2019 Winter Holiday Happenings in Philadelphia

The holiday season is about wonder and joy—and nowhere more so than in Philadelphia and The Countryside™. The city kicks off the most wonderful time of the year with the centennial of the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade, the unofficial start of the season of spectacular trees, light shows, holiday pop-ups and classic wintertime performances. New this season: LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, a magical transformation that takes visitors on an inspiring and delightful journey of lights, music and surprises every night.

The most wonderful way to enjoy wintertime (and anytime) in Philly: the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, offering overnight guests free parking and more perks, bookable at visitphilly.com.

Here are some highlights of the 2019 winter holidays in Philadelphia:

Thanksgiving:

Philadelphia's 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is the nation's oldest Thanksgiving parade.   — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade – Proudly marking its 100^th running, the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving parade opens the holiday season with marching bands, Disney characters, giant balloons, fantastical floats, loads of clowns and, as grand finale, the Clauses, accompanied by postal workers collecting wish lists. November 28, 2019. Preceding the event, the city will dedicate a marker to the parade at the Eakins Oval crosswalk near Ericsson Fountain (2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway).  20^th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Eakins Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 6abc.com/parade

Neighborhood Celebrations:

Deck the Alley comes to Elfreth's Alley on December 7, 2019.   — Photo by R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• Philadelphia City Hall – The center of city government becomes holiday central when Dilworth Park’s fountains give way to Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and the magically planted Wintergarden (November 8, 2019-late February 2020, exact date TBA). Later come 50 local makers of apparel, gifts, art glass and more in the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market (November 23, 2019-January 1, 2020), then the Deck the Hall Light Show (November 25, 2019-January 1, 2020), a nightly (5:30-8:30 p.m.) public display of synchronized holiday music and illumination. City Hall’s North Apron is home to a 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel, holiday train—both new this year—and the Philly Holiday Tree, a 65-foot-tall live fir standing inside a David Korins-designed, 30,000-pound steel base with etchings that represent 22 Philly neighborhoods. Custom ornaments on its branches represent some of the city’s most-loved icons and offer multilingual messages of love and peace (tree lighting, December 4, 2019). In the center of the City Hall Courtyard is the Christmas Village Carousel. Broad & 15^th Streets at Market Street; market, (215) 268-7606, madeinphila.com; other activities, dilworthpark.org
• Holidays on the Hill – Chestnut Hill plays up its charm this time of year, starting with cocoa, cookies and live music at the lighting of the Circle of Trees at Woodmere Art Museum (November 23, 2019). Wednesday evenings mean Stag and Doe Nights, where shops open for extended hours and offer light bites along Germantown Avenue (December 4, 11 & 18, 2019). Some of the enclave’s grandest, most historically significant and splendidly decorated houses open their doors to ticketed guests for the Christmas Holiday House Tour (December 7, 2019), the oldest of its kind in Philadelphia. Families rise early on a Saturday for the Chestnut Hill Community Holiday Parade (December 16, 2019), featuring treats, music and photos with Santa at the Market at the Fareway. Various locations, (215) 247-6696, chestnuthill.org
• Miracle on South 13^th Street – A homegrown South Philly tradition with national traction, the Miracle on South 13^th Street brings neighbors along the 1600 block of South 13^th Street together to decorate their homes with holiday lights and over-the-top decorations, which turn on each evening, beginning on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Drivers should know to expect traffic, especially on weekend nights. November 30, 2019-January 1, 2020. 13^th Street between Tasker & Morris Streets, facebook.com/themiracleonsouth13thstreet
• Deck the Alley – Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street, opens the doors of its charming 18^th– and 19^th-century homes, all decked out in their historic holiday finest. The festive Old City tradition typically includes carolers, refreshments and appearances by Ben Franklin and a 19^th-century Santa Claus. December 7, 2019. Elfreth’s Alley, (215) 627-8680, elfrethsalley.org
• Firebird Festival – A Chester County tradition honors Phoenixville’s namesake with early-evening performances, vendors and crafting at Veteran’s Park, followed by the lighting of a community-built wooden phoenix to create a glowing bonfire. December 7, 2019. Veterans Memorial Park, 192 Mowere Road, Phoenixville, firebirdfestival.com
• Promenade of Trees – During this fourth annual event, shoppers stroll along Main Street in Manayunk and use coins to vote for their favorite decorated tree. December 12, 2019. (215) 482-9565, manayuunk.com

Festive Light & Video Shows:

The Christmas Light Show at Macy's in Center City is a beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition.   — Photo by G. Widman for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular –Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the super high-res LED display in the Comcast Center lobby shows magical sleigh ride over the city, featuring a bird’s-eye view of the Philadelphia skyline and a sing-along—all in 15 minutes. Across the street at the Comcast Technology Center, The Universal Sphere™ will extend the hours of its free show over the holidays. November 28, 2019-January 1, 2020. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., every hour on the hour except 5 p.m. on weekdays. 17^th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, comcastcentercampus.com
• Christmas Light Show – The Grand Court of the circa 1876 Wanamaker department store—now a Macy’s—offers a free show of dancing lights around the larger than life Magic Christmas Tree accompanied by the famed Wanamaker Organ and narrated by Julie Andrews. Performances every two hours during store hours. On the third floor, the free-to-explore Dickens Christmas Village offers a tour of a vintage animatronic A Christmas Carol display that ends in a one-on-one with Santa. November 29-December 31, 2019. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, wanamakerorgan.com
• Parade of Lights – Working boats strung with lights form a floating evening parade on the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing. But before that, the Independence Seaport Museum offers its own homage to the season with a family-friendly all-day celebration. December 7, 2019. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8665, phillyseaport.org

Zoo, Farms, Parks, Gardens & More Outdoor Fun:

Morris Arboretum runs its lovely, outdoor Holiday Garden Railway from November 29-December 31, 2019.   — Photo by R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• Franklin Square Holiday Festival featuring Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO – Amid 75,000 lights, park-goers can visit Santa, ride a carousel and miniature train, play mini golf, snack on comfort food, enjoy hot beverages and treats available at Ben’s Sweets & Treats, and, if so desired, have a local beer or two. November 14-December 31, 2019. 6^th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
• LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo – Two years in the making, a new, immersive display transforms the zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia light and music spectacle. Dancing lights, sounds (even trees) throughout furnish illusions of animals coming to life. A flock of flamingos forms a 25-foot-tall tree; an enormous polar bear broadcasts the magnificence of our planet; all four seasons host their very own party. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to spark the holiday spirit. Timed tickets. November 20, 2019-January 5, 2020. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100, philadelphiazoo.org
• A Longwood Gardens Christmas – Thousands of poinsettias, Christmas trees and flowers transform a heated four-acre Conservatory; 500,000 lights glitter in trees; and spectacular fountains and fire pit flames dance to seasonal music. November 22, 2019-January 12, 2020. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
• Shady Brook Farm – This Bucks County farm literally kicks off its three-million-light Holiday Light Show with Dashin’ Through the … Lights (November 22, 2019), a family-friendly two-miler through the attraction (pre-registration required), which opens to the public the next evening, when visitors drive or, if weather permits, ride in wagons past after-dark displays that include illuminated tunnels and just about every imaginable Christmas icon rendered in tiny bulbs. Guests can also enjoy visits with Santa, cocoa by the bonfire, holiday shopping and an unforgettable Black Friday appearance by the man in red—who arrives by helicopter (November 29, 2019). November 23, 2019-January 5, 2020. 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, (215) 968-1670, shadybrookfarm.com
• Linvilla Orchards – Christmas Around the Farm at this popular Delco attraction means cut-your-own (or just pick out) 40,000 Douglas and Canaan firs, visits from Santa every December weekend, and Saturday evening Wassailing Hayrides with caroling and hot cider (December 7, 14, 21). Linvilla’s market offers holiday shoppers pies and endless more baked goods; the Garden Center has poinsettias, mistletoe, Christmas roses and more, and the gift shop sells oodles of festive decorations. November 23-December 23, 2019. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, (610) 876-7116, linvilla.com
• Sesame Place – Where else but the official, Bucks County-based theme park of Sesame Street would kids get to enjoy A Very Furry Christmas? The whole street—Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and friends—get into the act, starting with Santa’s Illumination, when the whole place lights up (November 23, 2019). Staged holiday productions, a Merry Marketplace in Oscar’s Wacky Taxi^™ courtyard, visits from Santa and Rudolph—and the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade take place every day the park is open. November 23, 2019-January 1, 2020. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (215) 702-ELMO, sesameplace.com
• Morris Arboretum – The annual Holiday Garden Railway brings a mini winter wonderland to an historic arboretum, with a quarter-mile of track where G-scale model trains chug along loops, through tunnels and over bridges, past perfect little replicas of beloved Philadelphia landmarks. On Friday and Saturday evenings in December, guests enjoy the railway amid twinkling lights. November 29-December 31, 2019 (closed December 24-25). . 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.org
• Wild Lights Holiday Festival – Kid-friendly Elmwood Park Zoo adds even more to the millions of LED lights that illuminate its 16 acres over the holidays. During this evening event, guests can visit Santa and his reindeer, swirl around in a vintage carousel and ride a zipline on a holiday-lit harness. Late November 2019-early January 2020 (exact dates TBA). 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, (800) 652-4143, elmwoodparkzoo.org
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest – The winter wonderland along the Delaware River features fire pits, a game room, a chalet-style lodge with food and warm beverages in a confectionary cabin—all centered around a regulation-sized skating rink with a view of the Delaware River and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. November 30, 2019-March 8, 2020. Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, (215) 922-2FUN (2386), riverrink.com

Festive Exhibits & Family Experiences:

A Brandywine Christmas always includes an irresistible display of model O-gauge trains, November 29, 2019-January 5, 2020.   — Photo by C. Alejandro for Brandywine River Art Museum

• The North Pole Express & Santa’s Steam Spectacular – Old-fashioned trains follow the 150-year-old New Hope Railroad line while passengers enjoy cookies, carols and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on hour-long steam or diesel-powered family excursions. November 9-December 24, 2019. 32 W. Bridge Street, New Hope, (215) 862-2332, newhoperailroad.com
• Festival of Trees at the Pearl S. Buck House – For the 41^st year, artists and decorators transform the National Historic Landmark stone farmhouse that belonged to Pulitzer- and Nobel Prize-winning author, Pearl S. Buck (November 12-December 30, 2019) into a festive wintertime scene. The site’s Holiday Craft Show (November 29-December 8, 2019) offers jury-selected, artisan-made decorations, jewelry, apparel, food and gifts. 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, (215) 249-0100, pearls.buck.org/pearlsbuckhouse
• Merry and Bright II: The Christmas Collection of Jeanette Turnbull – Vintage and contemporary decorations, children’s toys and an antique sculpture of Belsnickel (on loan from the Germantown Historical Society) transform Chestnut Hill’s historic Woodmere Art Museum into a postcard-perfect Yuletide setting. Simultaneously, the museum exhibits the local artists’ interpretation of Philadelphia’s annual New Year’s Day parade in Golden Slippers: Images of the Mummers from Woodmere’s Collection. November 23, 2019-January 5, 2020. 9201 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org
• Brandywine Christmas ­– Every year since 1972, the Brandywine River Museum of Art has shown off its Brandywine Railroad, one of the country’s largest O-gauge model train displays (November 29, 2019-January 5, 2020). Train enthusiasts gain before-hours access and a private tour with railroad engineers (December 7 and 14) at Breakfast With the Trains. The gristmill-housed, Wyeth-rich museum also displays live trees with thousands of Critter ornaments constructed out of pinecones, egg shells, seed pods and more natural materials; Brandywine’s annual Holiday Critter Sale has a serious following of its own (December 5-8, 2019). November 29, 2019-January 5, 2020. 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700, brandywine.org
• Christmas at Glencarin – The World Nativities exhibition is the annual highlight of the season inside this 20^th-century castle. Daily tours offer glimpses of stained-glass windows, paintings, illuminated manuscripts, elegant decorations and religious mementos on five floors. November 29, 2019-January 5, 2020. 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, (267) 502-2600, glencarinmuseum.org
• Gospel on the Plaza – Commonwealth Plaza in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts hosts a new—and free—series of hour-long, early evening gospel performances by local church choirs from Ebenezer Seventh-Day Adventist Church, White Rock Baptist Church, Mount Airy Church of God, Beloved St. John Evangelistic Church and The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. November 30, December 4, 13, 17, 22. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org
• Winter Wonderland Tours of Fonthill Castle – Eccentric archaeologist Henry Mercer’s historic Bucks County home was his castle, and during all of December (December 1-31, 2019), visitors can tour the residence as it may have looked a century ago. There’s a community open house with menorah and Yule log lightings December 8, 2019 and evening-time Castle Lights Meander, when regular tours are not available, December 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29, 2019. Court Street & Route 313, Doylestown, (215) 348-9461, mercermuseum.org
• Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor – The bucolic, riverside re-creation of William Penn’s 17^th-century domain welcomes guests to join craftspeople, carolers and re-enactors for a yearly tradition featuring candlelit tours through the house, blacksmith shop and barn—and gathering around a Yule log for wassailing songs and hot mulled cider. December 5 & 6, 2019. 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, (215) 946-0400, pennsburymanor.org
• A Very Philly Christmas at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park – Six decked-out 18^th– and 19^th-century park mansions—Historic Strawberry Mansion, Cedar Grove, for example—open their doors for holiday treats and performances. December 5, 2019-January 1, 2020 (house dates vary). (215) 685-0274, holidaysinthepark.com
• Winter Wonderland Celebration – S’mores roasting, hot cocoa, Elmwood Park Zoo artifacts, theater games, a parkour obstacle course, a water table and a book giveaway are all part of a morning holiday party aimed at young early risers and the grown-ups who’d like to keep them festively occupied before lunch — all at historic Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. December 7, 2019. 3500 Reservoir Drive, (215) 765-4325, smithplayground.org
• Washington Crossing the Delaware River – General George Washington leads a surprise attack on the British during the 68^th annual reenactment of the famous Christmas Day Revolutionary War event. More than 200 participants don Colonial army uniforms to recreate the daring trek at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Families and history buffs can join in Colonial-era games, demonstrations and activities during the two crossing reenactments: The first is a ticketed, full dress rehearsal, followed by activities in the village; the Christmas crossing is free; the park is decorated for the season too. December 8 & 25, 2019. Routes 32 & 532, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-4076, washingtoncrossingpark.org
• Gerald Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – Byers’ Choice, the Bucks County maker of the famous handcrafted Caroler^® figurines, keeps its Christmas Museum and Crèche Collection open year-round. But only in the lead-up to the holidays does Gerald Dickens, great-great grandson of Charles, join the fun to perform A Christmas Carol solo (December 13 & 14, 2019). 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, (215) 822-6700, byerschoice.com

Holiday Performances:

The PA Ballet presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® at the Academy of Music, December 6-31, 2019.   — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Ballet

• The Gifts of the Magi – The Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 offers up a musical adaptation of the beautifully heartfelt O. Henry classic, set in 1905 New York City. November 12-December 22, 2019. 825 Walnut Street, (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org
• Little Red Robin Hood: A Musical Panto! – People’s Light premieres a modern version of a holiday “pantomime,” a tradition that hails from 18^th-century Twelfth Night celebrations in England. The original musical combines folk tale and legend, 1940’s gangster movies and current events for whimsical, joyful, slapstick family fun. November 13, 2019-January 5, 2020. 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500, peopleslight.org
• A Philly POPS Present Uptown Christmas – The nation’s largest standalone pops orchestra begins a new tradition at The Met Philadelphia with a pair of performances featuring Hamilton’s Mandy Gonzalez and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. November 29 & December 1, 2019. 858 N. Broad Street, (800) 653-8000, phillypops.org
• A Czech Christmas – The Tempesta di Mare Chamber Players join four singers in three concerts of 17th-century carols, sonatas and vespers inspired by the musical collection of Bishop-Prince Karl II von Liechtenstein-Kastlekorn of Kroměříž. Each performance takes place at a different house of worship. December 6-8, 2019. Various locations, (215) 755-8776, tempestadimare.org
• Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Playhouse Christmas Show – Five actors tackle all the roles in the Bucks County Playhouse’s popular stage adaptation of Charles’ Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. December 6-29, 2019. 70 S. Main Street, New Hope, (215) 862-2121, bcptheater.org
• George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® – Pennsylvania Ballet’s 51st anniversary season features its annual performance of George Balanchine’s holiday classic at the Academy of Music—this year, with a rebuilt and redecorated magically growing Christmas tree. December 6-31, 2019. 240 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, paballet.org
• A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season! – Principal guest conductor David Charles Abell leads the POPS’ Festival Chorus, The Philadelphia Boys Choir and African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir with Hamilton’s Mandy Gonzalez as special guest (again). December 7-21, 2019. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, phillypops.org
• Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time Is Here – The Grammy^® Award-winning jazz singer brings her renditions of holiday favorites to the Annenberg Center. December 8, 2019. 3680 Walnut Street, (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.org
• A Soulful Christmas – For this annual, spiritual, three-hour concert, Dr. J. Donald Dumpson directs eminent radio hosts and singers, musicians and dancers from Philadelphia churches, choirs, artistic organizations and honoree Bishop Norman Hutchins in a joyful evening of gospel. December 10, 2019. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org
• Xmas Philes – PHILADANCO, the Philadelphia dance company currently celebrating their 50^th year, brings back their beloved holiday performance to the Annenberg Center. Xmas Philes offers a contemporary mix of humorous, classic and moving Christmas pieces choreographed by Daniel Ezralow. December 12-14, 2019. 3680 Walnut Street, (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.org
• Miracle on 34^th Street – The classic Kris Kringle film makes its way to Bucks County for six performances, including matinees. December 12-21, 2019. Acting Naturally Theatre, 164 N. Flowers Mill Road, Langhorne, (267) 798-9165, actingnaturally.com
• An American Christmas Songbook – Keith Baker and the Bristol Riverside Theatre Concert Band perform carols and classics in a renovated Bucks County movie house in the festive run-up to December 25. December 12-22, 2019. 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, (215) 785-0100, brtstage.org
• The Tapcracker – Philadelphia’s own Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble present their original interpretation of the classic Christmas ballet—swapping toe shoes for tap shoes–of course. Music by both Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington accompanies the dancers to a new setting—Paris and Versailles—in an annual performance that’s becoming a tradition. December 14 & 15, 2019. Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad Street, ladyhoofers.org
• Tuba Christmas – More than 100 beginner, amateur and professional tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players gather in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza to play carols as part of a national annual event. At two free performances (noon and 6 p.m.), the crowd sings along. December 15, 2019. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenterorg
• Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage – The Peanuts gang sings and dances their way through Charles M. Schulz’s holiday classic, featuring Vince Guaraldi’s music and other holiday carols. December 20 & 21, 2019. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org
• Christmas in Philadelphia: A Holiday Concert Spectacular – The Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society honors its namesake with spirited performances by the organization’s scholar artists and instrumental ensemble in the Navy Yard’s nondenominational chapel. December 21, 2019. Chapel of Four Chaplains, 1201 Constitution Avenue, (215) 779-4219, fourchaplains.org
• Cirque Dreams: Holidaze – An acrobatic performance by cirque artists wearing spectacular costumes and singing original music and seasonal classics celebrates a fabulous foursome of holidays: Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and the New Year. December 26-29, 2019. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org

Shopping With Fun Extras:

Christmas Village takes over LOVE Park from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.   — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• Deck the District – Newly opened, the Fashion District Philadelphia is already demonstrating a deep knowledge of what Philly loves best: great local art, amazing bargains, delicious drinks—and a holiday light show. Designer Matthew Schwam, known for putting big, bright red bows and dazzling lit-up snowflakes on significant city buildings, has promised a magical, 45-foot tall floating tree featuring 600 mirrored, stainless steel orbs for the center of the complex. Every half hour from 4 p.m. until closing, the tree will host a free light show featuring the festive sounds of the Philadelphia POPS. November 14-December 31, 2019. 901 Market Street, (215) 925-7162, fashiondistrictphiladelphia.com
• Peddler’s Village – Bucks County’s holiday hub kicks off the moment Santa Claus switches on one million lights in the Grand Illumination Celebration (November 15, 2019), an event with warm apple cider and roasted marshmallows. Simultaneously, the Village Gazebo hosts the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 15, 2019-January 4, 2020). The Village’s Christmas Festival fills a weekend with a pair of Santa parades and Victorian decoration (November 30 & December 1, 2019). Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com
• Christmas Village in Philadelphia – Every Thanksgiving, 80 wooden booths open in LOVE Park, recreating a traditional German Christmas market. On offer: local and international gifts such as Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, three-dimensional house stars, wintry apparel, along with raclette sandwiches, spiced wine and more wintry treats. Live holiday entertainment keeps things festive. November 28-December 24, 2019. 15^th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, (215) 268-7606, philachristmas.com
• Byers’ Choice – Byers’ Choice, the Bucks County-based creator of the famed Caroler^®figurines, maintains a year-round Christmas Museum and Creche Collection. Come winter, Gerald Dickens, great-great grandson of Charles, returns to perform A Christmas Carol (December 13 & 14). 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, (215) 822-6700, byerschoice.com

Other Seasonal Celebrations:

The African American Museum in Philadelphia invites the public to celebrate Kwanzaa from December 26-30, 2019.   — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• Being ­_ _ _ _ _ _ at Christmas – The National Museum of American Jewish History hosts an inclusive celebration for people who don’t celebrate Christmas (although those who do celebrate are welcome) every year on Christmas. Visitors can explore galleries and exhibits and make crafts, get their faces painted and enjoy live music, movies and storytelling. December 25, 2019. 101 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.org
• The Santa Experience – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, a family-friendly escape room with both a 1980s and a Christmas theme pops up in The Bourse. Participants get one hour to use codes, clues and a holiday song or two to get themselves out of a mini mall; only some will succeed, but all will receive a digital photo of the group with Mr. Claus. $35 per person. December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 2019. 111 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 402-7036, steelowl.com
• Kwanzaa Celebrations at AAMP – The African American Museum in Philadelphia hails the first harvest by lighting the kinara and honoring the seven principles through art, gift giving, performances and more. Visitors know to wear red, black and green, the colors of the African Liberation flag. December 26-30, 2019. 701 Arch Street,(215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
• El Dia de Reyes/Three Kings Day – Piñatas, hot chocolate, rosca de reyes (ring of the kings) bread, Three Kings letter-writing and gift-presenting (for children) and a retelling of the Three Kings’ story are part of this free afternoon celebration, presented by the Kimmel Center, the Consulate of Mexico and Mexican Cultural Center. January 4, 2020. Commonwealth Plaza, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org

New Year Celebrations:

The Mummers Parade takes place along Broad Street every year on New Year's Day.   — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

• Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party – Franklin Square, home of the Electrical Spectacle, hosts a family-friendly 6 p.m. celebration—with a “Square Drop” and a view of the first fireworks show (see below). December 31, 2019. 6^th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
• Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront – On the last night of the year, pyrotechnics blast over the Delaware River during two shows: one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. Spectacular views can be enjoyed all along the river trail; the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest offers indoor and outdoor celebrations. December 31, 2019. Columbus Boulevard & Market Street, (215) 922-2FUN (2386), riverrink.com
• Mummers Parade – The New Year’s Day procession along Broad Street features feathers and sequins, music and merriment from City Hall to Washington Avenue. Indoors, the Fancy Brigade Finale consists of fantastical routines in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. January 1, 2020. com. Tickets for seats at City Hall and for the Fancy Brigades Finale are available the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, (215) 965-7676, phlvisitorcenter.com

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