January 2026 in Philly: The 60+ Biggest Events, Festivals & Exhibitions

Through Saturday, January 3, 2026

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.

Through Sunday, January 4, 2026 (select dates)

The Walnut Street Theatre keeps the holiday spirit going 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 set to music, complete with pink bunny pajamas, triple-dog-dares and a scintillating leg lamp.

Through Saturday, January 3, 2026

The immersive LumiNature display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a multimedia spectacular illuminated with a million twinkling lights. In 2025, the Philadelphia Zoo unveiled a stunning new addition to its annual holiday light extravaganza: a 110-foot-tall Pherris Wheel to replace the former zoo balloon.

There’s still time to get that perfect selfie in front of the pink flamingo tree or dance along with a 40-foot-tall penguin shimmering with 40,000 lights. Bonnus: The Pherris Wheel will be sticking around long-term to dazzle visitors during America’s big 250th anniversary bash in 2026.

Through Sunday, January 4, 2026 (select dates)

As Buddy says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Help do just that during this fun musical version of the Will Ferrell holiday film classic telling a story of family, forgiveness, redemption and identity.

After little orphan Buddy accidentally crawls into Santa’s bag, he’s whisked away to the North Pole where he grows up thinking he’s an elf. His cover gets blown when he grows too big and stinks at making toys, so he sets out on an epic journey to find his birth father.

Through Sunday, January 4, 2026 (select dates)

There are only two Sesame Street theme parks in the world, and one of them is right in Bucks County. With its sister park far away in unseasonal San Diego, Langhorne’s Sesame Place remains the only true wintry locale for enjoying the annual A Very Furry Christmas celebration. And there’s still time to celebrate!

The event transforms the park with millions of lights, themed rides, festive holiday decorations and a special Christmas Parade, plus the spectacular 1-2-3 Christmas Tree music and lights show.

Through Sunday, January 4, 2026

If you’re one of those people who just can’t get enough of holiday lights, there’s still time for one more visit to Bucks County’s sprawling Shady Brook Farm for 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, check out 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.

Through Sunday, January 11, 2026

Frequently named one of the best botanical garden holiday light shows in the country, A Longwood Christmas features more than 550,000 glimmering lights, an outdoor railway display and the famous fountains dancing to holiday music

This year’s celebration transforms the beloved gardens and conservatories into a gilded, glittering wonderland inspired by the natural beauty of gemstones. Expect towering trees decked out in gold, ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue. Elsewhere, keep an eye out for actual minerals on loan from the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.

Dates vary by location

The holidays may be in the rearview, but there are still a few more days of spirited soirées at merry local holiday pop-ups and festively decorated Philly bars that have granted us the gift of extended dates:

• Bridget Foy’s North Pole on South Street: Take a one-way trip to the North Pole without leaving South Street at this classic neighborhood restaurant and bar. Known for plating up delicious American fare, Bridget Foy’s gets extra festive, lining its South Street dining room with candy canes, nutcrackers, evergreen boughs and strings upon strings of twinkling lights.The heart of the immersive wintry experience is Bridget Foy’s limited-edition menu of winter-inspired craft cocktails, like the sweet Sugar Plum Claus-mopolitan, peppermint tea-infused Ralphie’s Red Ryder Negroni and decadent St. Nick’s Ninth Street Nightcap (through Sunday, January 4, 2026).
• Señor Christmas Pop Up at Taqueria Amor: Adorned in colors and lights, inside and out, Taqueria Amor in Manayunk decks the halls for its latest pop-up, Señor Christmas. After exploring Main Street’s shops and holiday decor, top off on Grinch-A-Ritas and birria tacos while enjoying projector shows, twinkling lights and super-nostalgic holiday movie decor (through Sunday, January 4, 2026).
• Wonderland at The Wayward: Known for serving up French-inspired American classics alongside a robust gin menu, The Wayward goes full holly jolly with this newly decked out holiday pop up. The restaurant — located at the Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City — adorns its walls with festive and photo-worthy decor, and debuts a flavor-packed menu of “naughty” and “nice” cocktails (plus a wholesome “merry” mocktail) (through Sunday, January 4, 2026).
• Holiday Rewind at The Prime Rib at Live! Casino & Hotel: This intimate holiday pop up at The Prime Rib’s Library Bar channels all your Christmas movie faves into a night of nostalgic sips. The immersive experience rolls out the literal red carpet for you, inviting you into the worlds of A Christmas Story, Home Alone and more. Included on the seasonal cocktail menu: the sweet and smoky Yippee-ki-yay, the Elf’s Hat (featuring a lime Jell-O shot), Cuzzin Eddie’s Eggnog and a wagyu fat-washed (!) concoction called Ya Filthy Animal (through Saturday, January 10, 2026).
• Jingle Jawn at Libertee Grounds: Trim the trees and deck the greens for a few more days for a very Philly Christmas at Libertee Grounds. The dining rooms, lounges and all 18 holes of the Philly-themed golf course receive the ultimate wintry makeover with thousands of lights, ornaments and decorations. The bar keeps the holiday spirits high (and flowing) as you putt putt across Philly’s landmarks. Jingle Jawn tickets include a holiday-themed glass and a seasonal cocktail (through Friday, January 31, 2026). 

Through Sunday, February 15, 2026

The newly renamed Philadelphia Museum of Art 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, including iconic works from the museum’s collection like 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.

Through Monday, February 22, 2026 (Dates vary by attraction)

There’s still plenty of time to visit the winter wonderland around City Hall as Winter in Dilworth Park sticks around through most of February. Bundle up in those puffy coats, rent some skates, sip on some hot cocoa and enjoy these wintry attractions:

• 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 22, 2026).
• Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin: Laps around the rink not your thing? Swing by the reimagined Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin right next door for a bite and drink indoors or by the toasty fire pit (through Sunday, February 22, 2026).
• 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 Saturday, March 14, 2026).

Through Sunday, February 22, 2026

This 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, the exhibit showcases the largest collection of Rousseau paintings ever put on display at once since 2006.

Grab your tickets now to make sure you catch the show before it closes.

Through Saturday, February 28, 2026 (dates vary by attraction)

There’s still plenty of time to enjoy the wintry fun at Historic Franklin Square with its bevy of family winter attractions and festive activities, 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 with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes (through Saturday, February 28, 2026).
• 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 (through Saturday, February 28, 2026).
• 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 (through Saturday, February 28, 2026).

Plus, don’t miss the relaxing firepits along with sips and nibbles at Frosty’s Fireside Lodge and Squareburger.

Through Sunday, March 1, 2026

Always an annual favorite among Philadelphia residents and visitors of all ages, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest celebrates 32 years on the waterfront this holiday season.

The cozy, cold-weather park features all of the amenities visitors know and love, including an ice skating rink (with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge serving as a breathtaking backdrop), a ski chalet-style lodge, a majestically lit holiday tree, an outdoor seating area with firepits, cozy warming cabins, and plenty of hot beverages and seasonal snacks.

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 turn up the heat in January, 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 11 home games this month, with two Saturday nights dedicated to the anniversary (January 24 & January 31, 2026). Expect promotional throwbacks, alumni tributes and lots of merch.

January brings plenty of theme nights, too, including Nurse Appreciation Night (Wednesday, January 14, 2026), First Responders Night (Tuesday, January 20, 2026), Pickleball Night where the first 250 fans get a free paddle (Thursday, January 22, 2026) and Mental Health Awareness Night (Thursday, January 29, 2026).

Through Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (select dates)

The orange-and-black skate into the heart of the NHL season as the Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice at the Xfinity Mobile Arena for seven home faceoffs in January.

The Flyers start off the month against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Then it’s a whirlwind month of home games as the home team battles the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, January 8, 2026; the Tampa Bay Lightning for two games January 10 & 12, 2026; the New York Rangers on Saturday, January 17, 2026; the New York Islanders on Monday, January 26, 2026; and the Los Angeles Kings on the last day of January.

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. See how Carter’s award-winning costumes started as hand-drawn images before becoming iconic film characters.

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.

There are few traditions more Philly than the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade, when 10,000 costumed marchers — divided into Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades — strut their stuff five miles through the streets of Philadelphia performing skits, dances and music.

Celebrating 125 years this year, the Mardi Gras-esque march down South Broad Street runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with two indoor performances of the Fancy Brigade Finale (11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the costumed members hit the stage to compete for first prize.

The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. at City Hall and struts south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue. The Mummers Parade is free to watch from anywhere along the 1.5-mile parade route, but you’ll need tickets to the Fancy Brigade Finale or if you want reserved seating at the parade.

Date/Time TBD

It’s make-or-break time for the 2025-2026 Philadelphia Eagles as the regular season comes to its inevitable conclusion when Jalen Hurts, Brandon Graham, Saquon Barkley and the rest of Gang Green take on the Washington Commanders in the last scheduled home game of the season.

Playoff positioning may still be on the line at Lincoln Financial Field in this crucial finale. The schedule is still to be determined, with a decision set to be made by the NFL as the date draws closer.

52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly pioneering by celebrating the city’s many historic achievements — every week, all throughout 2026. Featured Philadelphia “firsts” include inventions like the Slinky, cultural milestones such as Mother’s Day and significant locations like the first African Methodist Episcopal church.

The free celebrations take place at the original location of each first (or in spaces that represent where these significant milestones occurred) and include guest speakers, a sculpture, monthly marquee events and historic deep dives by Once Upon a Nation.

This January, celebrate the first balloon flight in America (January 3, 2026); the first folk parade (January 10, 2026); the first volunteer fire company (January 17, 2026); the first professional basketball league (January 24, 2026); and the first public Girl Scout cookie sale (January 31, 2026).

In 1940, Disney released a strange film with no dialogue as a wizardly Mickey Mouse summoned dancing brooms and a cavalcade of animated animals, all to the tunes of classical music. The film — Fantasia — was a stunning success.

See Fantasia on the big screen as you listen to the Philadelphia Orchestra play the score — including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 — live.

Aram Demirjian conducts the performance in the Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center.

January 6 – 18, 2026 (select dates)

Direct from Broadway, the all-female cast from the Tony-award winning musical Suffs channels the vibe of Hamilton, taking the audience on a musical journey through the suffragettes’ struggles for women’s right to vote. The musical chronicles the real-life battle for the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, spotlighting the internal conflict between Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt.

Creator Shaina Taub made history when she became the first woman to independently win Tony Awards for best score and best book. Part of Ensemble Arts 2025-2026 Broadway Series, Suffs takes over the stage at the iconic Academy of Music for 12 days of shows.

The Kimmel Center hosts its annual Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) this year on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The tradition comes from a religious belief paying homage to the three wise men who visited baby Jesus after his birth. During the celebration, much like Santa, the three wise men bring children presents.

The free Kimmel Center celebration takes place in the Commonwealth Plaza and includes a letter-writing activity, live performances, piñatas to smash, and samples of Rosca de Reyes bread and Mexican chocolate.

January 9-10, 2026, January 16-17, 2026

The million twinkling lights that cover every building, path and tree at Bucks County boutique shopping oasis Peddler’s Village during the holidays are only illuminated through mid-January. But those final two weekends are celebrated with the annual Fire & Frost Fun event, featuring live fire artistry and ice-carving demonstrations.

See performers from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts juggle, spin and breathe fire while nearby ice sculptors from Ice Concepts turn blocks of ice into stunning works of ice-art, with more than 40 on display. Bonus: Don’t miss your chance to get the perfect wintry selfie in the ice throne (!) in the courtyard.

January 13-25, 2026 (select dates)

Back for another year, Poor Judge is a mash-up of cabaret and experimental theater with the haunting music of Aimee Mann as the soundtrack. From the mind of Pig Iron co-creator, Dito van Reigersberg, the mesmerizing show features seven actors singing and dancing while lamenting lost love and lonely LA highways.

The show embodies the spirit of a live mixtape with a dash of mystery, offering a peek inside Hollywood’s darker side. For budget-conscious theater-goers, check out the “Pay What You Wilma” preview nights from January 13 to 15, 2026.

Where would our country be without nurses? The Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing sets out to begin answering that question with the Nursing the Revolution exhibit.

The exhibit explores the huge role nurses played during the American Revolution, showing that nursing did not begin with Florence Nightingale as many widely believe.

The public is invited to view the exhibit (otherwise open to Penn students, faculty and staff) by making an appointment. Email [email protected] to schedule a visit.

The Dance Theatre of Harlem takes the stage at the Zellerbach Theatre for four performances over three days in mid-January. From timeless classics to new works, the professional ballet company offers different music and choreography at the evening and matinee shows.

Led by Philadelphia native Robert Garland, performances during both time slots feature Garland’s Return set to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and others. The dance performances are part of Penn Live Arts’ America Unfinished programming to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence.

The horticultural minds at Longwood Gardens prove winter means more than bare trees in their winter slumber during the annual Winter Wonder exhibit.

Enjoy a brisk walk around the grounds, then escape the chill to bask in the warmth of the beautiful new West Conservatory (part of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience) and discover hundreds of orchids in bloom in the Orchid House.

Philadelphia Theatre Company presents two days of theater just for kids (ages 3 and up) with Havana Hop: A Children’s Tale of Culture and Confidence. Artist Paige Hernandez wrote, choreographed and performs in the show centered around young Yeila, a budding dance star whose stage fright gets in the way of her success.

Journey with Yeila to Cuba as she visits her abuela and learns how to spice up her moves. Expect audience participation as everyone builds the courage to dance together. The theater offers a relaxed performance on Sunday, January 18, 2026, for families who have children with sensory sensitivities.

Philadelphia holds numerous celebrations and events in honor of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday weekend, including one of the largest volunteer programs in the country:

• MLK Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution: The Museum of the American Revolution, the country’s first museum dedicated to the U.S. War of Independence, honors the life of Dr. King and how it’s tied to the ongoing legacy of the Revolution during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend at the Museum. Expect scheduled talks, tours and special programming at the annual event (January 17 to 19, 2026).
• 31st Annual Greater Philadelphia MLK  Day of Service: Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by lending a hand to a service project during the annual community volunteer event, which includes dozens of in-person service projects happening throughout the region, including meal prep and food distribution initiatives, community cleanups, and literacy programs. Temple hosts the event this year, the oldest and largest event of its kind in the country (Monday, January 19, 2026).

Stay tuned for more info about 2026 ceebrations.

Dig in and get ready for delicious deals at more than 100 of Philadelphia’s premier restaurants during the can’t-miss Center City District Restaurant Week — newly extended for a few extra days this year.

Enjoy a prix-fixe dinner menu for just $45 or $60 a pop at select restaurants, or grab a two-course lunch for just $20 (also at select restaurants). Need help narrowing down the options? Visit Philadelphia staffers have weighed in on just a couple of their fav spots to explore during this edition of Restaurant Week.

Clue — the classic whodunit based on the wildly popular board game and feature film spoof — comes alive on stage at the Forrest Theatre this January.

Deadly serious hijinks ensue when six guests gather at the Boddy Manor for one night of mystery. Follow the clues and see if you can name the killer before the big reveal.

Was it Miss Scarlett in the billiard room with the lead pipe? Or Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with the wrench? With twists and turns, murder and mayhem, you may just die laughing.

This January, the Arden Theatre presents the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ play, Good Bones. The play confronts issues of gentrification in a humorous yet biting one-act play. As a stadium project severs a community, urban planner Aisha buys a fixer-upper in her rapidly changing old neighborhood.

Theater lovers might be interested in the brand-new Citywide James Ijames Pass, offering access to three Ijames plays for $130. The Arden, Wilma Theater and Philadelphia Theatre Company partnered to offer the pass, which includes Good Bones, The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington at the Wilma Theater (March 17 to April 5, 2026) and the world premiere of Wilderness Generation at Philadelphia Theatre Company (April 10 to May 3, 2026).

It’s ink o’clock, Philadelphia. Dozens of tattoo artists set up shop in Center City this January to celebrate resilience, self-expression and body art at the annual Villain Arts Tattoo Festival.

There’s sure to be a buzz in the air as hundreds of attendees get tatted by their favorite artists over the course of three days. In addition to intricate needlework, expect a weekend full of tattoo competitions, live entertainment, art exhibitions and shopping. Tickets are required for entry, and do not include the cost of tattoos. One- and three-day passes are available.

The curators at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society examine the “changing faces” of America in this new, two-phase exhibit. The free exhibit on view during library hours is part of the Pennsylvania Historical Society’s 2026 programming.

The exhibit looks at the paper trail our ancestors left in their documents ahead of the other big birthday celebrations — America’s 100th and 200th birthdays. The first half of the exhibit opens in January and focuses on Pennsylvania in the 1800s, with a look at the 1900s coming in October.

Name a more iconic trio. (We’ll wait.) Three of the greatest things ever created come together during the Philly Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival.

From the chocolate side, expect candy bars, bon-bons, hand-rolled truffles, cookies and a chocolate fondue bar, plus artisan cheeses and charcuterie. For beverages, indulge in international and domestic selections, champagne, sparkling wine and prosecco, as well as bourbon, rye, gin, tequila and Scotch and Irish whiskies (and craft beer and cider).

Pair your faves — or grab a boozy milkshake, candy cocktail or lushy slushie — while perusing fashion, arts and craft vendors. Tickets include a tasting glass for unlimited wine and whiskey samples.

The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to host its annual Lunar New Year Celebration this January at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Marian Anderson Hall. Naomi Woo conducts the concert, featuring classical Chinese music favorites like The String of the Heart and King Chu Doffs His Armor.

The offering features the full ensemble, plus special guests performing a family-friendly repertoire of selections in honor of the Year of the Horse. Hear traditional Chinese musical instruments like the pipa and erhu at the event that blends Eastern and Western music, a reflection of the city’s vibrant AAPI community.

Unrivaled — an offseason professional women’s basketball league that features 3-on-3 games — hits the court at the Xfinity Mobile Arena this January. Founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the league gives top players a new option for offseason play.

After a successful first season in Miami, the league has decided to tour. First stop: Philadelphia. Four clubs face off in fast-paced back-to-back games, each played on a compressed full court with a custom ruleset, and each featuring some of the best players in the WNBA.

Ring in the Year of the Horse at Penn Museum’s 45th annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year celebration. Learn more about Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tibetan and other Asian cultural traditions at the family-friendly event with storytelling and make-and-take art.

Be sure to stay for the grand finale — a performance of the traditional Lion Dance.

One of Philly’s can’t-miss annual winter events, the Philadelphia Auto Show takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center for 10 days starting on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The massive exhibition features hundreds of vehicles on display (with most major manufacturers represented), test-drive opportunities both outside and inside the Convention Center, with up-close looks at the industry’s newest model year fleets. The Black Tie Tailgate kicks off the week on the eve of the show.

Note: Buy your tickets online ahead of the show or bring cash to buy at the box office, as no ticket kiosks will be on-site this year.

Dates vary by show

As the temps keep dropping in January, the concert calendar starts the new year off by heating up stages across the Greater Philadelphia area. Check out January’s hottest concerts:

• Cate Le Bon at Union Transfer (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
• Yo-Yo Ma Returns at Marian Anderson Hall (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)
• Snow Strippers at The Fillmore Philadelphia (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)
• Orchestra After 5: Italian Getaway at the Kimmel Center (Thursday, January 15, 2026)
• Grand Funk Railroad at Xcite Center at Parx Casino and Racing (Saturday, January 17, 2026)
• An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Gregory Alan Isakov at The Met (Thursday, January 22, 2026)
• Jazz Series featuring Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martínez at Ensemble Arts Perelman Theater (Thursday, January 22, 2026)
• Jessie J – No Secrets Tour at Theatre of Living Arts (Tuesday, January 27, 2026)
• Sudan Archives at Union Transfer (Tuesday, January 27, 2026)
• 112 at The Met (Friday, January 30, 2026)
• Shaun Sloan at The Foundry (Saturday, January 31, 2026)
• G. Love & Special Sauce / Makua Rothman at Sellersville Theater (Saturday, January 31, 2026)
• The Marshall Tucker Band at Xcite Center at Parx Casino and Racing (Saturday, January 31, 2026)

Every city has its own special New Year’s Day traditions, but none match the distinctiveness of the New Year in Philly. It all starts with the annual Mummers Parade — celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026 — where 10,000 Mardi Gras-esque costumed marchers strut down Broad Street.

Elsewhere, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest remains open on New Year’s Day, as do many museums, including the newly renamed Philadelphia Museum of Art. And New Year’s Day brunches are popular at diners and restaurants around the city, particularly after a fun night of revelry.

Philadelphia is one of the best places in America to spend the holiday season, lit up, festively decorated and offering a slew of holiday festivals, markets and light shows. Thankfully, at many spots, the holiday season doesn’t end on December 25, as several locales remain open into January.

January brings your last chance to check out holiday events at Sesame Place, Shady Brook Farm, Longwood Gardens and the Philadelphia Zoo (see above). Big municipal festivals like Winter at Dilworth Park, Holidays in Franklin Square and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest run even further into late winter.

Restaurants across Philadelphia offer seasonal menus filled with warm, hearty selections of soups, stews and roasted entrees. But what really warms the heart (and hands) during winter 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 blaze at The Plough & the Stars, the British-inspired hearths on both floors at The Dandelion, 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.

Over the six decades since his assassination, Philadelphia has led the way with celebrations honoring the Civil Rights leader on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. Many Philly institutions and organizations join in to pay tribute throughout the three-day birthday holiday, including events at sites like the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Please Touch Museum and the National Constitution Center.

Remembrance concerts at local venues, workshops, lectures and memorials round out the holiday weekend, along with thousands of volunteers gathering together across the Greater Philadelphia Area to honor Dr. King’s legacy through community service projects.

While the weather outside may still be frightful, the action heats up inside the cozy Xfinity Mobile Arena, warming the hearts of fans since 1996.

All three of Philadelphia’s indoor pro teams head into the meat of their schedules come January, as the NBA’s 76ers, NHL’s Flyers and NLL’s Wings hit the court, ice and turf, respectively, for key midseason games — plus a few big NCAA basketball matchups hosted by the Villanova Wildcats. And this January, Philly plays host to offseason pro women’s basketball at the arena for Philly is Unrivaled (see above).

January is indeed cold. Daytime high temperatures average 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows around 26 degrees. January’s record high is 74 degrees, set in 1950. The first month is Philly’s second-snowiest, averaging about seven inches in total over the last 30 years.

But snow can pile up quickly, with the Blizzard of January 1996, Philadelphia’s biggest ever on record, totaling 30.7 inches. During the first full month of winter, the sun shines just about five hours per day, with around 10 days experiencing some rainfall that is not frozen precipitation.

The Philadelphia region stretches into the surrounding four-county countryside of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, offering even more parks, restaurants, attractions, shopping, history and fantastic events worth a drive.

Annual January highlights include Winter Wonder at Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens, both Fire & Frost Fun and the Gingerbread Competition & Display at Lahaska’s Peddler’s Village, and tons of pop culture and collectors’ conventions at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Or catch hot indoor live music at Keswick Theater in Glenside, Bensalem’s Xcite Center and Sellersville Theatre.

The new performing arts season is underway in January, with plays, musicals, dance, kids’ events, comedy and more at theaters throughout the region.

Catch fresh-from-Broadway shows along with Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Ballet at Academy of Music (plus more Broadway at Forrest Theatre), the Philadelphia Orchestra at The Kimmel Center, music and dance at Miller Theater, the Philadelphia Theatre Company at Suzanne Roberts Theatre — plus historic Walnut Street Theatre, Tony-winning Wilma Theater and more. And there’s plenty of stage fun in the countryside including at Act II Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse and Media Theatre.

The January sports scene in Philly is, in a word (besides cold), exciting. At the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the 76ers and Flyers are racking up mid-season wins in front of throngs of enthusiastic fans. Over at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles often reserve January for home playoff games (fingers crossed) cheered on by excited bundled-up spectators.

And at hallowed college basketball halls like The Palestra, the six local Big 5 teams battle for tournament seeding. But the winner is you with friends and family enjoying yummy stadium food and drink, cheers and boos and, of course, Gritty.

January is a great month to visit Philly if you’re looking to avoid crowds. With the holiday season coming to a close and winter chill in the air, fewer visitors means less time in line and more time to enjoy the activities, museums and historic sites the region has to offer.

But that doesn’t mean any less excitement, with plenty of high-energy events across the region like the 20,000 fans lining the streets for the New Year’s Day Mummers Parade and nearly a quarter-million passing through the doors of the annual Philadelphia Auto Show.