Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ LOVE Park Tree Lighting, Christmas Village, Blue Cross RiverRink and More!

Tree Lighting at LOVE Park Philadelphia

‘Holiday Fun in Philadelphia’

This weekend kicks off with the LOVE Park, Mt. Airy and the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest tree lighting celebrations! Also kick of your weekend with ice skating at Dilworth Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink, the holiday light show at Franklin Square and A Christmas Story Musical. During the weekend enjoy the Christmas, a free food demo with Jim Kenney and Chef Bill Beck at City Kitchen in the Reading Terminal Market, Franklin Flea Holiday Market, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with the South Street Headhouse tree lighting celebration, the Philadelphia Eagles at the New England Patriots, and an Irish Session at the Plough.

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, First Friday, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village, the  many tree lighting ceremonies in Philadelphia 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 updatesMyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlivewe 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 4 – 10 ~

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 ~
  • Our Guide to All Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philadelphia ~ December 4 – 12 ~ Enjoy many different neighborhood tree lighting celebrations in Philadelphia ~ Our Guide to All Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philadelphia ~
  • Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~ December 4 – 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 4 – 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 4 – 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 4 – 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 ~ December 4 – 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 ~
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ December 4 – 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 4  – 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 ~
  • Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ December 4  – 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ December 4 – 10 ~

  • 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 4 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Holiday Jazz – Kick off the holiday season with George Burton’s Christmas Yule Log. This holiday show features a genre-defying rhythm section, complemented by a string trio featuring virtuosic violinist Diane Monroe, and sultry melodies from jazz vocalist Nancy Harms. The harmonic and rhythmic exchange between this stellar lineup will find listeners singing and swinging right alongHeld at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
  • LOVE Park Tree Lighting ~ December 4 ~ Starting at 4 pm at LOVE Park not only will have their tree lighting celebration, but will also have their Lantern Parade that starts at 5 pm. Philly Pops Festival Brass Quintet will perform holiday favorites and set the perfect backdrop for the lighting of the tree at 6:20 pm. Afterwards, mingle around the Christmas Village and get some holiday shopping done.. ~ LOVE Park tree lighting celebration ~
  • Mt. Airy Tree Lighting ~ December 4 ~ Starting at 4:30 pm, Mt. Airy rings in the Holiday Season with events all weekend, kicked off by a tree lighting on the Lutheran Theological Seminary campus at 5:30 pm with music from the Salvation Army Brass Band, followed by caroling. There will be a store-wide sale on all holiday trimmings. The event is held at the William Allen Plaza on the LTSP Campus at 7301 Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy.  ~ Mt. Airy Tree Lighting ~  
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Tree Lighting ~ December 4 ~ Head on over to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River Waterfront and be dazzled by the tree lighting of a 43-foot-tall tree. From 6 pm to 9 pm, enjoy performances from In the Mix A Capella Group, the Philadelphia Youth Ballet, the Philadelphia Symmetry Synchronized Skating, Olde Towne Carolers, Santa Clause, Santa’s Elves and many more. ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Tree Lighting
  • First Friday’s in Old CityDecember 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 ~  
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 4 ~ 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 5 ~ 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 5 ~ 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 ~  
  • FREE Cooking Demo with Jim Kenney & Chef Bill Beck ~ December 5 ~ FREE  – Starting at noon, come on out for some cooking fun as Mayor-elect Jim Kenney teams up with Chef Bill Beck from Beck’s Cajun Cafe inside City Kitchen at Reading Terminal Market. They will be making one of their favorite Cajun inspired dishes, Turkey and Andoullie gumbo! Article by Tara Nurin from Philly Magazine. Cooking with Jim Kenney – More info > ~ FREE Cooking Demo with Jim Kenney & Chef Bill Beck ~
  • Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~ December 5 ~ Held at Elfreth’s Alley from 3 pm to 7 pm, residents decorate their homes in the holiday spirit and are kind enough to open their houses to the public, allowing you to see these historic homes. There will be food, music and special guests.  ~ Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 5 ~ 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 ~  
  • 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 ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours December 5 & 9 ~ 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 ~
  • Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~ December 5, 12, 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 ~
  • 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 ~   
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 6 ~ 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 ~  
  • 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots December 6 ~ At 4:00 pm at Gillette Stadium. – Not going the the Eagles game, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles! ~ Sports Bars in Philadelphia ~
  • 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 ~
  • Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ December 6 ~ 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 9 ~ 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 9 ~ 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 MuseumBest 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 11 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ December 11 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Hanukkah Party – The Shining Stars Orchestra entertain with klezmer and Yiddish music. Co-presented with Temple University’s Feinstein Center for American Jewish History. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
  • Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ December 14 ~ 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 ~ 
  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~  
  • First Friday’s in Old CityJanuary 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 4 – 6

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 52°  |  Low 34°
Saturday  |  Sunny  |  High 53°  |  Low 32°
Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 56°  |  Low 35°

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: Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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