10 Festive Philadelphia Happenings You Don't Want to Miss this Holiday Season!

The holiday season is upon us and we’re looking forward to experiencing all the magic, fun & festivities happening throughout Philly!

Winter at Dilworth Park

Dilworth Park’s popular winter attractions have returned! From ice skating, to the Deck the Hall Light Show, to reindeer topiaries in the Wintergarden - and more! - this winter wonderland is the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit.

Photo by J. Fusco, courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Part of Winter at Dilworth Park, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market deserves its own special spot on our list. Find holiday treasures perfect for gifting…or keeping for yourself! With more than 40 makers from across the region selling holiday-inspired crafts, gifts, and other goods, it will be easy to cross off every item on your list. While there, enjoy tasty treats and local beer from stands set up throughout the market.

Photo by C. Kalff, courtesy of Discover Philadelphia

Philadelphia Ballet presents: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Start a new family tradition or continue making memories at The Nutcracker. Don’t wait - purchase tickets now for this classic holiday production happening through December 28th at The Academy of Music. Children and adults alike will enjoy the beautiful costumes, stunning sets, and captivating choreography.

Photo courtesy of Kimmel Cultural Campus

Winter in Franklin Square

Celebrate every magical holiday this season at Winter in Franklin Square. This season’s festivities and special events include a Hanukkah Celebration with Old City Jewish Arts Center, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, and a Kwanzaa Celebration with the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Visitors can also enjoy the free nightly light show that illuminates the square every 30 minutes from 5 PM until close, as well as winter-themed mini golf, carousel rides, and seasonal food and drinks.

Photo by J. Fusco, courtesy of Discover Philadelphia

Christmas village in philadelphia

Come explore this authentic outdoor holiday market, modeled after traditional Christmas markets in Germany. With more than 110 vendors selling a variety of international holiday gifts, as well as traditional European food, drinks and treats, you’ll love the twinkling lights and delicious smells that surround you while you shop. Happening now through Christmas Eve. 

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

A Longwood Christmas

Longwood Gardens transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland this holiday season. Plan your visit to see the festive trees, botanically inspired light displays, decorative holiday shop, and cozy fire pits perfect for a warm-up.

Photo courtesy of Longwood Gardens

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 

This free 15-minute holiday light show, featuring performances by the Philadelphia Ballet, is back at the Comcast Center through New Year's Day. It runs at the top of every hour from 10 AM to 8 PM. There are sensory-friendly shows every Thursday and Friday at 2:30 PM, and upon request. Guests who are blind or visually impaired may use their mobile devices to access Audio Description (AD) of the show and AD devices are also available upon request.

Photo courtesy of Comcast Center

LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo

Experience LumiNature, where the Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland after dark. This year’s display is the biggest yet and includes more than a million twinkling lights adorning 14 illuminated zones, visually stunning performance artists, and whimsical storytelling. Hot cocoa, adult beverages, s'mores, and other seasonal treats are available too.

Photo courtesy of Philly Voice

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST

A Philadelphia favorite, Winterfest sparkles this holiday season! Visitors can cozy up at firepit stations or in warming cabins, ice skate, play games, enjoy boardwalk rides, and treat themselves to delicious food and hot beverages. Winterfest is open 7 days a week, including holidays.

Photo courtesy of Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Celebrate the start of the new year and welcome 2023 with one of several fireworks displays in Philadelphia. New Year’s Eve fireworks will illuminate the skies over the Delaware River and can be watched at multiple vantage points along the Delaware River Waterfront, such as Penn’s Landing and Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.

Photo courtesy of Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB