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It’s beginning to look a lot like … another magnificent month of awesome events and fantastic festivals in Philadelphia.
The holiday season has arrived! Joy and jolly abound at Dilworth Park, Franklin Square and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the waterfront, and at holiday markets like Christmas Village in LOVE Park. And colorful light displays illuminate the night at the Wanamaker Light Show, Philadelphia Zoo, Longwood Gardens and Peddler’s Village.
The sounds of the season come ringing in as well. Take in classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Experience a magical holiday lineup of shows at Kimmel Center, and welcome back favorites like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
And for a respite from the holidays, there are plenty of options, from college basketball’s Big 5 Classic to the annual Revolutionary reenactment at Washington Crossing.
Read on for the best things to do in Philadelphia in December 2025.
Through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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.
Grab a photo op with Scuba Santa as he dives deep to swim with his el-fish friends. Take a winter stroll through the Snowtunda (with snow-like flurries and brilliant holiday lights) and visit the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree — 18 feet tall and decorated with 400 colorful custom-sculpted corals — in Shark Realm.
General admission gets you access to this underwater winter wonderland.
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
A giant, glowing German Christmas Pyramid lights up LOVE Park this year at the annual open-air Bavarian holiday marketplace Christmas Village in Philadelphia.
More than 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.
Check out the event’s Festival of Trees inside the LOVE Park Visitor Center, while across the street at City Hall, find more vendors, a 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel and the double-decker Christmas Village Carousel.
Where: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Through Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (select dates)
A quintessential Philadelphia holiday tradition, the Wanamaker Light Show (formerly the Macy’s Christmas Light Show) and Dickens Village are back once again for the holiday season.
The Grand Court dancing snowflakes, snowmen and reindeer — brought to life by hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and a festive soundtrack backed by the world-famous Wanamaker Organ (on select days).
The Wanamaker Light Show is free to attend, no tickets required, and runs every hour on the half hour during opening hours, while free timed tickets are required for Dickens Village.
New this year: Enjoy holiday food and drinks at the Holly and Humbug pop-up restaurant with pay-as-you-go offerings and grab some great gifts at the Vendor Village.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
Through Tuesday, December 30, 2025 (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 (Christmas cows!), photo ops with characters and Santa, and cookies with Mrs. Claus. Bring your pup to enjoy the show, too, on pet-friendly Sunday nights. Tickets are required.
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA
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, the Holiday Garden Railway features G-scale mini locomotives winding 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 (separate timed tickets required) with sparkling lights along the railway and laser lights in the trees.
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Thursday, January 1, 2026
A singular Philadelphia holiday tradition, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular in the Comcast Center’s seven-story lobby returns for its 17th year.
Immerse yourself in the free 15-minute, super hi-res show that 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 daily at the top of the hour every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a sensory-friendly show for visitors who are blind or visually impaired each day at 2:30 p.m.
Across the street, the Comcast Technology Center offers 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 (through January 2, 2026).
Where: Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Neighbors on the 1600 block of South 13th Street (between Tasker Street and Morris Street in East Passyunk) have worked together annually for more than 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 you’re driving there, expect some traffic slowdowns, or take the Broad Street Line to Tasker-Morris Station.
Where: 1600 block of South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, January 3, 2026
The immersive LumiNature display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a multimedia spectacular illuminated with a million twinkling lights.
While the animals sleep, humans can ride the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train under an illuminated canopy or dance along with a 40-foot-tall penguin shimmering with 40,000 lights. This year, the attraction debuts a brand-new 110-foot-tall observation Pherris Wheel, offering unbeatable views of all the lights from the sky.
Get the perfect selfie in front of the pink flamingo tree, and take the littles to make their holiday gift requests during a visit with the big man himself in Santa’s Lodge. Top it off with seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages.
For the past few years, my family of three has kicked off the holiday season in the wildest way at the Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature exhibit, and we all have our must-dos while there.
For me, it’s snapping a photo in front of the flaming pink flamingo tree made from 1,500 lawn ornaments. For my husband, it’s roasting s’mores over the fire pit. And for my 8-year-old son, it’s creating the snack of his sweet-and-savory dreams at the popcorn candy bar.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026 (select dates)
The Walnut Street Theatre gets you in the holiday spirit with one of the season’s most beloved movies — now set to music! — in A Christmas Story: The Musical.
Ralphie still wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas despite his mom’s warnings that he’ll shoot his eye out. You’ll want to sing along as everyone’s favorite holiday movie gets the musical treatment, complete with pink bunny pajamas, triple-dog-dares and a scintillating leg lamp.
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
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 3 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 (weather permitting). 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.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA
December 14, 2025 | 1 p.m.
The crucial second half of the NFL season continues as winter’s chill descends over Lincoln Financial Field.
Catch Jalen Hurts, Jalen Carter, Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert and the Philadelphia Eagles’ live as the Birds play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Also on the schedule this month: three away games, including a nationally televised Monday Night Football match against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 8, 2025).
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA
Through January 4, 2026 (dates vary by attraction)
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 unseasonal San Diego, Langhorne’s Sesame Place remains the only true wintry locale for enjoying the holiday offerings. Lucky us!
Where: Sesame Place Philadelphia, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA
Through Sunday, January 11, 2026
Half a million twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas, named one of the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights for five years in a row years by USA Today’s 10 Best 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.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Through Saturday, January 17, 2026
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.
Start checking off your holiday gift list as you enjoy live performances while sipping on a steaming cup of apple cider at one of the many pay-as-you-go food and drink spots.
Don’t miss the Gingerbread Competition & Display featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free (through Saturday, January 17, 2026) and Holly Jolly Weekend (December 6 to 7, 2025), with two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
Through Saturday, February 28, 2026 (dates vary by attraction)
Historic Franklin Square welcomes the season with family winter attractions, festive activities and holiday celebrations, including:
Plus, don’t miss cocktails and seasonal treats at Frosty’s Fireside Winter Pop-Up Bar.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, February 15, 2026
The newly renamed Philadelphia Art Museum hosts the only U.S. stop (and the final stop of this worldwide tour) for this traveling exhibition celebrating a century of dreamlike imagination dating back to André Breton’s 1924 Manifesto of Surrealism.
Explore nearly 200 works by more than 60 artists from the international surrealist movement and their iconic works from the museum’s collection, including Joan Miró’s Dog Barking at the Moon, Salvador Dalí’s Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (Premonition of Civil War) and Dorothea Tanning’s Birthday.
Where: Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, February 22, 2026
The limited-run exhibit focused on artist Henri Rousseau at the Barnes Foundation fuses international works from two private collectors: French art dealer Paul Guillaume and Philadelphia connoisseur Dr. Albert C. Barnes.
Featuring 60 works by the French post-Impressionist painter (18 permanently housed at the Barnes, with 11 on loan from the Musee de l’Orangerie in Paris, plus others from the Museum of Modern Art in New York), the exhibit showcases the largest collection of Rousseau paintings ever put on display at once since 2006.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Through Monday, February 22, 2026 (Dates vary by attraction)
Located mere steps away from Christmas Village in Philadelphia, 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:
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, March 1, 2026
Experience a Delaware River waterfront winter wonderland (say that three times fast!) as the free Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest sets up on the Delaware River waterfront for its 32nd 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.
Want to relax? Cozy up with your loved ones in a cabin or around a crackling fire pit as you sip on some hot cocoa and nosh on some snacks.
Winterfest admission is free, but food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Wintry amenities, including ice skating, can be reserved in advance.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, April 12, 2026 (select dates)
Play the song … 1-2-3-4-5-76ers! It’s cold outside, but the 2025-26 NBA season continues to heat up in December, so ring that bell to help the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate the franchise’s 77th year.
Join in the season-long 25th anniversary celebration of the 2001 Eastern Conference Champions at five home games this month:
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (select dates)
The orange-and-black head into the heart of the NHL season as the Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice at the newly renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena for seven home faceoffs in November.
The Flyers start off the month against state rival Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, December 1, 2025. Then, it’s a whirlwind month of home games as the home team battles: the Sabres on December 3, 2025, the Avalanche on December 7, 2025, the Sharks on December 9, 2025, the Golden Knights on December 11, 2025; the Hurricanes on December 13, 2025; and the Canucks on December 22, 2025.
Ongoing
Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s latest exhibit, Afrofuturism in Costume Design.
Carter won Oscars for her costume designs for the Black Panther films. She is the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards in any category.
The modular exhibition with interactive elements showcases costumes and artifacts from Carter’s esteemed career, including a rare glimpse of the artist’s personal sketches and costumes from Carter’s private collection.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, January 3, 2027
A document that needs no introduction, the Declaration of Independence has shaped not only America’s history but also the trajectory of nations across the globe, too.
For America’s 250th birthday, the Museum of the American Revolution presents a special exhibition dedicated to the near and far-reaching impacts of the Declaration, which, of course, was written and signed right here in Philadelphia.
The exhibit showcases other rare documents, works of art and artifacts to tell the document’s complex history.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
This wildly successful, transformative work by Anaïs Mitchell intertwines the love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone.
In this steampunk-esque retelling, Orpheus, an idealistic musician, falls in love with the drifter Eurydice. When she descends into Hadestown, he follows in hopes of saving her.
The vibrant, hopeful musical won an impressive eight Tony Awards in 2019, and its folk, New Orleans big band and blues-infused score won the 2020 Grammy Award for best musical theater album. Grab tickets now before the holiday frenzy of events kicks into full gear.
On the road to Hell, there was a railroad line~.
Hadestown is — full stop — my favorite musical. (It was actually the musical that got me into musicals. Don’t tell Hamilton.) This big-band remix of one of the most famous Greek tragedies is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, with characters that’ll have you holding on to hope from beginning to end.
The soundtrack is endlessly catchy, the humor is on point and the stage direction pulls out some breathtaking tricks I’d never seen before. Don’t blame me if this becomes a show you’ll want to see again and again.
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
December 3 & 14, 2025
The Betsy Ross House and Historic Philadelphia, Inc. feature two beloved holiday traditions in December:
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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.
See the Academy morph into an enchanting wonderland as you 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 beloved holiday tradition channels the 1950s version that popularized the timeless tale in America.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Built between 1720 and 1830, Elfreth’s Alley remains 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 peek inside many of the 32 quaint private households.
The festive ticketed open house event also includes holiday carolers, refreshments like hot apple cider and holiday decorations and lights galore. You may even catch a glimpse of some holiday elves busily preparing for the season.
Proceeds from tickets go to preserving the historic alley.
Where: Elfreth's Alley, 126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
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.
December means it’s time for the Big Five Classic. The association known as the Big Five now consists of the city’s six Division I-A schools: the Villanova Wildcats, Temple Owls, Penn Quakers, La Salle Explorers, St. Joseph’s Hawks and Drexel Dragons.
In November, all six basketball programs were split into two pods of three teams. Each team played the others in their pod at on-campus sites in a round-robin format.
Who will be this year’s champ? We’ll find out at the Toyota Big Five Classic, a tripleheader at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
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 happily welcomes back the Oaks Christmas Market at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center for its second year.
This event at the area’s second-largest convention center hosts over 300 crafters and vendors in Hall C for a small $5 admission that covers the entire weekend, with free parking.
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA
Dates vary by event
There’s no more special time at the Ensemble Arts Philly venue than the holiday season:
Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
December 14 & 25, 2025
After George Washington’s loss at the Battle of Germantown and a winter huddled in Valley Forge, the tides turned in the Revolutionary War on Christmas night in 1776.
Each year, thousands gather along the Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park to watch a live reenactment of Washington and his troops’ daring voyage to New Jersey on that fateful night.
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 takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, followed by a free version on Christmas Day.
Where: Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA
The stage at the Miller Theater transforms into a dazzling wonderland of circus arts with holiday flair for Cirque Dreams Holidaze this December. Watch as daring acrobats, jugglers and aerial performers astound the audience during this 90-minute Broadway-style production.
The fantastical show features plenty of holiday elements — like reindeer, sugarplums and toy soldiers — plus an original score with fresh takes on classic seasonal tunes. The family-friendly holiday tradition features new sets for 2025, with magical scenery and costumes to round out your holiday season.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
For all of the children (and kids at heart!) who love Disney, the annual Disney on Ice production remains a holiday must. This year’s show – Jump In! — raises the roof with new songs and old favorites.
Witness virtuoso figure skating, thrilling stunts and high-flying acrobatics in a variety of colorful and interactive Disney worlds while popular characters like Moana and Elsa skate and dance to the high-energy beats. Sing along to newer songs from Zootopia, Inside Out 2 and Moana 2, as well as the classics from Toy Story, Frozen and Encanto.
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 the Kimmel Center, New Year’s Eve at Longwood Gardens and the Midnight in the Square & Mushroom Drop in Kennett Square. Stay tuned for more parties to be announced soon.
Where: Penn's Landing, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
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Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
North Union Street & East State Street, Kennett Square, PA
Looking to go big for 2026? In addition to the two Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks shows on the Delaware River waterfront, Philly is hosting a brand-new — and totally free — star-studded concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, capped off with its own fireworks display.
The NYE concert kicks off a year of new Semiquincentennial celebrations as Grammy-winning hip-hop legend LL Cool J headlines the show, joined by special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, Dorothy and Technician the DJ.
After the performances, the skies above the Philadelphia Art Museum light up with dazzling fireworks at midnight.
Where: The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Dates vary by show
Even though December brings chilly temps, the concert calendar continues to turn up the heat on stages across the Greater Philadelphia area. Check out December’s hottest concerts:
Where: The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is one of the best places in America to spend the holiday season. The city lights up and bursts with festive decorations 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.
Season-long attractions have a little bit of everything, like Winter at Dilworth Park and Winter at Franklin Square.
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.
Philly offers so many shopping opportunities year-round, but the city becomes a shopper’s paradise in December. Aside from the city’s many pop-up holiday markets (including the robust market scene in Center City), a plethora of shopping spots get gussied up for the holiday gift-giving (and shopping!) season.
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, Main Streets in Manayunk, and New Hope.
December means hats, gloves and puffy jackets for early winter hikes across the Greater Philadelphia area. With summer heat and humidity outta here, the winter sun will warm you up just enough 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 test our teams’ mettle as stars emerge and schedules harden. That’s the intense action of December at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
The 76ers and Flyers grind on with hard-hitting action — and fun fan experiences — during key matchups at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Across the street at chilly Lincoln Financial Field, the regular season for our beloved birds winds down as the Eagles jockey for a 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 Independence Ble Cross RiverRink Winterfest, as well as Old City hotels and bars with patios and rooftop decks.
Elsewhere, 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 46 degrees Fahrenheit with overnight lows below freezing. As fall transitions to winter, the sun shines just about four-and-a-half hours per day, with around 11.5 days experiencing some rain.
Philadelphia tends not to get a lot of snow in December, averaging about two inches for the month, though the city did receive more than 23 inches just before Christmas in 2009. The December record high is 73 degrees, set in 1998.
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.
The sounds of the holidays resound across the city in December, especially at the epicenter for performing arts in Philly — The Kimmel Center. Come December, the venue’s unmatched array of Christmas and holiday shows (traditional or kid-focused) continues to delight.
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 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 Xfinity Mobile Arena, 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 toward 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, Philadelphia gets busy in December, 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.
And while it might be busy in Philly in December, the hustle and bustle of shopping, exploring and eating during the holiday season just makes the vibe even more special. So gather a group of family and friends and get ready to enjoy the holiday season, Philly style.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
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