Things To Do In Philadelphia – Holiday Fun In Philly

‘Fun Family Holiday Activities’

Who can believe that Thanksgiving is a week away, with Christmas right around the corner.

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, on November 22nd, is the oldest in the country and will be packed full of  fun for the family and kids.  There will be many holiday events and activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Such things as Christmas Village at Love Park, the Macy’s Holiday Light Show, and even the Ice Skating rink opening up at the Blue Cross RiverRink.

The hustle and bustle is here upon us. Take time to enjoy and cherish these holiday activities with the family and create memories and traditions. Happy Holidays.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ November 16 – 22 ~

• Merchant Open House Weekend at Peddler’s Village ~ November 16 to 18 ~ Free.  Free cider & toasted marshmallows while you check out the light displays & do some of your holiday shopping at the local stores. ~ Merchants Open House Weekend at Peddler’s Village ~
• Shakespeare in the World comes to the Barnes Foundation ~ November 16 ~ From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre partner with the Barnes Foundation with a critical discussion around Shakespeare with guest speakers, live performances and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $30 General Admission & $20 members and can be reserved online or via phone at (866) 849-7056. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
• Art After 5 ~ November 16 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  John Dowell – John Dowell and his musical ensemble. Dowell focuses on the use of colors, rhythms, space, textures, shapes, harmony, linear development, and human feelings. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ November 17 ~ Come get a sneak peak preview of this spectacular light show that will start at 1:45 pm on Saturday and end at 2 pm. Can’t make it, it will start daily starting November 23rd. ~ Macy’s Light Show ~
• Sculptures and Murals (SAM) Tour ~ November 17 ~ Starts at Sister Cities Park, leaving at 2 pm. This tour takes guests for a walk around the Avenue of the Arts, City Hall, through Love Park, and along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to view artistic treasures such as Robert Indiana’s LOVE, Rodin’s The Thinker, The Secret Journey mural, and a dozen more public art gems. ~ Sculpture & Murals Tour ~
• “Fire & Spice” weekends at Chaddsford Winery ~ November 17 & 18 ~ From 12 pm to 6 pm. With two outdoor fire pits on the patio, enjoy a bevy of ‘warming’ foods, such as chili and sausages. Spiced Apple and other fall-and-winter drinks will be featured. ~ Fire & Spice Weekend~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ November 17 & 21 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-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 ~
• Sunday Fun Day at North Bowl ~ November 18 ~ From 3 pm to 8 pm, come make your holiday cards while socializing with others and enjoying the drink specials at North Bowl. ~ Sunday Fun Day at North Bowl ~ ~ Info on North Bowl ~
• Philadelphia Eagles Game 10 ~ November 18 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Washington Redskins at 1 pm at the Redskins. If not going to the game, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
• Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ November 22 ~ Starting at 8 am, this spectacular parade will showcase many fun things for the family to see. ~ Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~
• Christmas Village at the Love Park ~ November 22 to December 22 ~ Come out to Love Park and get into the holiday spirit. Shopping galore, with lots of food, music, live entertainment, and activities for the kids. Check out the daily calendar. ~ Christmas Village at Love Park ~
• The Liar at Lantern Theater Company ~ Now until December 1 ~ This sophisticated, playful comedy is about a charming, handsome man, Dorante, who has come to Paris seeking pleasure. He falls head over heels for the beautiful Clarice, but mistakes her name for that of her best friend. After lying his way into a world of trouble, can Dorante lie his way back out again?  ~ The Liar at the Lantern Theater Company ~
• Freud’s Last Session at the Arden Theatre ~ Now until December 23 ~ Sigmund Freud invites a young C.S. Lewis to his London flat. These two formidable thinkers have an intellectual debate about God, love, science and man’s place in the universe. ~ Freud’s Last Session ~ ~ Info on Arden Theatre Company ~
• Walnut Street Theatre presents The Music Man ~ Now until January 6 ~ A musical, with an early 1900′s story of a Professor coming to town, promising to keep the kids out of trouble. There are some memorable tunes in this show. ~ The Music Man ~ ~ Info on Walnut Street Theatre ~
• 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 ~
• Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~  The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
• Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
• The Swedish American Line Exhibition ~ Now until February 24 ~ From the early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish cruises, visitors will get a look into the fleet’s history, exquisite style and personal stories and anecdotes from former passengers. Taking place at The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. ~ The Swedish American Line Exhibit ~
• Titanic Exhibit ~ Now until April 7, 2013 ~ The Titanic exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of 300 + artifacts from after the Titanic was sunk. This is the 100th anniversary of the tragic story of 1,502 people that lost their lives. ~ Titanic Exhibit ~
• Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide~

Come Back later this afternoon or evening for more things added to the Philly to do list!

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.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Ice Skating at Blue Cross River Rink ~ November 23 ~ Come on out with the family, significant other, or friends and enjoy ice skating down at Penn’s Landing. ~ Ice Skating at the Blue Cross River Rink ~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ November 23 to December 31 ~ Come experience a holiday tradition and start one with the family. This amazing 15 minute light show can’t be missed. ~ Macy’s Light Show ~
• Small Business in Manayunk ~ November 24 ~  ~ Small Business in Manayunk ~
• Final Tours of Philly Painting ~ November 28 & December 2 ~ From 10 am to Noon. A representative from the community educates guests on the history of the corridor, the mural making process, and explains how the project is unfolding. Departs from Mural Arts at The Gallery, 9th  & Market Streets, Level 2. $30 for adults, $28 for seniors 65+, $20 for children 3 to 12, children under 2 free. Tickets can be purchased at muralarts.org or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Deck the Alley 2012 at Elfreth’s Alley ~ December 1 ~ From 4 pm to 7 pm. Come celebrate  a Colonial Christmas on Elfreth’s Alley. Featuring: tours of Elfreth’s Alley’s private historic homes, holiday treats, caroling in the alley, colonial artisans, and a one-of-a-kind raffle! ~ What is Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~ ~ Deck the Alley tickets ~
• Santa on Ice & Tree Lighting Ceremony in Manayunk ~ December 1 ~ From 1 pm to 8 pm.  ~ Santa on Ice & Tree Lighting Ceremony ~
• Peace Around the World at the Penn Museum ~ December 2 ~  ~ Info on Penn Museum ~
• Shakespeare in the World comes to the Barnes Foundation ~ December 21 ~ From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre partner with the Barnes Foundation with a critical discussion around Shakespeare with guest speakers, live performances and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $30 General Admission & $20 members and can be reserved online or via phone at (866) 849-7056. ~ Barnes Foundation ~

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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of November 16 – 18

 

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 51°  | Low 31°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny |  High 53° | Low 34°

Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 52° |  Low 39°

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 ~

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