Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Enjoy Christmas Village, Ice Skating, Light Shows and More!

‘Enjoying The Holiday Spirit In Philly’

Are you getting into the holiday spirit! Well, we have many treats for you, with many things to do during the holidays in Philadelphia.

Support your local small businesses during these holidays by stopping at the Christmas Village in Love Park,  the Reading Terminal Market, the stores in Manayunk, and so many other places. Start or continue family holiday traditions by going to the Macy’s Holiday Light Show , the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, and even the Ice Skating rinks at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest in Penn’s Landing and Ice Skating at Dilworth Park.

This weekend kicks off with the continuation of the holiday light show at Franklin Square and A Christmas Story Musical. During the weekend enjoy the Franklin Flea Holiday Market, holiday light shows, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with the Philadelphia Eagles vs the Arizona Cardinals and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars.

Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Friday, New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Mummers Parade, First Friday,  and much more.

What event or activity this weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below.

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below. Are you a fan of our Facebook fan page. Follow us here for exciting daily updates! MyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share fun and exciting events and attractions with you. Check out what’s happening for you this weekend in Philly and for the upcoming week and put these events on your calendar.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ December 18 – 24 ~

FYI – There are many events & attractions listed below that have been open prior today which are listed as “Now”. Also, check back daily for updates!

Informational Posts For Things To Do Year Round or Seasonal

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~ December 18 – 23 ~ Choose from 40,000 + different kinds of Christmas trees for just $59.99. There are also pre-cut trees as well. ~ Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~
• Christmas Village ~ December 18 – 27 ~ Christmas Village is at Love Park! Shop at 60+ vendor booths, enjoy holiday foods, live music, live entertainment & much more. ~ Christmas Village ~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ December 18 – 31 ~ The Macy’s light show has become a Philadelphia Holiday tradition since 1955 and a great family tradition for many over the years. The Light Show takes you on a journey through popular Christmas stories including The Nutcracker, Frosty the Snowman, and a magical Christmas Tree. ~ Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ December 18 – 31 ~  Held at Franklin Square, enjoy a holiday light show that features a dazzling display of more than 50,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. There will be rides, food, beer & more. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~  
• Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ December 18  – January 3 ~ Held at the Comcast Building, visitors will experience a magical sleigh ride from the Philadelphia countryside to high above the city skyline. You’ll also enjoy a musical journey featuring classic family favorites like Jingle Bell Rock, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and your favorite scenes from The Nutcracker & much more. A great family event to get you into the Holiday Spirit in Philadelphia. ~ Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~
• A Christmas Story, The Musical ~ December 18 – January 10 ~ Held at the Walnut Street Theater, this Broadway musical comedy is one that you will cherish all holiday long! In 1940’s Indiana, a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas–a Red Ryder BB Gun. ~ A Christmas Story, The Musical ~
• Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ December 18 – February 15 ~  We have listed 33 bars & restaurants located in Philadelphia that have a fireplace to cozy up to!  ~ Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ December 18 – February 28, 2016 ~ Held at Penn’s Landing, this will be a winter wonderland for all ages to explore. Enjoy ice skating, live music, warm fire pits, food, craft beers and much more.  ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~
• Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ December 18  – February 28, 2016 ~ Enjoy ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park! Bring your skates or rent them, as you skate with City Hall in the background. ~ Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ ~ More Details ~
• Our Guide to Family Things To Do During The Holidays In Philadelphia ~ December 18 ~ February 28 ~ Things such as ice skating, watching light shows, holiday shows, musicals and much more. ~ Our Guide to Family Things To Do During The Holidays In Philadelphia ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ December 18 – 24 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of December ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for December 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Art After 5 ~ December 18 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Feliz Navidad – Performances by Pedro Villaseñor and Ballet Folklórico Yaretzi. Co-presented with the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia and the Mexican Cultural Center. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 18 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ December 19 ~ From 9 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 23rd and Pine Streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ December 19 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 43rd St and Baltimore Ave. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~  
• Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~ December 19 ~ Held every Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm at 8th & Market Streets in the old Strawbridge & Clothier, enjoy holiday shopping with many different kinds of vendors. ~ Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~
• Toys For Tots With Santa & Celtic Game at Plough & the Star ~ December 19 ~ Come to the Plough & the Stars starting at 10 am for the Celtic match. After the game, there will be an appearance by Santa and a Toys for Tots drive. ~ Toys For Tots With Santa & Celtic Game at Plough & the Star ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 19 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ December 19 & 23 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 115-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. ~ Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 20 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Holiday Concert on the Square ~ December 20 ~ Held at the Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square starting at 5 pm. Come listen to the Pennsylvania Girl Choir & the Keystone State Boy Choir. ~ Holiday Concert on the Square ~
• Philadelphia Eagles vs Arizona Cardinals ~ December 20 ~ At 8:30 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. – Not going the Eagles game, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles! ~ Sports Bars in Philadelphia ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ December 20 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~    
• Free Parking! ~ December 23 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ December 23 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every Wednesday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~    
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2015 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ Franklin Square ~
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
• Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy this 2,000 foot new extension bridging the South Street Bridge & the Locust Street bike trail. ~ Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~
• “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ Now Open ~ A permanent exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Travel through a two-story tall neural network climbing structure with dynamic lighting and sound effects that are triggered by your footsteps. Kids can act as a Doctor by scanning the brain with an MRI machine, explore your brain, challenge your brain & much more.   ~ “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ 
• Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~ Now Open ~ Stop over at Penn Museum in University City and learn about contemporary issues in Native America. Uncover the rich history and identity of the Native American people through 200 plus objects on display & much more. ~ Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~
• The Artifact Lab – Mummy Conversation at Penn Museum ~ Now until (no date set) ~ Here is your chance to get up close and personal. Watch conservators clean, examine, & preserve Egyptian Mummies at Penn Museum. Best of all, there are special times during the week to where you can ask them questions in person. ~ Conserving Mummies at Penn Museum ~

Visiting Philadelphia

Are you Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too the many historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

• The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
• Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
• Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell ~
• Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall ~
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art ~
• Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House ~
• Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
• National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
• Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Those visiting who need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more, please ask us in the comments below, Tweet us at @MyPhillyAlive or ask us on our Facebook Page. ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia ~ December 25 & beyond

• Christmas Lunch & Dinner at Plough & the Stars ~ December 25 ~ Come celebrate Christmas Day at Plough & the Stars! They will be open from noon to 2 am! They will be serving food from noon to 8:15 pm. They highly recommend that you make reservations ahead of time. They’ll be serving such meals as: Prime Rib, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Scallop Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Risotto, Vegetarian Pasta and more. The bar will be open until 2 am. ~ Christmas Lunch & Dinner at Plough & the Stars ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ December 25 ~ Starting at 5 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, Experience the creativity and energy of the fabulous Fourth Street and South Street business communities with an evening of extended hours, art, music, food and shopping along Historic Fabric Row (and beyond). ~ 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~  
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ December 27 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~
• New Year’s Eve at Plough and the Stars ~ December 31 ~ Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with Plough & the Stars! You can enjoy a lovely dinner prior to ringing in the New Year with them! At 8:30 pm there will be a $20 cover. They’ll have a DJ rockin out tunes all night long! If you are enjoying a meal or drinks prior, you are good to go. Don’t forget about watching the fireworks at Penn’s Landing! You’ll be able to see them twice that evening and we even have a good view since we are blocks away here in the Old City District! FYI – They’ll be serving brunch from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm on New Year’s Day as well.~ New Year’s Eve at Plough and the Stars ~
• Our Guide to Fireworks for New Year’s Eve ~ December 31 ~ Info coming December 19th! ~ Our Guide to Fireworks for New Year’s Eve ~
• Mummers Parade ~ January 1 ~ Enjoy a long standing Philadelphia tradition while you watch different divisions of the Mummers strut their thing around City Hall and down Broad Street! ~ Mummers Parade ~ 
• Art After 5 ~ January 1 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – TC Carney III – Ring in the new year with the elegant sound of Philadelphia-native T.C. Carney III. Growing up in one of the mot notable jazz families in Philadelphia, this vocalist is no stranger to the stage. Carney has performed all over the east coast and with other artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Duane Eubanks. Count-down the clock with the smooth sounds of jazz. ~ Art After 5 ~ 
• First Friday’s in Old City~ January 1 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ January 1 ~ Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~   
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ January 3 ~ FREE – On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes Foundation will enjoy free admission, family entertainment and informative seminars from 10 am to 6 pm. Free tickets can be obtained at the Barnes Foundation beginning at 9 am. Advance reservations are not available for Free First Sundays. ~ First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation ~   
• Pay As You Wish ~ January 3 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every 1st Sunday of the month from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~

As always, no matter if you are visiting Philadelphia or live in the City of Philadelphia, we hope our list of things to do in Philadelphia helps you out. If you have stumbled upon something else that we did not mention, please let us know in a comment or in an e-mail. If you are a business or organization that has an event coming up, please contact us. MyPhillyAlive If you happened to visit any of the things mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here or on that article describing what you liked about that event or attraction. As always, we would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, MyPhillyAlive

Philadelphia Weather for the weekend of December 18 – 20

Friday  |  AM Clouds & PM Sun  |  High 47°  |  Low 31°
Saturday  |  Sunny  |  High 43°  |  Low 50°
Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 46°  |  Low 34°

Disclaimer : This blog post is a weekly update of things to do in Philadelphia. Please check the date above, when such article was posted. If an earlier date appears above, just go to this link for current events and attractions in Philadelphia. ~ Click : Things to do in Philadelphia ~

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Christmas Village

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