Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Holiday Events In Philly, Film Festivals, Opening Weekend At Penn Museum, Eagles vs Patriots and More!

Philadelphia Skyline Courtesy of Philly Chit Chat

Philadelphia Skyline By Philly Chit Chat

‘Philly Fun In November!’

 

The weekend kicks off with ice skating at Dilworth Park, Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination Celebration, Oyster Fest at Reading Terminal Market, A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation DeckGersham Philadelphia Jewish Film FestivalElectrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village,Philadelphia Asian American Film FestivalHamilton at the Forrest Theatre and more. 

During the weekend enjoy ice skating at Dilworth Park, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre, Gersham Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy Quizzo at Plough and the Stars, Taste of Philly at the Crystal Tea Room, ice skating at Dilworth Park, Pay-What-You-Wish, Gersham Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink, Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall, First Friday, First Sunday, 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites 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. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

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 15 – 21

 

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. ~ Philadelpha Museums ~   
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts  
  • Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival ~ November 15 – 17 ~ Various locations in Philadelphia to include Lightbox Film Center at 3701 Chestnut Street. The largest of its kind on the East Coast, this film festival is dedicated to celebrating and elevating the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders also includes theatrical and musical performances at locations throughout the city. ~ Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival ~
  • Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre ~ November 15 – 17 (select dates) ~ Held at The Forrest Theatre at 1114 Walnut Street. Hello Philadelphia! Welcome Hamilton! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s record-breaking Broadway show about the Founding Fathers features a historic story line set to a modern-day score of hip-hop, blues, R&B and jazz. Prices start at $129. Fans can enter a lottery daily for the chance to win $10 tickets. ~ Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre ~  
  • Gersham Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ November 15 – 23 ~ Held at various locations throughout Philadelphia to include the National Museum of American Jewish History at 101 S. Independence Mall East. Guests can enjoy screenings, panels, parties which make up a collection of films that celebrate Jewish values, history and heritage. Featured screenings include odes to Jewish food, historical films that explore tougher subjects and more.  ~ Gersham Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ 
  • Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village ~ November 15 – January 4, 2020 ~ Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA. Guests enter their entries in several categories: Traditional, Authentic Reproduction, 3-D, Movie or TV Set, Firehouse at Christmas, Student, Kids Only and more. The Gingerbread entries will be on exhibit in the Village Gazebo during shopping hours from November 15 through January 4, 2020. ~  Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village ~
  • Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 15 – February 23 ~ Enjoy ice skating, food, drinks, special events and more! ~ Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink
  • Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 15 – December 31 ~ FREE to attend – Pay-As-You-Go. This attraction features a 10-foot-tall kite made of lights that sparkle and spread down a custom 250-foot kite string and hundreds of feet of holiday garlands, which will cover the Square. These lights are set to dazzle you eight times daily, every 30 minutes, between 4:30 to 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 9:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays. You can experience two different seven-minute shows that will alternate throughout each evening. Throughout the season, enjoy many events such as FranklinSquareFridays, The Grinch, Thankful Friday, the arrival of Santa Claus, Star Wars, The Nutcracker, Frozen, Hanukkah/Kwanzas Celebration, Santa Saturdays, Seasonal Sounds on Sundays, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa PAWS, Lightning Bolt Holiday Express train rides around the Square, and the traditional family-friendly Kid’s New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
  • City Winery Philadelphia ~ Now Open ~ Thanks to Founder & CEO Michael Dorf and his team, they have brought you a venue that offers excellent tasting wine, food and music, all in one place. For those music lovers, you’ll enjoy great shows in either their loft, that holds approximately 150 people or their main room, which holds approximately 350 people, to listen to some of the best performers around the country! The shows will begin September 27. Tickets for many shows are going quickly, so get them now! Get Tickets! ~ City Winery Philadelphia ~
  • CandyTopia ~ Now Open ~ Located at 901 Market Street. Candytopia is an outrageously interactive candy wonderland that transports guests to an imaginative confectionery world with a one-of-a-kind full sensory experiences—you can expect larger-than-life installations inspired by pure, sugary bliss throughout Candytopia’s dozen unique rooms, along with candy samples and lots of fun surprises. ~ CandyTopia

Date Specific Events & Activities: 

November 15 – 21

 

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts  
  • Friday Nights Art ~ November 15 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art 
  • Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination Celebration ~ November 15 ~ FREE – Pay-As-You-Go. From 6 pm – 9 pm at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA. Tens of thousands of twinkling lights kick off the holiday season during the Grand Illumination Celebration, when Santa Claus himself flips the switch to turn on the majestic holiday lights. Guests can also check out the Gingerbread House Display and enjoy free hot apple cider and marshmallow roasting. ~ Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination Celebration ~
  • Oyster Fest at Reading Terminal Market ~ November 15 ~ (Tickets Sold Out) From 7 pm – 9 pm at Reading Terminal Market. Enjoy raw oysters from Pearl’s Oyster Bar, craft beer from Molly Malloy’s, and oyster stew from Beck’s Cajun CafeYou’ll have a blast and proceeds will benefit our programming for The Strawberry Mansion Learning Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.  ~ Oyster Fest at Reading Terminal Market ~
  • Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ November 16 ~ 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 ~
  • Liberty Lands Market ~ November 16 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh org8nic produce to hand crafted wears and lotions. Hand made soaps, Ice Creams, sauces, organic teas and coffees and more. Part of the market, you will find animal rescues with adoptables & pet products. ~ Liberty Lands Market ~ 
  • Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ November 16 ~ From 9 am to 3 pm from 18th & Walnut Streets, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, fresh seafood, fresh bread and much more! ~ Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
  • Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ November 16 ~ 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 ~  
  • Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ November 16 – 17 FREE – Saturday & Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm at Yards Brewery, enjoy a wonderful tour of the brewery! All tour-goers must be 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bus tours, private tours and guided tastings are offered by appointment only. Please contact events@yardsbrewing.com for booking information. ~ Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ 
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ November 16 & 20 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 ~ November 17 ~ Established in 2007, this market is located in the historic Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Featuring more than 40 vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
  • Irish Sessions ~ November 17 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm (tonight 1 pm – 4 pm because of the Eagles Sunday Night game) at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Irish music while enjoying drinks and or your dinner.  
  • Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ November 18 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy Quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~   
  • Pay-What-You-Wish ~ November 20 ~ 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 ~ 
  • Taste of Philly at The Crystal Tea Room ~ November 20 ~ 6 pm – 9 pm at The Crystal Tea Room at 100 Penn Sq. E., 9th Fl. Enjoy an evening of sampling food, wine, craft beer and liquor from Philadelphia restaurants and favorite wineries & breweries while enjoying great unique live entertainment. ~ Taste of Philly at The Crystal Tea Room ~
  • Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 21 – December 31 ~ FREE to attend – Pay-As-You-Go. Opening night, Nov 14, from 4:30 pm to 8 pm. Greet Ben Franklin, take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Holiday Express Train, and try out Ben’s Sweets & Treats. Musicians from The Philly Pops® and The Philly POPS® Festival Chorus entertain the crowd and help countdown to lighting the first showing of the Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle presented by PECO at 5 pm. Benjamin Franklin, The Grinch, and Frozen Princesses will be joining the celebration, and SquareBurger will also debut its seasonal additions to the menu. Throughout the season, enjoy many events such as FranklinSquareFridays, The Grinch, Thankful Friday, the arrival of Santa Claus, Star Wars, The Nutcracker, Frozen, Hanukkah/Kwanzas Celebration, Santa Saturdays, Seasonal Sounds on Sundays, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa PAWS, Lightning Bolt Holiday Express train rides around the Square, and the traditional family-friendly Kid’s New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
  • The Rail Park Opening ~ Now Open This awesome new public space is FREE to the public.  This space allows visitors to enjoy seating, public art, greenery and elevated city views! The area stretches from Broad and Noble streets, jumps up to the Reading Viaduct overhead and ends above the 1100 block of Callowhill Street. ~ The Rail Park Opening ~
  • Franklin Square ~ Open Now 2019 ~ Enjoy mini-golf, a carousel, food and drink options and an outdoor space for kids or to simply hang out at Franklin Square. ~ 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 ~
  • Museum of the American Revolution – The Museum of the American Revolution tells the full story of the American Revolution and explores its ongoing legacy, showcasing a vast collection. There are over 3,000 artifacts that have been collected to include General George Washington’s marquee and much more. The museum anchors the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
  • 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 22 & beyond

 

  • Friday Nights Art ~ November 22 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art 
  • Dinos After Dark ~ November 22 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this fall, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark
  • 4th Friday in Headhouse District November 22 ~ 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 ~ 
  • Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 22 – December 31 ~ FREE to attend – Pay-As-You-Go. Throughout the season, enjoy many events such as FranklinSquareFridays, The Grinch, Thankful Friday, the arrival of Santa Claus, Star Wars, The Nutcracker, Frozen, Hanukkah/Kwanzas Celebration, Santa Saturdays, Seasonal Sounds on Sundays, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa PAWS, Lightning Bolt Holiday Express train rides around the Square, and the traditional family-friendly Kid’s New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
  • Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ November 25 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old CityBig Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~
  • Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall ~ November 25 – January 1 ~   ~ Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall ~
  • First Friday in Old City~ December 6 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 in Manayunk ~ December 6 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 ~ December 8 ~ 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 8 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 ~ 
  • 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ December 13 ~ From noon to 4 pm every 2nd Saturday until October. Held at various locations including Johnson House Historic Site at 6306 Germantown Avenue. Visitors can explore 18 total Historic Germantown sites and pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy special activities, refreshments and extended hours at sites like Awbury Arboretum and Johnson House. ~ 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~

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 15 – 17

Friday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 54°  |  Low 32°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 39°  |  Low 30° 
Sunday | Cloudy | High 43° | 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 ~

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy Philly Chit Chat for MyPhillyAlive

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