December 2024 in Philly: The 85 Biggest Events, Fests & Exhibitions

November 19 – December 29, 2024 (select dates)

Say, “Bye Buddy, hope you find your dad” before Elf: The Broadway Musical closes at iconic Walnut Street Theater, the English-speaking world’s oldest continuously operating theater. The 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. It’s the best way to spread Christmas cheer while singing loud for all to hear.

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.

It’s a merry fish-mas during Christmas Underwater at the Camden riverfront’s Adventure Aquarium, where you can surf the Yuletide and explore a winter water-land. See Scuba Santa and his el-fish helpers dive with sharks and stingrays in Ocean Realm, then meet the jolly one himself (on land) in his magic workshop to share your wishlist and take pics (Fridays through Sundays). Take a winter stroll through the Snowtunda — with snow-like flurries and brilliant holiday lights — and visit the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree in Shark Realm, 18 feet tall and decorated with 400 colorful custom-sculpted corals.

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).

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.

November 29 – December 29, 2024 (select dates)

Grab your tickets before they sell out (as it did last season) for farcical play-within-a-play The Play That Goes Wrong, ending its December run at the circa-1913 Plays & Players Theatre — one of the oldest continuously running theaters in the nation — 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 quintessential Philadelphia holiday tradition is back at Macy’s Center City — in the historic Wanamaker Building’s Grand Court — with another season of the iconic Macy’s Christmas Light Show. The seven-decade running event features thousands of twinkling snowflake-, candy cane- and snowman-shaped lights accompanied by the 113-year-old Wanamaker Organ. Free shows take place daily at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (and note the organ is not played live at every performance). Finish with an animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol and photos with Santa in Dickens Village (reservations required for both) and the store’s famous animated holiday windows.

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025 (select dates)

The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles’ regular season winds down with three crucial home games at Lincoln Financial Field as Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley and the rest of Gang Green fight for playoff positioning. First, the Carolina Panthers visit the Linc for a matchup on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Then Christmas comes early on Sunday, December 15, 2024, for an afternoon tilt against the cross-state interleague foe Pittsburgh Steelers. Then in the season’s penultimate game, the archrival Dallas Cowboys roll into town for a late-game clash on Sunday, December 29, 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 Mickalene Thomas: All About Love, kicking off the new exhibition’s first major international tour. The exhibit showcases a series of vivid works (spanning the early 2000s to today) from 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 which spotlights Black femininity, agency, desire and an empowered vision of beauty.

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! Ring that bell to help the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate the franchise’s 76th year as stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George hit the Wells Fargo Center floor for four holiday season contests this month. The Orlando Magic visit for a double dip Wednesday, December 4, 2024, and Friday, December 6, 2024, the latter a part of the Emirates NBA Cup in-season tournament. The Sixers then host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, December 20, 2024, before wrapping the year’s home slate Monday, December 23, 2024 versus the San Antonio Spurs.

Through Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (select dates)

The orange-and-black head into the heart of the NHL season as the Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice at Wells Fargo Center for five pre-holiday home faceoffs. The month begins Thursday, December 5, 2024, in a matchup with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and a Sunday, December 8, 2024 first look at the brand-new Utah Hockey Club. The month continues with showdowns featuring the Detroit Red Wings (Thursday, December 12, 2024) and Los Angeles Kings (Thursday, December 19, 2024) before ending the home year on Saturday, December 21, 2024 against the division-rival Columbus Blue Jackets.

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.

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, including 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, and Holly Jolly Weekend (December 7 to 8, 2024), with two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades.

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 (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.

• 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 (November 16, 2024 to 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 during (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).

November 21, 2024 – January 6, 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.

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.

November 22 – December 23, 2024 (select dates)

If you were a fan of last year’s Yuletide at Devon, you’ll love Yuletide at Liberty Hill at its new location, the Union League of Philadelphia Liberty Hill country club in Lafayette Hill. Complete your holiday shopping at the market featuring over 30 high-end boutique vendors, then queue up for unlimited turns on the 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel and other amusement rides before grabbing photos with Santa (both included in admission). New for 2024: ice skating through an enchanted forest lit by hundreds of Christmas trees (for a small in-person fee, which includes skates).

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.

Bucks County’s sprawling Shady Brook Farm warms up for the season with its after-dark Holiday Light Show, a whimsical ride through giant animated winter scenes, character displays and illuminated tunnels rendered with three million tiny bulbs across acres of farmland. Enjoy the two-mile farm trail from the comfort of your own vehicle or an open-air tractor-pulled wagon. Afterward, visit Santa’s Village for pics with The Big Guy, handcrafted gifts at the holiday farm market and tasty treats like cocoa and s’mores (or spirited drinks from Stone’s Throw Pub) enjoyed around the firepit.

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.

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 free NHL-sized ice skating rink, snap a photo by the signature holiday tree, hop on the 60-foot tall illuminated Ferris wheel and enjoy games and amusement rides on the boardwalk. 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

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.

Come celebrate Philly’s most famous fictional hero as the city honors the iconic Rocky film franchise with an action-packed week of RockyFest festivities. (Note: Tickets required for most events and prices vary.)

• Rocky Guided Bus Tours: This 90-minute guided bus tour offers an up-close look at sites and landmarks featured in the Rocky series, including Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym and the Italian Market. Tours depart from Parkway Visitor Center (November 30 to December 8, 2024).
• Southpaws Yappy Hour at Cherry Street Pier: Join this pet-friendly happy hour at Cherry Street Pier in honor of Butkus, the 120-pound Bull Mastiff — Sylvester Stallone’s real-life pet — seen in the first two films. The event is free with pay-as-you-go refreshments (Thursday, December 5, 2024).
• Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink: Recreate Rocky and Adrian’s first date — or find your own true love — during this special night at historic Penn Ice Rink. Celebrate with drink specials, look-alike contests, film photo ops and speed dating for singles (Friday, December 6, 2024).
• RockyU: The Rocky Statue – A Monumental Conversation with Dr. Paul Farber: Uncover the hidden history of the Rocky statue and steps in this talk from Dr. Paul Farber, host of the acclaimed The Statue podcast (December 6, 2024).
• Rocky Movie Marathon at Philadelphia Film Center: Catch all six Rocky movies in one sitting at the Philadelphia Film Center, a marathon which also includes pop-up events, Rocky-themed activities and official merch. Tickets are available for individual films or as a six-pack bundle (December 6-8, 2024).
• Rocky Date Night at the Philadelphia Zoo: Held under the LumiNature event’s million twinkling lights (see above), enjoy a special date night at the Philadelphia Zoo, the site where Rocky proposed to Adrian (Saturday, December 7, 2024).

Among Philadelphia’s many holiday trees around the city, the one displayed outside Betsy Ross House has become beloved in the eight years of its existence. Come witness 2024’s initial illumination at the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting, with the trimmed tannenbaum — 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.

A dual celebration returns to Chester County, with the West Chester Annual Tree Lighting & Hometown Christmas Parade, a tradition dating back to 1980. The event — integrated with the borough’s 225th anniversary — kicks off with the lighting of the 25-foot tall tree on the lawn of Historic Chester County Courthouse at 6:30 p.m., hosted by Adam Joseph and Kathy Romano. At 7 p.m. the annual parade begins, featuring floats, dance troupes, musical performances, the South Philly String Band and Santa, of course. New for 2024: more marching bands and new Best Commercial and Best Nonprofit float awards.

One of four major events of gaming convention series Penny Arcade Expo, PAX Unplugged returns to Philadelphia for the second straight year. Join over 30,000 fellow tabletop gaming enthusiasts for this exhibition tailored to lovers of board games, role-playing games, miniatures, card games and the like, featuring publishers, studios, new game demos, tournaments, panels and more across the massive expo hall. This year sees the addition of live action role play activities for RPG fans, a special puzzle escape room and live massively multiplayer Megagames for up to 80 in-person players.

Philadelphia’s favorite dance company Philadanco hits the Ensemble Arts stage at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater once again with Our Voices, Our Choices…This Is Us!, a reimagined show featuring the voices and perspectives of African American women and highlighting women’s perspectives and expressions. The high-energy weekend program invites a number of familiar choreographers to revisit their previous works and reexamine their individual takes on original movement, music and stories.

From the first “Bah! Humbug!” to the closing “God bless us, every one,” you and your family will enjoy every moment of this retelling of the classic Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, back at historic circa-1808 Walnut Street Theatre. Enjoy the beloved Scrooge story, reimagined as an hour-long musical adaptation for kids that uses traditional holiday songs to highlight the magical myth of the malleable miser, timid Tiny Tim, hardworking Bob Cratchit and the three spirits tasked to change the selfish ways of a wealthy, cranky sexagenarian.

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 whose Tchaikovsky original was first seen by audiences in 1892.

Every schoolkid knows the history of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. What is less known is the Continental Army camp’s struggle through the harsh winter leading up to the attack. Take the special Thompson-Neely House Encampment Tour at Bucks County’s Washington Crossing Historic Park, as living historians reenact daily life and the difficult encampment at the farm where several regiments were quartered in December 1776. New this year is a walkthrough of the newly reopened Thompson-Neely House and a first look at new exhibits illustrating the role of the house during Washington’s campaign.

Philly college basketball tradition takes center stage during the second annual Big 5 Classic, where city hoops bragging rights are at stake as the next Big 5 champion is crowned. The six programs of the seven-decade-old Philly college basketball alliance — Temple, LaSalle, Drexel, Villanova, St. Joseph’s and Penn — battle group pool play-style in the weeks ahead of the super-sized Saturday tripleheader at the Wells Fargo Center, where the top two teams square off for the Big 5 title while the four remaining squads clash for third- and fifth-place consolation prizes.

Built between 1720 and 1830, Elfreth’s Alley is one of the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential streets. And the charming 400-foot cobblestone walk’s annual Deck the Alley day is one of the few times each year visitors get to peer inside many 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.

Philadelphia may just be the holiday craft and gift market capital of America. And since you can never have too many festive yuletide bazaars, the region is proud to welcome a brand-new entry with the inaugural Oaks Christmas Market at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. This event at the area’s second-largest convention center hosts over 300 crafters and vendors in Hall C for a small $5 admission, with free parking.

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’s 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).

December 8 & 25, 2024

Thousands gather along the Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park each December to watch a live reenactment of George Washington and his troops’ daring voyage to New Jersey on Christmas night in 1776. Visitors have two chances to view the event, which begins with an impassioned speech from General Washington to his men before rowing across the frigid waters in replica boats. A ticketed event with special guests and colonial-era activities takes place on December 8, 2024, followed by a free version on Christmas Day.

The uplifting and untold true story of Neil Diamond, Broadway smash A Beautiful Noise tells the tale of a shy and introverted kid from Brooklyn who became a chart-busting music icon and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The rousing jukebox memoir, coming to the near-century-old Forrest Theatre, features many of the Brill Building legend’s most singalongable tunes like I’m a Believer, America, Red Red Wine, Sweet Caroline and a selection of tracks from his catalog that reached 120 million albums sold over his career.

Chester County is always a festive place for the holidays, and also a great spot to enjoy a mid-December day and work on finishing that holiday shopping list during the fifth annual West Chester Christkindlmarkt. Held downtown along closed-to-traffic Gay Street, the free-to-browse four-block-long outdoor holiday market features nearly 100 vendors offering individually handcrafted and locally designed products and gifts including art, crafts, ceramics, jewelry, homewares and more, plus plenty of holiday food and drink for sale.

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 entire family.

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.

You know it from just one word. International percussion sensation Stomp — Broadway’s most famous onomatopoeia — returns to Philly as the eight-member troupe fills the circa-1918 Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater) with a whole-body experience of unconventional instruments generating magnificent rhythms. The renowned show, now over three decades old, has redefined musical stage performances with its innovative use of non-traditional percussion instruments from garbage cans and hubcaps to brooms and poles — and nothing else — over a series of vignettes without dialogue or narrative story.

During Colonial times, the Philadelphia Jewish community was just starting to grow, with the establishment of Congregation Mikveh Israel and leaders like financier Haym Salomon. So what better gathering place for the Historic Holidays Community Menorah Lighting & Hanukkah Celebration than the landmark Betsy Ross House? Join in a sunset lighting of the giant electric menorah, plus 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.

As the year comes to an end, Philadelphia celebrates New Year’s Eve (NYE) with two unforgettable fireworks displays over the Delaware River: at 6 p.m. (perfect for sleepy kiddos) and — of course — at midnight. Other NYE parties around Philly include The Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Celebration at Kimmel Center, New Year’s Eve at Longwood Gardens, the New Year’s Eve Bash on the Waterfront at Hilton Philadelphia Penn’s Landing, Midnight in the Square & Mushroom Drop in Kennett Square, the Philadelphia Under the Fireworks Yacht Party aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht and more to be announced.

• Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time at Wells Fargo Center (Tuesday, December 3, 2024)
• North Philly’s Kevin Hart at The Met Philadelphia (December 4-6, 2024)
• Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and GZA at Franklin Music Hall (Thursday, December 5, 2024)
• Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band at The Fillmore Philadelphia (Thursday, December 5, 2024)
• They Might Be Giants at Union Transfer (December 5-6, 2024)
• Southwest Philly’s Patti LaBelle at Xcite Center (Friday, December 6, 2024)
• Interpol at Franklin Music Hall (Friday, December 6, 2024)
• Carbon Leaf at World Cafe Live (Friday, December 6, 2024)
• The Temptations & The Four Tops at Keswick Theatre (Saturday, December 7, 2024)
• Jim Gaffigan at The Met Philadelphia (December 12-14, 2024)
• Churchville’s The Starting Line at Theater of Living Arts (December 13-14, 2024)
• Mount Airy’s Strand of Oaks at Union Transfer, Saturday (December 14, 2024)
• Q102 Jingle Ball at Wells Fargo Center (Monday, December 16, 2024)
• A John Waters Christmas at Union Transfer (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)
• Lansdale’s The Wonder Years at The Fillmore Philadelphia (Thursday, December 19, 2024)
• Korea in Philly Featuring Ailee at Live! Casino & Hotel (Friday, December 20, 2024)
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Wells Fargo Center, Sunday (December 22, 2024)
• Hijinx Festival at Pennsylvania Convention Center (December 27-28, 2024)
• University City’s Disco Biscuits at The Fillmore Philadelphia (December 30-31, 2024)

Philadelphia is one of the best places in America to spend the holiday season. The city is lit up and festively decorated, and holiday events permeate. Visit a slew of holiday markets including Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, Christmas Village in Philadelphia and Historic Sugartown Holiday Craft Market, or see thousands of twinkling lights during A Longwood Christmas, LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo or The Miracle on South 13th Street. Big-ticket events have a little bit of everything, like Winter at Dilworth Park, Winter at Franklin Square or Yuletide at Liberty Hill.

Restaurants across the city are offering seasonal menus filled with warm, hearty selections of soups, stews and roasted entrees. But what really warms the heart (and hands) during cold months is a quaint dining space with a roaring fireplace to boot. Check out some of Philly’s homiest eateries with fireplaces, like the wood-burning hearth at The Plough & the Stars, the cabin-style fireplace at Martha, the indoor/outdoor connecting fireplace at Suraya, the exposed brick ingle at 59 Almshouse in Richboro or the poured-concrete spot under the skylight at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons.

Holiday shopping in Philly is as abundant as it is fun. Aside from the city’s many pop-up holiday markets, a plethora of shopping spots are ready for holiday gift-giving. Hit up a cheerful outdoor shopping plaza festively decorated for the season like Peddler’s Village or Suburban Square, or stroll a neighborhood shopping district like The Gayborhood, Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, downtown West Chester and Main Streets in Manayunk, and New Hope.

Fall’s chill and winter’s cold may have you longing for the indoors, but December is a fantastic time to enjoy hundreds of miles of trails across Philly parks and green spaces. Bundle up and head out to Forbidden Drive and the Wissahickon Creek trails of Wissahickon Valley Park, uncrowded offseason paths throughout Pennypack Park and brisk views from up on Fairmount Park’s Belmont Plateau. Or hit the 2.4-mile cross-country and snowshoeing trail at Spring Mountain Adventures.

December’s long nights are when teams’ mettle is tested, stars emerge and schedules harden. That’s the intense action of December at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The grind ison for the 76ers and Flyers with hard-hitting action — and fun fan experiences — during key fall matchups at Wells Fargo Center. Across the street at chilly Lincoln Financial Field, the regular season is winding down and the Eagles are jockeying for playoff position. And December also brings the early college basketball season at collegiate venues around the city like The Palestra and The Liacouras Center.

Everyone loves a fireworks show, and Philly always knows how to do it right. The city rings in the New Year twice each New Year’s Eve — a kid-friendly performance in the evening and the grand finale at midnight — with great viewing spots up and down the Delaware, River including from Winterfest at Penn’s Landing and Old City hotels and bars with patios and rooftop decks. Or hit midnight with The Philadelphia Orchestra at Kimmel Center or celebrate with events at Longwood Gardens. And don’t miss the annual Mushroom Drop in Kennett Square.

During December in Philly, daytime high temperatures average a brisk 45 degrees Fahrenheit with overnight lows below freezing. As fall transitions to winter, the sun shines just about five-and-a-half hours per day, with around 10.5 days experiencing some rain. Snow is infrequent in December, averaging about two inches for the month, though the city did receive over 23 inches just before Christmas in 2009. The December record high is 73 degrees, set in 1998, with the lowest high temperature of 22 degrees recorded as recently as 2004.

Whether shopping for the afternoon or making Philly a shopping destination trip, you can find almost anything — and have tons of fun doing it. December brings a host of holiday markets to the city, like Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Many outdoor boutique shopping plazas such as Peddler’s Village and Suburban Square are lit up and decorated for the season and festive shopping corridors abound from East Passyunk Avenue to Baltimore Avenue. Or warm up indoors at upscale malls like The Shops at Liberty Place and King of Prussia.

If you love the sounds of the holiday, Philly is a perfect venue for your season. The epicenter for performing arts in Philly is The Kimmel Center, and come December, the venue’s array of Christmas and holiday shows (traditional or kid-focused) is unmatched. Broadway musicals, often with a holiday bent, light up stages along the Avenue of the Arts, along with annual seasonal classics like multiple interpretations of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. And it just wouldn’t be the holidays without Disney on Ice, Philadanco and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Philadelphia is a top destination for kids, says everyone from HGTV to Reader’s Digest to Travel + Leisure. But the city steps it up in December, with bustling holiday carnivals and a multitude of places to meet Santa. Kid-friendly Sesame Place celebrates the season with A Very Furry Christmas and Adventure Aquarium offers Christmas Underwater. The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the annual Children’s Holiday Spectacular and Disney on Ice comes for a yearly visit. And spectacular light shows abound, from LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo to the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm.

The word for the December sports scene in Philly (besides cold) is anticipation. At Wells Fargo Center, the 76ers and Flyers are well into their season’s first halves racking up wins in front of throngs of enthusiastic fans. Over at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles head towards the playoffs cheered on by excited bundled-up spectators. And at hallowed college basketball halls like The Palestra, the six local teams thrill ardent supporters. But the winner is you, taking it in with friends and family, yummy stadium food and drink, cheers and boos, and, of course, Gritty.

Yes, but in the best way. Few cities turn it on for the holidays like Philadelphia, and people flock from all corners to experience Philly’s holiday markets, festivals, carnivals, light shows, musical performances, public decor and kids’ activities. It might be busy in Philly in December, but the hustle and bustle of shopping, exploring and eating during the holiday season just makes the vibe even more special.