The best things to do in Philly this November, from Meek Mill to the Thanksgiving Day Parade
Celebrate 50 years of Rocky, cheer on runners at the Philadelphia Marathon, and kick off the holiday season with markets, light shows, and more.
November is a busy month in Philadelphia, with celebrations marking 50 years of Rocky, the return of the Philadelphia Marathon, and plenty of holiday festivities getting underway. From film festivals and concerts to holiday markets, light displays, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade, there’s plenty to put on your calendar.
Here are the best things to do in Philly this November.
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival returns Nov. 5 with more than 70 films, filmmaker discussions, and cultural programming. The 10-day celebration kicks off with a screening of Kiyoshi, a 69-minute documentary exploring the life and work of Philadelphia-based civil rights and HIV/AIDS activist Kiyoshi Kuromiya. Screenings and events continue through Nov. 15.
🕒 Through Nov. 15, 💵 $18-$350, 📍Multiple Locations, 🌐 paaff.org, 📞 610-742-0582
‘Rocky’ season celebrations
Fifty years after Rocky hit theaters, Philadelphia is celebrating its favorite fictional boxer with a month of events. The lineup includes the Rocky Steps Challenge, a rededication of the Rocky statue, and a free “Tiny Steps” concert by the Philly Pops on Nov. 13. An estimated 30,000 runners will participate in the sold-out Rocky Run on Nov. 14, while Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours will take fans to locations featured in the films through Nov. 29.
🕒 Through Dec. 3, 💵 Free-$49, 📍Multiple Locations, 🌐 phlvisitorcenter.com, 📞 800-537-7676
12th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade and Festival
Philadelphia’s annual Veterans Day Parade and Festival returns Nov. 8 to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. The parade begins at noon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and ends at Eakins Oval, where the festival will feature food vendors, including Deke’s BBQ, Little Sicilian, and Hardy’s Funnel Cake. Musical performances by Sanovia and Ami Yares are scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
🕒 Nov. 8, 💵 Free, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa 19130, 🌐 phillyveteransparade.org
50th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show celebrates its 50th year with 195 artists at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Nov. 6-8. Along with displays of contemporary crafts and design, the event includes a scarf-tying demonstration Nov. 6, a fashion event, and a discussion featuring clay artists Syd Carpenter, Adebunmi Gbadebo, and Roberto Lugo on Nov. 7. The programming is included with admission.
🕒 Through Nov. 8, 💵 $5-$25, 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 pmacraftshow.org, 📞 215-684-7930
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Holiday shopping returns to Dilworth Park on Nov. 13 with the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Local artisans, designers, and makers will set up shop outside City Hall, selling handmade gifts, jewelry, crafts, and other seasonal finds. The market runs through New Year’s Day.
🕒 Nov. 13-Jan. 1,2027, 💵 Free, 📍S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 madeinphila.com, 📞 info@madeinphila.com
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Starting Nov. 19, the Philadelphia Zoo will be adorned with a million lights for LumiNature, the annual Christmas-themed experience. There will be large-scale displays and views of the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Plus, visitors can use their zoo key to unlock holiday surprises throughout the experience.
🕒 Nov. 19- Jan. 9, 2027, 💵 $27-$34, 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 📞 215-243-1100
Philadelphia Marathon weekend
Thousands of runners will take over Philadelphia’s streets for Marathon weekend, Nov. 20-22. The Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon take place Saturday, followed by the TIAA Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday. Registration is sold out, but spectators can line the course to cheer on the runners.
🕒 Nov. 20-22, 💵 Free to spectate, 📍1401 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 philadelphiamarathon.com, 📞 info@philadelphiamarathon.com
Meek Mill: ‘Dream Chasers Nights’
North Philly rapper Meek Mill is kicking off his limited “Dream Chasers Nights” concert series in his hometown. The six-city tour begins with “Meek Mill & Friends” at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Nov. 24 before heading to Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and other cities.
🕒 Nov. 24, 💵 $64-$598, 📍3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 ticketmaster.com, 📞 215-336-3600
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
The holiday spirit will be in full bloom at City Hall and Love Park starting Nov. 21. Christmas Village will be back with local and international vendors, selling handmade ornaments, jewelry, and other stocking stuffers. There will also be dozens of food and drink destinations, themed rides, and other activations to enjoy under the Christmas lights.
🕒 Nov. 21-Dec. 27, 💵 Free, 📍1500 Arch St., Philadelphia Pa. 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com
6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade
Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns Nov. 26 with giant balloons, festive floats, marching bands, and dancers making their way through Center City. The country’s oldest Thanksgiving parade is a holiday tradition whether you’re watching from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or tuning in from home. The festivities will be available to stream on 6abc’s digital platforms, Hulu, ABC News Live, and Disney+.
🕒 Nov. 26, 💵 Free, 📍20th St. and John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 6abc.com, 📞 215-878-9700
