Christmas in Philadelphia: 21 Best Holiday Attractions in Philly — and nearby!

Christmas attractions and holiday lights are a festive highlight if yous want to visit Philadelphia during the winter. Even while driving y'all can see Philly's Christmas glow from afar, along boathouse row.

From authentic German vacation markets for boutique shopping to lite shows, wintertime festivals, and even Philly water ice skating — there are plenty of fun activities and things to do for Christmas in Philadelphia (both indoors and outdoors).

Many of the holiday attractions are right in eye city or surrounding neighborhoods, and a few are just a brusque drive away in Greater Philadelphia. The all-time part: virtually of these holiday / Christmas things to do in Philly are FREE.

Utilise this guide to navigate some of Philly'southward best winter attractions to aid you go far the holiday spirit (including Christmas Day activities in Philadelphia too!)

[Table of Contents]

  • Christmas attractions near center city Philadelphia: walking distance or <30 min. drive

  • Christmas attractions in Greater Philadelphia: less than 1 hour drive from heart metropolis

  • Where to stay in Philadelphia during the holidays

Christmas Market Philadelphia Love Park

Christmas Attractions in the City of Philadelphia

Try these Christmas markets in Philadelphia right downtown and nearby

1. Philadelphia Christmas Village in Love Park

Beloved Park's iconic Christmas Village in Philadelphia (across from City Hall) runs for a limited time betwixt Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Open up daily from approximately 11am-7pm, it is modeled afterwards accurate German vacation markets and offers opportunity to detect European food, artisan gifts, and crafts from around the world!

  • Accost: Love Park, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19102 (outdoors)

  • Dates: Thanksgiving - Christmas eve

  • Admission: FREE

two. Dilworth Park Wintergarden

Across from the Beloved Park Christmas Hamlet in Philly is the Dilworth Park Wintergarden and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; essentially the sister marketplace to the Christmas village mentioned above.

This Philadelphia Christmas attraction is full of fun activities for you and your loved ones. Yous'll find outdoor ice skating at the Rothman ice rink, vendors for nutrient and shopping, cool reindeer topiaries, and even some rides. If you are around the commencement Sabbatum of Dec, you tin too come up by to feel the Philadelphia Christmas tree lighting.

  • Address: Dilworth Park, west side of Philadelphia City Hall (outdoors)

  • Dates: Nov (weekend before Thanksgiving) - January 1st

  • Admission: FREE

Christmas market at Dilworth Park and light show

3. Deck the Hall Calorie-free Evidence

If you make information technology to Dilworth Park and the adjacent Love Park Christmas Village after sundown, you'll be just in time for the scheduled light bear witness set to illuminate City Hall — so stick around!

The light show is synchronized with holiday music and runs every xxx minutes starting at 5pm.

  • Address: Philadelphia City Hall (outdoors)

  • Dates: Nov (weekend before Thanksgiving) - January 1st

  • Admission: Gratuitous

four. Elfreth'due south Alley: Deck the Alley

Deck the halls — or the alley, along the country's oldest continuously inhabited street: Elfreth's Alley (I mention this spot in my Philly weekend itinerary as a must-visit).

The charming pedestrian road in Old City is non only a significant landmark on any historic Philadelphia walking tour, just too a festive stop for holiday cheer.

During this fourth dimension, information technology offers an within peek into its 18-century homes, which is a rare opportunity since there are however active residents! There are also crafts, photo opps, and fun activities bachelor.

  • Address: 124-126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (indoors and outdoors)

  • Dates: starting time Saturday of Dec (3-5pm and 5-7pm ticket windows)

  • Admission: $25 per developed, $15 per kid

5. Miracle on South 13th Street

Savor Philadelphian Christmas cheer with this neighborhood holiday low-cal display in Due south Philly. Miracle on South 13th Street is perfect for a festive stroll or drive thru, and an ideal terminate on your Philly Christmas Attractions itinerary.

Locals get all out with decorations and holiday lighting to lift your Christmas spirit; and nearly of the residential homes continue their lights on from 5-11pm throughout the calendar month of December.

  • Address: 1600 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (outdoors)

  • Dates: December (all month)

  • Access: Costless

6. Macy's Vacation Light Show

Pair your holiday shopping with a stop to view the Macy'due south Holiday Bear witness and visit Dickens Village! The annual Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert is a family favorite and pop Philadelphia Christmas attraction.

While there, check out traditional Macy's favorites: festive window dressings, Macy'southward Dickens Village on the 3rd floor (reservations required at least 5 days in accelerate), and Santaland (now virtual). We won't judge if you as well take advantage of some gift shopping with Macy's iconic holiday deals.

  • Address: Macy'south, 1300 Marketplace Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (indoors and virtual)

  • Dates: last Fri of November - December 31

  • Admission: FREE (shopping is at your discretion, of course)

7. Comcast Holiday Spectacular

Head to the Comcast Feel 2,100 foursquare-foot video wall for the Comcast Center's Holiday Spectacular.

The 15-minute projected video feel runs hourly from 10am-8pm each day, and even has a Santa appearance on weekends between 11am and 4pm. It is a musical treat in Philadelphia and perfect for enkindling some holiday cheer.

  • Address: Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Blvd Philadelphia (at present outdoors)

  • Dates: Thanksgiving - Jan 1st

  • Admission: Gratis

viii. Fairmount Park's Very Philly Christmas

Visit the largest urban park in the country to experience 18th and 19th century historic homes during the holidays from 10am-4pm.

East Fairmount Park's Very Philly Christmas is an award-winning homes tour that allows visitors to explore celebrated era homes including the Woodford Mansion, Laurel Loma Mansion, and Historic Strawberry Mansion busy for the holidays.

  • Address: varies throughout the eastern park (indoors)

  • Dates: December (all month)

  • Admission: $8 on weekdays, $5 on select weekends during the Pandemic

9. Franklin Foursquare Holiday Festival

But one block north of Independence Hall, Wintertime in Franklin Square is a festive and fun experience for all — from solar day to night throughout the flavor.

Whether it is their Electric Spectacle Show (after 5pm), outdoor burn pits, heated tents at Franklin'due south Winter View through early on Jan (later 5pm), or an xviii-hole game of Dank Philly mini golf game (10am-9pm), it's a great Christmas attraction right in the heart of the metropolis.

  • Address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (outdoors)

  • Dates: November (weekend before Thanksgiving) - late February

  • Access: FREE, Mini golf is $x-15 per adult, $viii-12 per child

x. Jewelers' Row Holiday Lights

If yous are holiday lights-obsessed and seeking Christmas lights in Philadelphia, consider taking a stroll down Jeweler's Row for a festive glow with a gustatory modality of history. This string of jewelry stores marks the historic Diamond District — the oldest diamond district in the U.s. (since 1851).

During the season, you'll find twinkles of Season'due south Greetings strung from street lamps and posts, making your jewelry shopping session extra special.

  • Address: Between 7th and 9th st. | 701 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (outdoors)

  • Dates: December (all month)

  • Admission: Costless

xi. Holidays at Reading Concluding Market

During the holidays, Reading Terminal Market transforms from an already eclectic food and appurtenances landmark to a festive ane! There are different events planned with local vendors (holiday-crafted beverages, alive food demonstrations, and holiday amusement) and lots of colorful holiday decor.

Check out the Reading Terminal Market holiday guide for a total overview, and be sure to bank check out their Gingerbread Candyland, hanging snowflakes, and more.

  • Accost: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N twelfth St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (indoors)

  • Dates: solar day after Thanksgiving - Dec 31

  • Admission: FREE (purchases not included)

12. Rittenhouse Square Vacation Park

A beautiful neighborhood year round, Rittenhouse Square and its side by side blocks low-cal up during the holidays with an almanac tree lighting event that so illuminates every night throughout the month of December.

While at that place, y'all can bask the tree-lined landscape of the relaxing park, splurge at the many surrounding shops, or indulge in fine dining experiences in the area.

  • Accost: 210 Due west Rittenhouse Foursquare, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (outdoors)

  • Dates: December (all month)

  • Admission: Costless

thirteen. LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo

Visit the iconic Philadelphia Zoo during the holiday season for a magical evening lite testify that transforms the park into a wintertime wonderland. Y'all can visit the zoo for the light show from Wednesday - Sunday, 5:30-8:30pm, except on Christmas eve, Christmas day, and Thanksgiving.

LumiNature's xiv unique theme light displays, performances, and seasonal treats (hot cocoa, s'mores, etc.) make it a festive occasion for the whole family.

Note: only penguins volition be on brandish during LumiNature (in the evenings). If you want to see animals, a daytime visit to the zoo is nonetheless your best bet. Try this Philadelphia urban center pass for admission to multiple attractions in the city, including the zoo during the day so you tin can save money.

  • Address: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (outdoors)

  • Dates: November (weekend before Thanksgiving) - early January

  • Admission: $25 per adult, $20 per kid (ages 2-xi)

14. RiverRink Winterfest

RiverRink Winterfest is a holiday flavor experience we recommend in our Philadelphia ice skating guide thanks to its beautiful scenery and cozy, wintry setting — and riverside skating rink, of form (skates rent for $x but if you want to invest in your own skates buy these to first).

At the RiverRink Winterfest, private rental cabins ($75-125 per 90 minutes) give alpine vibes for groups of four-8 people, in addition to a ferris bicycle ($5), boardwalk games, and more.

  • Address: 101 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (outdoors)

  • Dates: Thanksgiving weekend - early on March

  • Admission: Gratuitous to walk effectually, $5 to skate, game fees vary

Riverrink winterfest for Christmas in Philadelphia

xv. Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway

Celebrate the flavor with a visit to the Morris Arboretum to come across their annual Vacation Garden Railway. This miniature display is an outdoor train and garden exhibit with a quarter mile track that is surrounded by beautiful flora and lights.

The Vacation Garden Railway is a ticketed daytime allure, running daily from 10am-4pm, just the hours extend into the evening on weekends thru Christmas (4:30pm-7:30pm).

The caveat? Daytime viewing and dark tickets do non cross over, so if you want to do both (ie. arrive on a Saturday afternoon and stay thru the evening) you'll have to buy two tickets.

  • Accost: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Artery, Philadelphia, PA 19118 (outdoors)

  • Dates: November (twenty-four hour period after Thanksgiving) - January 2nd

  • Access: $20 per developed, $10 per student or kid (iii-17)

  • How far is Morris Arboretum from center city? xxx minutes

Christmas Attractions Outside of Philadelphia

Philly holiday markets and more: thirty - sixty minutes from center city

16. Tinseltown Vacation Spectacular

Previously, Wintertime on Broad at the Wells Fargo Center illuminated the "holidays in Philadelphia" scene. Now, Dietz & Watson is hosting a new event in its place called Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Centre instead.

The Expo Center is well-nigh Valley Forge National Historical Park, open up daily from 5-10pm. There is a holiday market for shopping, ice-skating at Rudolph'due south Rink (additional fee), photo ops, and holiday-inspired treats to indulge in (exterior food and potable not immune).

It may exist the priciest experience on this list one time you add costs up, but if your Christmas spirit begs for you to accept the bound, and your wallet agrees — go for it!

  • Accost: The Greater Philadelphia Fairgrounds, 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA 19456 (outdoors)

  • Dates: November (Thanksgiving weekend) - January 2nd

  • Admission: $xix.99 per developed, $13.99 per child (ages five-thirteen)

  • How far is Tinseltown from Philadelphia eye city? 40-45 minutes

17. Linvilla Orchards: Christmas around the Farm

Cut your own Christmas trees or choose from pre-cut trees, visit Santa, bask holiday music, and become Christmas shopping at the Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA.

Open from 9am-6pm, it is a fun budget-friendly holiday allure between Philadelphia and Wilmington, making it perfect for people in the greater Philadelphia expanse.

Although it is free to nourish and park, some of the activities require reservations, so program ahead. Cutting your ain Christmas tree requires a $2 hayride ticket per person, reserved in advance, with whatsoever Cut Your Own Tree size costing $89.99.

  • Address: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA 19063 (outdoors)

  • Dates: November (weekend earlier Thanksgiving) - Christmas eve

  • Access: FREE

  • How far is Linvilla Orchards from Philadelphia? 40 minutes

Christmas tree farm in Philadelphia

18. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

While nigh all of the Christmas attractions on this list are family-friendly, a Sesame Place holiday experience takes information technology to the side by side level for kids.

The theme park goes all out for the holidays with an elaborate Christmas wonderland transformation. From trip the light fantastic toe parties and performances to cookie decorating and a defended Christmas Family Fun Zone, "A Very Furry Christmas" is a festive celebration for all.

  • Address: Sesame Identify, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047 (outdoors)

  • Dates: Nov (weekend before Thanksgiving) - January 2nd

  • Admission: $89 per person at the gate, only if purchased online you tin usually get information technology for about $40 per person

  • How far is Sesame Place from Philadelphia centre urban center? 40 minutes

19. Shady Brook Farm's Holiday Light Show

Shady Book Subcontract is known for its big, seasonal fun throughout all four seasons — winter is no different.

During the holidays this family unit-run farm has a series of Christmas attractions and activities, like a bulldoze-thru vacation calorie-free show, campfires, and even weekend breakfast sessions with Santa!

  • Address: Shady Brook Subcontract, 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067 (outdoors)

  • Dates: Nov (weekend before Thanksgiving) - early Jan

  • Admission: $xl per automobile for the light bear witness, $15 per person for a wagon ride through the low-cal evidence, $125 for campfire sites (up to 15 people),

  • How far is Shady Brook Farms from Philadelphia center urban center? 40 minutes

20. A Longwood Christmas

Longwood Gardens is one of the most cute and esteemed botanical garden in the country, so information technology's no surprise their Vacation Lights consequence will follow suit.

Throughout the Christmas season, from 10am-11pm, you can visit the gardens to bask themed exhibits, fire pits, a Garden Railway, and more.

  • Address: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (outdoors)

  • Dates: Tardily November - January 2

  • Admission: $xxx per adult, $sixteen per kid (five-18 years onetime) during holiday season

  • How far is Longwood Gardens from Philadelphia center city? ane hr

21. Peddler'due south Hamlet Christmas Festival

Peddler'southward Village in New Hope, PA is 1 of the near quaint towns near Philadelphia. From winding brick paths and unique boutique shops to fine dining and festive decor, it is definitely a place you want to visit for Christmas shopping.

During Christmas, visit Peddler's Hamlet for their charming wonderland free energy filled with lights, a 1920's carousel, gingerbread house display, and more.

  • Address: Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, Bucks Canton, PA, 18931 (indoors and outdoors)

  • Dates: November (weekend before Thanksgiving) - start week of January

  • Admission: FREE

  • How far is New Promise from Philadelphia center city? 1 hour

Where to Stay in Philadelphia during the Holidays

Beautiful hotels in center city Philadelphia

If you are not local to the metropolis and are planning to make a visit to Philly during the holidays, read this free iii-solar day Philly itinerary and this Philadelphia museum guide for art-lovers earlier you go!

If you lot are specifically visiting Philadelphia Christmas markets and attractions in center metropolis, you may want to consider saying at these beautiful hotels during your stay:

  • Cambria Suites (mid range / upkeep-friendly, contemporary, $$)

  • Residence Inn by Marriott Heart Metropolis (mid-range, contemporary, $$)

  • Element by Westin (modern, eco-friendly, $$-$$$)

  • Canopy past Hilton (mid-century modern chic, $$-$$$) - nosotros love the design hither!

  • The W Philadelphia (trendy, modernistic, $$$)

  • The Ritz Carlton (luxury, contemporary, $$$-$$$$)

If you are experiencing sticker shock as hotel prices during the holidays, definitely consider using disbelieve sites like Priceline Express Deals or Hotel Tonight to slash those prices dramatically. I wrote a guide on how to guess the correct hotel on Priceline Express Deals, likewise every bit a immediate review of the Express Deal hotels I go when I've used it before.

Here are the discount hotel sites I recommend, and use all the time myself:

  • Priceline Express Deals

  • Booking.com

  • HotelTonight (app) - go $25 off when you book (new users) with my code OPEREZ38

Take a fun Christmas in Philadelphia!

I hope this list of vacation attractions in Philly is helpful every bit you plan your Philadelphia Christmas activities. The markets are perfect for finding unique gifts or but indulging in comfort foods and festive drinks, and the busy parks and lite shows are certain to evoke some holiday cheer. If you desire to add glam to the mix, go dressed up and book tickets to the ballet to lookout man the Nutcracker!

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21 best things to do for christmas in philadelphia

The states, Travel, Pennsylvania, North America, Destinations, Couples Travel

Olivia Christine

Holiday travel, Philadelphia, Free things to practice in Philly, Christmas Markets, Philly, Culture Travel, Shopping, Winter Travel, Wintertime Activities, Winter Getaways, Travel Guides

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