Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Holiday Light Show, Ice Skating, Beer and Bacon Festival and More!

The Ben franklin Bridge Courtesy of Christopher Nowaczyk

‘Holiday Fun in Philadelphia’

This weekend kicks off with ice skating at Dilworth Park, the holiday light show at Franklin Square, Peddler’s Village Kick Off to the Holidays, A Christmas Story Musical and the continuation of Scary Factual Stories with Grim Philly. During the weekend enjoy Love Your Park Fall Service Day, the Philadelphia Bacon & Beer Festival, the National Dog Show, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with Fort Day at Smith Playground, Philadelphia Eagles vs Miami Dolphins and an Irish Session at the Plough.

During the week, enjoy Target Community Nights at Franklin Institute and films at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. 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  the Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler’s Village, Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon, Thanksgiving Day Parade, 4th Friday, First Friday, Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village 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  ~ November 13 – 19 ~

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 ~
• Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival ~ November 13 – 22 ~ The 7th annual festival seeks to educate and expose people about films by Asian American filmmakers. The films are shown at two locations, International House & Asian Arts Initiative. ~ Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival ~
• Scary Factual Stories with Grim Philly ~ November 13 – 24 ~ If you love scary stories with factual events, while having fun and exploring parts of Philadelphia, check out Grim Philly Twilight Tours in the Old City District! Special Discount! Exclusively through MyPhillyAlive, we are offering 15% off all 4 tours being offered by Grim Philly now. Promotional Code: MyPhillyAlive15 ~ Grim Philly Tours ~  
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 13 – December 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 ~  
• A Christmas Story, The Musical ~ November 14 – January 4 ~ 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 ~
• Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ November 13, 2015 – 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ November 13 – 19 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Art After 5 ~ November 13 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Diwali Party – Temple Bhangra dance company, a Temple University student-led Indian Bhangra dance company, perform their award-winning dance routines showcasing the finest movements of festive Bhangra dance styles. Also performing is Temple Agni- an all-female company performing mesmerizing dances with the exciting flair of Bollywood cinematic choreography. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Peddler’s Village Kick Off to the Holidays ~ November 13 ~ From 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, join Mrs. Claus for a Light Parade throughout the Village, starting at the Courtyard with a mini-lighting at 6:30 pm. With her Brass Band and our guests, Mrs. Claus will be lighting magical trees on the paths through the Village. All of the fun which leads you up to the Village-wide Grand Illumination Celebration on November 20. ~ Peddler’s Village Kick Off to the Holidays ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ November 13 ~ 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 ~
• Love Your Park Fall Service Day ~ November 14 ~ Help clean up your city parks! For list of participating parks, click here. To register online, click here.  ~ Love Your Park Fall Service Day ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ November 14 ~ 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 ~ November 14 ~ 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 ~   
• Philadelphia Bacon & Beer Festival ~ November 14 ~ From 2:30 pm to 5 pm at the 23rd Street Armory, the festival brings together area restaurants and breweries to offer creative bacon-based dishes & fine brews. ~ The Philadelphia Bacon & Beer Festival ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ November 14 ~ 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 ~  
• National Dog Show ~ November 14 & 15 ~ Held at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia in Oaks, Pa. Enjoy dog training, grooming, incredible tricks & more. ~ National Dog Show ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ November 14 & 18 ~ 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 ~
• Fort Day at Smith Playground ~ November 15 ~ From 11 am to 2 pm at Smith Playground, come celebrate International Fort Day by building forts out of natural and found objects at Smith!  All ages are welcome. Smith is located at 3500 Reservoir Drive in East Fairmount Park.  ~  Fort Day at Smith Playground ~
• Philadelphia Eagles vs Miami Dolphins~ November 15 ~ At 1:00 pm at Lincoln Financial Field – Not going the the Eagles game, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles! ~ Sports Bars in Philadelphia ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ November 15 ~ 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 ~ 
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ November 15 ~ 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! ~ November 18 ~ 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 ~  
• Target Community Nights at Franklin Institute ~ November 18 ~ FREE fun at the Franklin Institute from 5 pm – 8 pm on the third Wednesday of the month unless otherwise specified (until January 22, 2015). Experience The Franklin Institute’s famous exhibitions, special programs, and themed activities. ~ Free Fun at Franklin Institute ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ November 18 ~ 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 ~ November 20 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ November 20 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Indian Jazz – Violinist Arun Ramamurthy’s Trio discovers new aspects of millennia-old pieces and moments of organic conversation between two traditions, both based on a balance of rigor and freedom. They stay true to the raga, the modes which form the melodic foundation for Indian classical composition, while finding the full sonic identity of a skilled ensemble. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler’s Village ~ November 20 ~ FREE – Lights go on at 6:15 pm at Peddler’s Village. Enjoy this wonderful outdoor holiday light display that kicks off the holiday season. Free cider and marshmallow toasting, shops (open until 10 pm that evening) and preview all the great holiday gifts in store. ~ Grand Illumination Celebration ~
• Philadelphia Marathon Activities & Events ~ November 20 – 22 ~ Race Weekend offers competitors and fans three days of dynamic events! ~ Philadelphia Marathon Activities & Events ~
• Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~ November 21 & 22 ~ Get a sneak peak of the Christmas Village from 11 am to 8 pm at Love Park! Shop at 60+ vendor booths, enjoy holiday foods, live music, live entertainment & much more. ~ Christmas Village ~
• Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon ~ November 22 ~ Starting at  7:00 am at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If not participating, come out and cheer on the runners! ~ Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ November 22 ~ 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 ~ 
• Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ November 26 ~ Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest in the country! Starting at 8:30 am, come out with the family and enjoy the Disney characters, marching bands, floats, large colorful balloon characters and much more. ~ Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~
• Christmas Village ~ November 26 – December 27 ~ Christmas Village is at Love Park! Shop at 60+ vendor booths, enjoy holiday foods, live music, live entertainment & much more. ~ Christmas Village ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ November 27 ~ 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 ~  
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ November 27 – 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 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ December 4 ~ 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 ~ December 4 ~ 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 ~  
• Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ December 5 & 6 ~ Opens at 10 am both days. The Santa parade happens both days and starts at the Courtyard, on the corner of 202 & Street Road at 1:30 pm sharp. Santa kicks off the Christmas Festival by parading through Peddler’s Village and ending at Giggleberry Fair with all of his friends, Mrs. Claus and his helpers. Come and enjoy a hot cider, toasted marshmallows and other seasonal favorites of our Christmas Festival. ~ Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ December 6 ~ 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 ~ December 6 ~ 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 ~
• South Street Headhouse Winter Extravaganza & Tree Lighting ~ December 6 ~ The event will take place from 4 pm to 7 pm, with dance performances by the Society Hill Dance Academy and the Philadelphia Dance Academy, free horse-drawn carriage rides and much more. Santa visits at 5 pm and the tree lighting will begin at 6:30 pm. Don’t forget to visit the shops and restaurants afterwards. ~ South Street Headhouse Winter Extravaganza & Tree Lighting ~
• Seaport Parade of Lights ~ December 12 ~ Festivities start at 11 am. Head on over to the Delaware River waterfront for the 5th annual Seaport Parade of Lights. Guest will enjoy both pleasure boats and working vessels decked out in fabulous decorations and lights. Before the parade, head to the Independence Seaport Museum, which is hosting the parade for lots of holiday activities and festivities. The light parade will begin at 5:30 pm. Tip: For the best view for the parade, go to the second floor balcony of the museum that overlooks the Delaware River.  ~ Seaport Parade of Lights ~ ~ Click here for more details ~

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 November 13 – 15

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 57°  |  Low 40°
Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 51°  |  Low 36°
Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 60°  |  Low 40°

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: The Ben franklin Bridge Courtesy of Christopher Nowaczyk

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page