Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas Lights and More!

 ‘Holiday Fun in the City of Brotherly Love!’

Yes, the holidays are here! Since Thanksgiving is later this year, many of us will feel like we are in a fast farward time warp type of machine. But don’t worry, we have a lot of the holiday cheer and fun right here for you and your family!

Kick off the holidays with the Thanksgiving Parade this Thursday, November 28. After this family event, the fun begins with many kinds of holiday shows, holiday light events and much more. Don’t forget to check out our guides to the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations and the top places to watch holiday light attractions (will be posted later today). Please tell us what your favorite holiday events or attractions 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 –

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

Did you know : Philadelphia was named 1 of the top 10 US travel destinations for 2013. Also named for 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 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 22 – 28 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Special Preview ~ Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations ~ December 3 – December 8 ~ Check out the many places throughout Philadelphia to watch tree lighting events.~ Our Guide to Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations ~
• FREE Ice Skating with CBS Promo ~ November 23 & 24 ~  Anyone want a free preview of the Blue Cross RiverRink and Waterfront Winterfest? Skaters are being recruited for a CBS promo spot on Monday, November 25, 12:30-2pm. Free ice skating and parking! If you’re interested in lacing up those skates and getting out on the ice before anyone else, send them an email at info@drwc.org.
• Grand Illumination Celebration ~ November 22 ~ From 6 pm to 10 pm at Peddler’s Village, Santa switches on the Village’s outdoor holiday light display on Friday at 6:15 pm sharp to kick off the holiday season. Santa also will have weekend visits with children at Giggleberry Fair through December. Stop over for free cider and marshmallow toasting that evening. ~ Grand Illumination Celebration ~
• Art After 5 ~ November 22 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Orrin Evans  – Evans has been recognized as one of the most distinctive and inventive pianist of his generation. Described by the New York Times as “a poised artist with an impressive template of ideas at his command,” he is at the forefront of the music scene. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• 100 years in Business Celebration ~ November 23 ~ From noon to 5 pm, come celebrate Cohen & Co. Hardware who celebrates 100 years in business in the South Street community. There will be raffle prizes, auctions, street vendors, Philly Food Trucks & other festivities. 615 East Passyunk Ave (right off South St) ~ The Story About Cohen Co & Hardare ~ ~ Cohen & Co. Hardware 100 year Celebration Event ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~  November 23 & 27 ~ 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 ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ November 27 ~ (Wednesdays) 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 ~
• Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ November 28 ~ Starting at 8:30 am, come out with the family and enjoy the Disney characters, marching bands, large colorful balloon characters and much more. ~ Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~
• Christmas Village at LOVE Park ~ November 28, 2013 – January 1, 2014 ~ Shop at LOVE Park during the holiday season. Explore many hand crafts, food, special events and pictures with Santa. ~ Christmas Village at LOVE Park ~
• Comcast Spectacular ~ November 28, 2013 – January 1, 2014 ~ Come out to the Comcast building to watch this fun & exciting 15 minute holiday show, with mini holiday stories. ~ Comcast Spectacular ~
• Cemetery, Serial Killers; Blood & Beer! ~ Now thru November ~This tour takes you from grave robbers to psychopathic killers, and to the pub at the end of the tour. Check out Grim Philly’s other tours also. ~ Cemetery, Serial Killers, Blood & Beer! ~
• Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ Now until December 31 ~ Lights will create two alternating shows every 30 minutes, from 4:30 pm to 8 pm. The show will feature 50,000 LED lights, plus thousands more lights around the Square, with a sculptural 12-foot tall kite flying 16 feet above the fountain. ~ Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
• Elf Boradway Musical ~ Now until January 5, 2014 ~ It’s up to Buddy, the Elf, to save Christmas! Come experience the Broadway Musical of Elf at the Walnut Street Theater. ~ Elf Musical at Walnut Street Theater ~
• Dinosaurs Unearthed ~ Now until March 30, 2014 ~ At The Academy Of Natural Sciences, come experience life-size, roaring, moving, animatronic, state-of-the-art and scientifically accurate dinosaurs, explore a dig site for young paleontologists as they find dinosaur bones and fossils and much more.  ~ Dinosaurs Unearthed at The Academy Of Natural Sciences ~
• Beyond the Paint: Philadelphia’s Mural Arts ~ Now – April 6, 2014 ~ The Mural Arts Program will be celebrating it’s 30th anniversary in 2014 and this exhibit showcases the cumulative work of 30 years of community engaged art-making in Philadelphia. Beyond the Paint will present archival and documentary material, including timeline-based information, interactive material, and images that are enlivened by the creation of new murals within the gallery space. FREE admission on Sunday’s. ~ Beyond the Paint: Philadelphia’s Mural Arts ~
• One Day in Pompeii ~ Now – April 27, 2014 ~  Here is your chance to experience Pompeii held at The Franklin Institute. Explore 150 plus archaeological treasures, feel the floors shake and the walls rumble as you relive the volcano’s catastrophic eruption and witness the devastation left in its path. ~ One Day in Pompeii at The Franklin Institute ~
• 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 ~
• 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.

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

• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ November 29 – December 31 ~ This spectacular light show is a wonderful family tradition. Come check it out & click on the link for the new hours during the week. ~ Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~
• Ice Skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink ~ November 29, 2013 – March 2, 2014 ~ The Olympic-sized public ice rink offers skating sessions, skating lessons, parties, private functions, pond hockey, season-long special events, as well as skate rentals and sharpening. So stop down at Penn’s Landing for some fun ice skating at the rink.  ~ Ice Skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink ~
• Waterfront Winterferst at Penn’s Landing ~ November 29, 2013 – January 5, 2014 ~ Come experience holiday food, craft beers, holiday shopping, amazing light shows and more right outside the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing. ~ Waterfront Winterferst at Penn’s Landing ~
• Craft Day at Sammi’s Shoe Box ~ November 30 ~ From 9 am to 10 am, allow your kids to create holiday crafts at Sammi’s Shoe Box on East Passyunk Ave. They’ll have juice for the kids as well & discounts on new shoes. ~ Craft Day at Sammi’s Shoe Box ~
• Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol ~ November 30 – December 22 ~ A heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge that takes place at the Walnut Street Theater. ~ Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol ~
• Zoo Noel ~ November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 ~ For three weekends, from 11 am to 3 pm, the Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland as Santa Claus travels to exotic places around the globe.  Encounter festive scenes showcasing life-size replicas of Mr. Claus and ring in the season enjoying the red pandas exploring, the tigers pouncing, and the polar bears frolicking in the season’s crisp December air. ~ Zoo Noel at the Philadelphia Zoo ~
• Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations ~ December 3 – December 8 ~ Check out the many places throughout Philadelphia to watch tree lighting events.~ Our Guide to Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations ~
• City Hall Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony ~ December 4 ~ At LOVE Park, from 5 pm to 6:15 pm, there will be singing, music, food, mulled wine from Chaddsford Winery, and your chance to shop for homemade gifts by some of the vendors at the Christmas Village at LOVE Park. The tree lighting will take place a little after 6 pm.  ~ City Hall Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony ~
• 2013 Nutcracker Market ~ December 6 – 8 ~ This festive holiday market is a fundraiser for Pennsylvania Ballet and The School of Pennsylvania Ballet. It will feature 50 select exhibitors offering a variety of gifts and hand crafted works such as ornaments, jewelry, photography, and dance-inspired pieces. The Market will include daily activities like origami lessons, raffles, visits from the characters of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ & much more. Garces Catering will be serving food & drinks. ~ The Nutcracker Market ~
• The Nutcracker ~ December 7 – December 29 ~ Held at the Academy of Music.   ~ The Nutcracker ~
• Deck the Alley ~ December 7 ~ From 3 – 7 pm. Come out with the family for some fun, while eating some fantastic foods, singing holiday carols, and possibly a surprise visit from some historical figures from the past. ~ Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Philadelphia Eagles Week 13 ~ December 8 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Detroit Lions at 1 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. 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 ~
• Tailgating Philly Style ~ December 8 ~ Come tailgate at One Crazy Fan prior to the Philadelphia Eagles game vs the Detroit Lions with Butz & Butz doing a live sports broadcast, a live DJ – Mike Rossi of East Coast Group, and those crazy Eagles fans. For ticket info, go to the main site. In the Wells Fargo lot, Lot D6. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, 12/5, prior to game. ~ One Crazy Fan Tailgating ~
• Army Navy Game ~ December 14 ~ Info coming soon.

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 22 – 24 & Thanksgiving Day

 

Friday  |  30% Few Showers  |  High 59°  | Low 38°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 48° | Low 26°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy & Wind  |  High 33° |  Low 21°

Thursday  |  Thanksgiving Day  |  Sunny  |  High 37° |  Low 23°

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 ~

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page

Sign up for MyPhillyAlive’s Newsletter