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) Get ready for an epic game night with great prizes, live DJ sets and more. Come test your Black culture knowledge with four rounds of interactive trivia and music based games.

⌚️Dec. 15, 7p.m., 📍3870 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $44-120

(Community) It’s not too late to get personalized ornaments ready for the holidays. Head to this workshop that supplies everything you need to create a unique-to-you holiday masterpiece to decorate your home, or gift to a loved one.

⌚️Dec. 16, 6-7:30p.m., 📍704 Catherine St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Hoping to hit your reading goal before the end of the year? Bring up to 4 romance or thriller reads to swap with other book lovers and discover new stories. You’ll leave with some great new books for your end of year reading list.

⌚️Dec. 16, 7-9p.m., 📍4323 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19127, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $13

(Community) Come pop a little bubbly ahead of the New Year celebrations. Guests at this tasting will enjoy five curated pours paired with delicious, luxe bites to completement every sip.

⌚️Dec. 17, 6-8p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 $95

(Music) Opera Philadelphia returns to the Kimmel Center for the first time since 2019 with three performances of The Seasons, a bold reimagining of Antonio Vivaldi’s string masterpiece The Four Seasons. The opera explores the connection between the seasons and emotions.

⌚️Dec. 19-21, 📍300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 operaphila.org, 💵 Pick your pricing starting at $11

(Community) This curated micro-market is your one stop shop for all things art, fashion, home goods and fashion. Come shop for last minute gifts for loved ones or unique finds for yourself.

⌚️Dec. 20, 12p.m., 📍760 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Ready to get a little crafty with your holiday prep? Come create your own Victorian ornament, wax seals, and holiday cards. Plus, meet Santa while you make your masterpiece. In the spirit of holiday giving, bring a book with you to donate to Tree House Books.

⌚️Dec. 20, 1-3p.m., 📍326 New St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 hsgmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(Community) As the holiday season ramps up, don’t forget to take a moment to reset and unwind. At this event, you’ll be guided through a grounding Yin practice while surrounded by a vibrational soundbath. All proceeds from class will be donated to Philabundance.

⌚️Dec. 21, 5:30-6:30p.m., 📍171 W. Berks St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 monarch-yoga.com, 💵 $5

(Music) A viewing of The Nutcracker is truly a holiday season staple. The ballet follows a young Marie on a night of adventure where she is transported to a magical wonderland filled with enchanted toys, a Mouse King, sugarplum fairies and, of course, a handsome prince.

⌚️through Dec. 29, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 Varies

(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

As December winds down, holiday performances and seasonal celebrations fill the calendar — from interactive fairy tales and reimagined Nutcracker riffs to Chanukah acrobatics and a cozy solstice send-off by the river.

(Theater / multiday) Curio Theatre Company’s pint-size-friendly retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale invites kids to help tell the story, with pre-show prop-making and in-performance participation like sound effects and shadow puppetry. Ages 3–10.

⌚ Dec. 17–31, times vary, 📍815 S. 48th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19143, 🌐 curiotheatre.org, 💵 $10–$20

(Theater / multiday) At Suzanne Roberts Theatre, this musical comedy imagines The Nutcracker decades later, placing Clara in the present day and adding over-the-top humor, pop culture, and decidedly un-balletic characters like Yukon Cornelius, Hermey the Elf, and Rudolph. Ages 8 and up.

⌚ Dec. 19–21, times vary, 📍480 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 🌐 flairdancecompany.com, 💵 $50

(Music / multiday) Contemporary West Dance Theatre brings song, dance, and a full-on singalong to FringeArts, delivering a high-energy holiday show designed to get the whole family clapping along.

⌚ Dec. 19–20, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2 p.m., 📍140 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cwdancetheatre.org, 💵 $60

(Seasonal) At the Kaiserman Jewish Community Center in Wynnewood, the seventh night of Chanukah is marked with candle lighting, a kosher dinner featuring latkes and sufganiyot, and a jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics performance. All ages.

⌚ Dec. 20, 5:45–8:30 p.m., 📍45 Haverford Rd., Wynnewood, Pa. 19096, 🌐 phillyjcc.com, 💵 $10–$25

(Seasonal / free) Glen Foerd marks the longest night of the year with a gentle, family-friendly celebration that includes a guided twilight walk, yin yoga, and — for younger attendees — lantern-making, cocoa, and snacks by the river. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Dec. 21, 3–5:30 p.m., 📍5001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19114, 🌐 glenfoerd.org, 💵 Free

(Theater / multiday) At Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, Louisa May Alcott’s beloved March sisters get a vibrant reinterpretation by director Kate Hamill, keeping the heart of family, growth, and friendship front and center. Ages 8 and up.

⌚ Through Dec. 28, dates & times vary, 📍64 Rose Valley Rd., Rose Valley, Pa. 19063, 🌐 hedgerowtheatre.org, 💵 $20–$35

(Musical / multiday) Bristol Riverside Theatre debuts a world-premiere holiday musical in which Santa steps away from the North Pole — leaving the all-important list in the hands of his elfin helpers. Chaos, comedy, and cheerful songs follow in a show aiming to become a new seasonal staple. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Dec. 9–28, times vary, 📍120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, Pa. 19007, 🌐 brtstage.org, 💵 $20–$74

(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) 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

(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

(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. 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