Things to do in Philadelphia ~ Winterfest at Delaware River Waterfront, Holiday Lights and More!

Fireplace in Lodge at Winterfest

Friends Enjoying Fireplace at Winterfest

‘Holiday Fun in Philly’

So many things to explore during the holidays. Have you been to the holiday train display at Reading Terminal Market? How about the Comcast Holiday Spectacular?

This weekend kicks off with ice skating at the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, relaxtion at WinterFest at the Delaware River Waterfront, holiday light shows & videos, and holiday shopping at different venues. Also enjoy activities such as the Mary Poppins show, magic shows, farmers’ markets and much more. End your weekend with more of the same or just relax at Winterfest.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for fireworks on New Years Eve and the Mummers Parade.

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.

Photo of Rothman Ice Rink Courtesy of Peter Tobia

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ December 19 – 25 ~

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 & Holidays

  • Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
  • Our Guide to Restaurants & Bars with fireplaces ~ Check out the many bars & restaurants in Philly that have fireplaces. Do you have a favorite, then tell us. Thx ~ Our Guide to Restaurants & bars with fireplaces ~
  • Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~ December 19 – December 23; Closed Thanksgiving, November 27 ~ 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 19 – December 28 ~ Shop at 60+ vendor booths, enjoy holiday foods, live music, live entertainment & much more. ~ Christmas Village ~
  • Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ December 19 – 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 ~  
  • Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ December 19 – December 31 ~ Enjoy the Macy’s Light Show  which 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 ~
  • Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ December 19 – January 1 ~ This High-Tech Holiday Show allows the visitor to 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. ~ Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~
  • Mary Poppins ~ December 19 – January 4 ~ Enjoy Mary Poppins at the Walnut Street Theater heading into the holidays. Kids will love this show! ~ Mary Poppins at Walnut Street Theater ~
  • Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ December 19, 2014 – February 22, 2015 ~ Enjoy ice skating at the new Dilworth Park! Bring your skates or rent them, as you skate with City Hall in the background. ~ Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ December 19, 2014 – March 1, 2015 ~ 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, shopping and much more.  ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ December 19 – 25

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of December ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for December 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Art After 5 ~ December 19 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Festival of Lights  – Get your festive groove on with DeLeon, a New York-based band that transforms Sephardic folk music into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 19 ~ 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 ~
  • Phila Flea Markets December 20 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 4 pm, 100+ vendors will be at the Spring Garden Indoor Antique & Vintage Flea MarketThey’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ December 20 ~ 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 ~
  • Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~ December 20 ~ 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 ~
  • Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ December 20 ~ 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 ~  
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ December 20 ~ 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 20 & 24 ~ 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 ~
  • Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ December 20 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds the city’s largest outdoor market at 2nd and Lombard streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
  • 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles ~ December 20 ~ Philadelphia Eagles play at the Washington Redskins at 4:30 pm! Come tailgate early.  Not going to the Philadelphia Eagles game? Hang out at the many bars/restaurants at XFinity Live or these sports bars throughout Philly – Click Here. Go Eagles!! 
  • Free Parking! ~ December 24 ~ 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 24 ~ 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 ~ 
  • 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 26 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ December 26 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Barbara Montgomery Holiday Jazz – Barbara Montgomery sings a program of holiday songs, many that she recorded with master jazz pianist Tom Lawton, with a reflection on giving, sharing, and for being there when our loved ones need us. Her soulful interpretations will leave you with humble tidings that enhance the holiday spirit. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ December 31 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 ~
  • New Years Eve Fireworks ~ December 31 ~ Check out the many places to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks taking place at 6 pm & at midnight. ~ New Years Eve Fireworks ~
  • Mummers Parade – January 1 ~ Enjoy an old Philadelphia tradition as you watch the Mummers strut in Philadelphia. ~ Mummers Parade ~
  • First Friday’s in Old CityJanuary 2 ~ 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 2 ~ 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 ~  
  • Phila Flea Markets ~ January 3 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 4 pm, 100+ vendors will be at the Spring Garden Indoor Antique & Vintage Flea Market. They’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
  • First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ January 4 ~ 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 4~ 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~ January 18-23 & 25-30 ~ Enjoy 3-course lunches for $20 & 3-course dinners for $30 at 130+ restaurants all throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~

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 19 – 21

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 40°  | Low 29°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 39° | Low 31°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 42°  |  Low 33°

Christmas Eve | 80% Rain & Thunder  |  High 59°  |  Low 37°

Christmas Day | Partly Cloudy  |  High 47°  |  Low 36°

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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