November is that magical month when the autumn season meets the holiday season — which means there’s a TON going on in Philadelphia.
Some of the city’s can’t-miss events in November include the Philadelphia Marathon (one of the most historic races in the nation), high-profile concerts (including the legendary Smokey Robinson at The Met Philadelphia) and big-time performing arts shows like Les Misérables at the Academy of Music.
November also sees two cultural film festivals return to Philadelphia in the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.
Veterans Day weekend (November 11-13, 2022) offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a three-day stay in Philly while the city’s military history is on full display during Siege Weekend at historic Fort Mifflin.
Later in the month, the Thanksgiving Day Parade returns with hundreds of performers and dozens of giant floats making their way past crowds of excited spectators along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
And the holiday season kicks off in a big way in November with can’t-miss celebrations like Winter in Franklin Square, the Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler’s Village and A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens.
Read on for the top things to do in Philadelphia in November 2022.
Through Saturday, November 5, 2022 (select dates)
This brand-new haunted house in Manayunk establishes its lore around the supposed discovery of bodies at the site during recent construction — findings that uncovered a dark and gruesome past. Carefully make your way through the defunct textile mill as you avoid the lingering spirits of workers who were subject to torment and experimentation by their disturbed boss 100 years ago.
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main Street
Through Sunday, November 6, 2022
It’s go-time for the orange gourds at Linvilla Orchards. This two-month celebration features daytime activities like hayrides, straw bale mazes, apple slingshots, pick-your-own pumpkin activities and pony rides. After nightfall, things get slightly spookier with moonlit hayrides around the farm or to the nearby witch’s house.
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
Through Saturday, November 12, 2022
I scream, you scream, we all scream … because we’re inside an abandoned prison. Eastern State Penitentiary opens its cell blocks after dark to create an immersive and terrifying Halloween experience full of thrills and chills. The 2022 iteration features five different haunted house attractions inside the 10-acre historic site, including two brand-new ones: Big Top Terror sees you outrunning circus performers and murderous clowns while the sleep paralysis-themed Nightmares will have you losing sleep for days.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
Through Sunday, November 13, 2022
Chrysanthemums bloom in early autumn, adding beautiful bursts of color to Philadelphia’s countryside. This annual celebration of fall’s favorite flower transforms the conservancy at Longwood Gardens into a living work of art. Outdoors, the family-favorite Garden Railway adds a whimsical touch to the season with dozens of miniature locomotives making their way through a multi-level display.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
City Hall’s front yard transforms into an open-air wonderland of lights, topiaries and rustic décor — perfect for fall and winter photo ops. The 21-plus crowd can warm up with mulled wine from an on-site Chaddsford Winery kiosk to get into the true “spirit” of the season.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
Do you hear the people sing? Journey back to the drama and upheaval of 19th-century France in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of this Tony Award-winning musical tour de force.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street
The largest East Coast film festival of its kind celebrates and showcases the stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders in film, performance art, music and other creative expressions during its 11-day run. Stay tuned to the official website for a complete list of screenings and special events.
Where: Various locations in Philadelphia (TBA)
It’s a winter wonderland in the shadow of City Hall. Glide around the ice rink, warm up with a hot beverage and grab some seasonal snacks — all set against a very festive backdrop. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions.
Looking to shop small this holiday season? Elfreth’s Alley — the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street — hosts artists, makers and vintage vendors from around the region for the second annual Makers’ Market. Shop for great gifts while taking in the charming sights of Old City’s most famous side street.
Where: Elfreth's Alley
Note: Wine Walk Philly has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 2, 2023.
It’s wine o’clock at this daylong event offering unlimited tastings of 48 wine varieties, live entertainment and an artisan vendor market. Find something you like? Bottles of wine can be purchased to take home. Tickets are required. Note: This is an all-ages event, but attendees must be 21 or older to drink.
Where: Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, 1100 Pattison Avenue
This weekend-long event examines the nine-month period in 1777 when British forces occupied Philadelphia. The weekend features special walking tours and family-friendly activities exploring what life was like for Philadelphians during the occupation. Keep your eye out for dozens of costumed historical reenactors participating in free living history interpretations at the museum’s outdoor plaza and at several locations in Old City.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
Take in picture-perfect autumn scenes during this hugely popular annual event at Peddler’s Village. Sip on warm apple cider, enjoy apple-themed treats and buy freshly picked apples by the bushel. Admission to the event is free with pay-as-you go food and drink.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska
This free event aboard Cruiser Olympia honors all those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. Captain Jonathan Theel, captain of the Port of Philadelphia, serves as guest speaker during the morning ceremony.
Where: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles and mixed media are on display and for sale during this juried show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Throughout the show, nearly 200 artists from around the world are joined by student artists from Philadelphia-area universities to exhibit their work, which is judged in 13 distinct categories.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
This annual event commemorates the British bombardment of Fort Mifflin during the Revolutionary War. Meet Revolutionary War reenactors, play with 18th-century toys and enjoy guided tours of the fort. Tickets are required. New for this year: See the fort from a Brit’s-eye view during a one-hour sailing trip aboard the Schooner Northwind (additional tickets required.)
Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road
This annual festival presents films and programs that appeal to diverse communities and encourage understanding across racial, economic and religious divides. The festival opens with a screening of Karaoke at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (November 12, 2022). The touching comedy/drama film has been nominated for 9 Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Oscars.) Stay tuned to the official website for a full schedule of screenings and special events.
Sly Fox Brewing presents the sixth annual SFCX Cyclocross, a Belgian tradition of multi-surface bike racing and brews. Attendees enjoy this free-to-attend day of exciting competition along with food and beer specials in the brewery’s Tastin’ Room. Pre-register to race, or just come by and take in all the thrilling action.
Where: Sly Fox Brewing Company, 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown
Franklin Square celebrates the winter season with nightly light shows inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s legendary kite and key experiment. Free light shows — set to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes — illuminate the square every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until close. Before or after the show, grab a burger or beverage fireside from the on-site Square Burger, play a round of festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf or hop aboard the classic Parx Liberty Carousel.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
This immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia spectacle. After the animals are tucked away for the evening, the zoo lights up with more than one million holiday lights in 14 distinct zones. New displays for 2022 — including a 15-foot tall glowing blue gorilla and an under-the-sea-inspired holiday tree — join familiar favorites like a 100-foot-long aquarium tunnel (complete with enormous jellyfish) and a 21-foot-tall brilliantly bright snake. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages round out the feelings of winter spirit. Timed tickets are required. A limited number of anytime tickets are available for a short time.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
Peddler’s Village lights up the night during this uber-popular free event marking the beginning of the holiday season. At 6:15 p.m., Santa and his helpers flip the switch on a holiday lighting display that would make Clark Griswold blush. After ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the impressive lights, grab a bite to eat at one of the village’s many eateries, or get a jump on your holiday shopping thanks to extended shop hours. The lights remain on display each night through January 15, 2023, alongside the village’s adorable gingerbread display.
It’s a night of easy listening as up-and-coming classical musicians from Astral Arts perform chamber music pieces written by Latin American composers. The program features a world-premiere of a new work from Sergio Delgado Rodriguez.
Where: Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. 5th Street
One of the country’s premier — and most scenic — running events typically sends 30,000 athletes through historic Center City, past the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. In addition to the 26.2-mile race, the weekend includes an 8K race, half-marathon, a Kids Fun Run and the Health & Fitness Expo.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
During this annual display of botanical splendor, stroll through acres of indoor and outdoor lighting displays, take in the beauty of a winter botanical garden and enjoy holiday-themed fountain dances before warming up fireside. Timed admission tickets are required.
This elevated wine tasting experience features pours from dozens of local and national wineries, craft beer samples and live music all day long. Tickets are required and include a commemorative tasting glass and $10 in free slot play.
Where: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Avenue
Opens, Saturday, November 19, 2022
This brand-new gallery at the Penn Museum explores life in the Eastern Mediterranean, which has served as a cultural crossroads for more than 4,000 years. Over 400 artifacts uncover details about life in this pivotal region and shed light on centuries of conflict, coexistence and collaboration between the many peoples who have called it home.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
Be a gifting superstar this year: Find the perfect gift for that special someone (or yourself!) at this two-day holiday pop-up market featuring handmade creations from dozens of Philly-area artists, crafters and makers.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 North Delaware Avenue
November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023 (select dates)
Big Bird, Elmo and company get into the holiday spirit with festive celebrations all season long. Special events include:
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Do you see what I see? Philadelphia’s majestic City Hall serves as the backdrop for nightly light shows in Center City. The west façade of the historic building is illuminated during a free show every hour at the top of the hour after dark.
Where: Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade — originally founded in 1920 — brings larger-than-life floats, spectacular marching bands, dazzling dancers, A-listers and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The Philadelphia Orchestra plays John Williams’ iconic score alongside the feature film during special screenings of this holiday classic that pits eight-year-old Kevin McCallister against two bungling burglars on Christmas Eve.
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
November 25, 2022 – December 23, 2022 (Fridays)
All aboard! Visit Philadelphia and the Philly PHLASH are teaming up to debut the Philly PHLASH Shopping Loop. The bus route — providing easy access to Black- and Brown-owned businesses in four separate Philly neighborhoods — departs from the Independence Visitor Center at noon each Friday before making stops in the South Street Headhouse District, West Philadelphia, Northern Liberties and Center City. The bus spends one hour in each neighborhood, allowing shoppers to pop in and out of the many Black- and Brown-owned shops and boutiques at their leisure. (Find 21 great shops in those neighborhoods here.) The bus is free, but registration is encouraged.
Where: Bus departs from the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street
’Tis the season everywhere — even underwater. This sub-surface seasonal celebration features a scuba-diving Santa, underwater lighting displays and even an underwater Christmas tree (purported to be the world’s tallest).
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Experience a riverfront winter wonderland at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Glide around an enormous ice skating rink, snap a photo next to the festive holiday tree and warm up with a hot beverage next to a fire pit or inside a cozy cabin. Entry into Winterfest is free. Ice skating, cabins and firepits can be reserved in advance.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
November 30 – December 21, 2022 (Wednesdays only)
Midweek shopping gets a little more festive in Chestnut Hill during the area’s annual Stag & Doe Nights. Enjoy extended shopping hours, holiday specials and complimentary refreshments at stores throughout Chestnut Hill. Be on the lookout for a roaming brass quartet and even Santa himself during the evening hours along Germantown Avenue.
Where: Germantown Avenue
Dates vary by event
Is this thing on? Major acts grab the mic for show-stopping performances in Philly this November. Check out our full guide to the biggest concerts and music festivals in Philadelphia this fall.
Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (10)
The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen Street
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street
Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street
Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue
The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street
Dates vary by performance
Soak up these live performances at venues across Greater Philadelphia in November. Looking for an encore? Check out our guide to 30-plus shows coming to Philly stages this fall and winter.
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (4)
Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol
The Media Theater, 104 E. State Street, Media
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
Dates vary by game
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (1)
Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way
If you haven’t noticed, Philly is a sports town. Looking to cheer on your squad while visiting? We’ve got you covered: Catch all the action at one of Philadelphia’s top sports bars.
Philly’s culinary scene — already bursting with national acclaim and James Beard Award accolades — has added a bevy of new bistros, take-out spots and fine dining destinations to its resume. Check out 17 new restaurants this fall in Philadelphia.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Fall for Philly all over again...