The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: From upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

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

(Community) It’s time to light up the holiday season with Plough & the Stars. Head over for complimentary Irish cocktail sausages, festive drink specials, live music, and more.

⌚️Dec. 3, 7-11 p.m., 📍123 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106, 🌐 oldcitydistrict.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Get a jump start on your New Year’s wellness goals and start the month with a variety of wellness activities hosted by Penn Medicine. Take a moment for mindfulness, drop into an artmaking session, or slow things down and enjoy an all-levels yoga class.

⌚️ Dec. 3, 3-5 p.m., 📍3260 South St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19104, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Looking to add a unique, made-in-Philly touch to your holiday gifts this year? Head to this holiday market to shop artwork and unique pieces from Cherry Street Pier’s artists in residence. The market will be open through Dec. 21, so you have plenty of time to shop.

⌚️Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) ‘Tis the season for cozy, crafty hobbies. Come enjoy a few drinks while creating the perfect pinch pot. Come ready to get you’re hands, release some stress and create a cute ceramic work of art. No ceramic experience is required.

⌚️Dec. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 📍1901 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19148, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $29

(Community) What could be better than a laugh-out-loud comedy show and cozy holiday vibes? This showcase combines both with sets from four local comedians, free drinks while they last (you can also BYO), and an ugly sweater contest. The guest with the best ugly sweater will win a giftcard to MoonRose.

⌚️Dec. 6, 7 & 9 p.m., 📍1112 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $11-18

(Community) This holiday market is perfect for fiber crafters or the craft lover in your life. More than 50 vendors will offer everything from fiber art, wearables, jewelry, and more.

⌚️Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 5p.m., 📍821 Dudly St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19148, 🌐weaverhouseco.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Toast to the holiday season with this cozy tea at Stenton House. Come get merry and enjoy tea and refreshments, festival music, holiday crafts and more. The tea is free to attend, but an RSVP is required.

⌚️Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m., 📍4601 N. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19140, 🌐 ticketleap.events, 💵 Free

(Community) If you have a sweet tooth, this event is for you. This fest is fully loaded with fun activities, local vendors and bakers and, of course, delicious cookies. Come ready to snack.

⌚️Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍1901 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $13

(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.

⌚️Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 📍931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, Pa., 19067, 🌐 shadybrookfarm.com, 💵 $45-120

(Community) Philly favorite open-air Christmas market is back for another magical year. More than 100 vendors will set up in LOVE Park with stalls offering unique gifts, delicious treats, spiced wine, and so much more.

⌚️Through Dec. 24, 📍1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This holiday tradition dates back to 1956 and is back to keep the holiday magic going. The Light Show features thousands of dancing snowmen, candy canes and the incredible sounds of the Wanamaker Organ. Upstairs, you’ll step into Dickens Village which brings the story of A Christmas Carol to life before your eyes.

⌚️Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 📍100 E. Penn Sq., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 🌐 phlvisitorcenter.com, 💵 Free

(Community) The train displays at the Morris Arboretum are officially in holiday mode. Thousands of twinkling lights provide the backdrop as G-scale mini locomotives wind and loop throughout the garden. The daytime experience is free to enjoy with general admission, and the Nighttime Express is ticketed.

⌚️Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12-17

Holiday performances, icy sculptures, nautical crafts, and one of Philly’s most beloved First Sundays fill the first week of December — with classics like A Wrinkle in Time and The Nutcracker returning to local stages, and neighborhood traditions lighting up the city.

(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.

⌚ Dec. 3–Jan. 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $30–$51

(Ballet / multiday) The Rock School’s Broad Street staging is short, sweet, and welcoming — a 60-minute, sensory-friendly take on the holiday ballet, perfect for young or first-time theatergoers at the Miller Theater. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Dec. 4, 6 & 7, times vary, 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 therockschool.org, 💵 $10–$91

(Ballet / multiday) At the Academy of Music, Philadelphia Ballet’s lavish staging returns with Balanchine’s iconic choreography, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, ornate costumes, and intermission photo ops with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King. Dress up — it’s part of the fun. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Dec. 5–31, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 philadelphiaballet.org, 💵 $28–$271

(Art / free) Free First Sunday at the Barnes Foundation centers young artists this month, showcasing the Philadelphia Youth Concert Band, Matisse-inspired work by Central High School students, storytelling by Leslie D. Hamilton, and all-ages art-making. Ages 2–18.

⌚ Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 Free; timed tickets available Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.

(Seasonal) The Independence Seaport Museum offers hands-on winter crafting on the Delaware River — think “Seaport snowflakes,” knotted ornaments, gingerbread boats, and even a DIY cannoli flavor challenge. Add on a tour of the decorated cruiser Olympia for $10. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phillyseaport.org, 💵 Free with admission; $18–$23

(Theater / multiday) Walnut Street Theatre’s kid-friendly take on Dickens’ classic features a young cast, quick pacing, and plenty of matinees — ideal for families easing into holiday shows. Ages 6 and up.

⌚ Dec. 6–21, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $24–$29

(Seasonal / free) All along Frankford Avenue, Sculpture Philly artists carve ice creations in real time, Mamajuana Café lights its 25-foot tree, Santa stops for photos, and Fishtown’s shops and restaurants spill outdoors with holiday treats and vendors. All ages.

⌚ Dec. 6, noon–6 p.m., 📍1000 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 instagram.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Holiday / multiday) LOVE Park transforms once again into a German-style holiday market with wooden huts, mulled drinks, ornaments, treats, and Santa visits on weekends. Across the street, City Hall adds even more holiday flair with a Ferris wheel, carousel, local vendors, and ice skating at Dilworth Park. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov. 28–Dec. 23, noon–8 or 9 p.m.; Dec. 24, noon–5 p.m., 📍15th & JFK Blvd. and 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Free entry; pay-as-you-go

(Seasonal / multiday / free) Even without Macy’s, the Wanamaker Building keeps its iconic traditions alive. The Grand Court Light Show — set to the famous Wanamaker Organ — runs throughout the season, while upstairs, Dickens Village brings back its vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol. Free timed tickets required for Dickens Village. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 28–Dec. 24, times vary, 📍1 E. Penn Sq., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 phlvisitorcenter.com, 💵 Free

(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.

⌚ Nov. 28–March 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental

(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. Bonus: for the Tuesday, Dec. 2 performance at 7:30 p.m., every adult ticket comes with a free child ticket (under age 17). Ages 6 and up.

⌚ Nov. 18–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, Nutcracker previews from Philadelphia Dance Academy (Nov. 23), holiday mini golf, occasional Santa sightings, and a warming tent serving cocoa and treats. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 20–Jan. 4, 5–7 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free; pay-as-you-go

(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.

⌚ Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 5–7:30 p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $29

(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.

⌚ Nov. 21–Jan. 11, 10 a.m.–11 p.m., 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $25–$45

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

⌚ Nov. 20–Jan. 3, 5–7:30 p.m.; closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24–25, 📍1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa. 19401, 🌐 elmwoodparkzoo.org, 💵 $12.50–$33

(Seasonal / multiday) Morris Arboretum’s beloved outdoor railway winds through miniature landscapes and Philly landmarks, now with a new 60-foot illuminated tunnel. Daytime viewing runs daily; the “Nighttime Express” events tend to sell out early. Ages 1+.

⌚ Nov. 22–Dec. 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; select evenings, closed Dec. 24–25, 31 & Jan. 1, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12–$22

(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 — proof that Philly doesn’t wait for snow to get festive. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 14–Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

(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.

⌚Sept. 20–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