know about the cheesesteaks (and, yeah, they really are that good.) But Philly is also home to dozens of award-winning restaurants, from unassuming taco joints to upscale dining destinations. See for yourself with visits to acclaimed restaurants like South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico (home to 2022 James Beard Award winner chef Cristina Martínez), the award-winning Kalaya Thai Kitchen (which recently moved into a new and bold space in trendy Fishtown) or any number of James Beard Award-nominated spots like Suraya. Or book an evening at Her Place — a pandemic-era pop up that has blossomed into one of the best new restaurants in the country (as named by Esquire and Bon Appétit.)

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year. Translation: You’ve got an extra weekend to celebrate with that special someone. Love is always in the air in Philadelphia (it’s kind of our thing.) Share a smooch at picture-perfect locations, like under the LOVE statute in LOVE Park or in front of The Giant Heart at The Franklin Institute. Looking for date night inspo? Check out 11 romantic date ideas in Greater Philadelphia.

There are no seasons off for outdoor fun in Philadelphia. Glide around the ice in the shadow of Philly’s iconic City Hall at Dilworth Park or along the beautiful Delaware River waterfront at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Not much of a skater? Warm up fireside, or take in a dazzling light show at Franklin Square.

Philadelphia is home to some of the world’s premier museums and cultural institutions. The city is also home to some of the best-kept museum secrets just waiting to be uncovered. From a full-size replica of a Japanese tea house inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art to pre-opening Morning Magic Tours at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, there’s even more to see at Philly-area attractions than you might think (not to mention a number of free and pay-what-you-wish opportunities.)

When it comes to history, Philly is home to the real deal. The Founding Fathers walked our streets, patriots plotted an improbable victory in our hallowed halls, and freedom fighters risked their lives for their enslaved brothers and sisters. All right here. Enjoy a (free!) visit to the Liberty Bell, take a tour of Independence Hall and seize the opportunity to cross off a few more bucket-list history items. Winter is an excellent time to visit these sites as crowds are a bit thinner than they are during the summer months. And don’t fret over the cold; many of the sites in the Historic District are located just steps away from one another, meaning you won’t be spending too much time outside.