The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Community) Shady Brook Farm is lighting up for the holiday season. The show features thousands of whimsical light displays highlighting your favorite holiday characters. Snuggle up in a wagon to experience the show up close or take it all in from the comfort of your car.

⌚️Through Jan. 4, 📍931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, Pa, 19067, 🌐 shadybrookfarm.com, 💵 $45-120

The countdown to the new year provides plenty of activities for little Philadelphians. Events that help turn the end of the winter break into something special for kids and grown-ups alike.

(Ice skating) At the Flyers’ home arena in South Philly, Disney’s biggest characters — from Mickey and Moana to the worlds of Toy Story and Inside Out — take to the ice in a fast-moving, crowd-pleasing production that’s a winter-break favorite. Ages 2—10.

⌚ Through Jan. 3, times vary, 📍3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 xfinitymobilearena.com, 💵 $46–$250

(Seasonal / multiday) At the Philadelphia Zoo, the animals sleep but the lights come alive. Millions of bulbs illuminate giant animal sculptures — including a 40-foot dancing penguin and a flamingo “tree” — plus entertainment and snacks throughout the walk-through experience. Timed tickets required. All ages.

⌚ Through Jan. 3, 5—7:30 p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $29

(Seasonal / multiday) Elmwood Park Zoo transforms its 16 acres into a holiday playground with lights, roaming performers, and animal demos. Plus, Mini Highland cow visits and carousel rides.All ages.

⌚ Through Jan. 3, 5—7:30 p.m.; closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24—25, 📍1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa. 19401, 🌐 elmwoodparkzoo.org, 💵 $12.50–$33

(Musical / multiday) The Walnut Street Theatre turns the delightfully offbeat holiday movie into a full-fledged musical — frozen tongues, flying turkeys, leg lamps and all. Ages 6 and up.

⌚ Through Jan. 4, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $31–$108

(Seasonal / multiday) Just north of Independence Mall, Franklin Square rings in the season with its music-and-light fountain shows, holiday mini golf, and a warming tent serving cocoa and treats. All ages.

⌚ Through Jan. 4, 5—7 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free; pay-as-you-go

(Educational / multiday) The Please Touch Museum debuts its latest bilingual (Spanish and English) visiting exhibition, focused on brain development through play. Kids can test a light-up tilt table, dance in a mini studio, or dive into creative storytelling games, while parents learn about early childhood growth. Visit Saturday for a superhero theme. Ages 0—4.

⌚Through Jan. 4, 9 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays, 📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Seasonal / multiday) Longwood Gardens goes all out with its winter spectacle: soaring trees, glittering fountains, a towering Wildlife Tree outdoors, and meticulously designed displays throughout the Conservatory. Timed admission required — and it sells out fast. All ages.

⌚ Through Jan. 11, 10 a.m. — 11 p.m., 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $25–$45

(Theater / multiday) At Old City’s Arden Theatre, Madeleine L’Engle’s sci-fi classic comes to life as Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace journey across time and space on a female-forward, family-friendly adventure. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Through Jan. 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $30–$51

(Seasonal / multiday) The season’s early arrival brings the reopening of Dilworth Park’s ice rink, Wintergarden, and holiday market. Sip cocoa in the cozy cabin or skate beneath the lights. All ages.

⌚ Through Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

(Seasonal / multiday) Penn’s Landing becomes a full-on winter playground with its outdoor skating rink, a cozy warming lodge, carnival rides, arcade games, fire pits, and plenty of food and drink. Skating is ticketed; entry to the waterfront space is free. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Through Mar. 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental