‘Celebrating The End Of 2018 In Philadelphia’
The weekend kicks off with holiday shows such as the Nutcracker, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, the continuation of Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation, & the Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey exhibit, Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences and more.
During the weekend enjoy Mummer Day at the Market, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park & the Blue Cross RiverRink, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.
New Year’s Eve, enjoy fireworks at 6 pm & midnight at many locations throughout Philadelphia!
New Year’s Day, enjoy the Mummers Parade!
During the week enjoy holiday shows such as the Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol, the Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, ice skating rinks, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.
NOTE about the Federal Government Shutdown: The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall are open from December 28 to 30, despite the federal government shutdown, for visitors and residents to enjoy during the busy holiday weekend thanks to VisitPhilly! Many other attractions in Philadelphia’s Historic District are open for the duration of the shutdown, including the Independence Visitor Center, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Museum of American Jewish History, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and Cherry Street Pier.
In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday, First Sunday, the Biggest Party with Hair O’ the Dog 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 ~ December 28 – January 4 ~
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 ~
- Our Guide to Fireplaces at restaurants & bars in Philadelphia ~ December 28 – February 28 ~ We have listed 34 bars & restaurants located in Philadelphia that have a fireplace to cozy up to while eating & drinking! ~ Our Guide to Fireplaces at restaurants & bars in Philadelphia ~
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas ~ December 27 – 29 ~ Enjoy this wonderful Dr. Seuss’ musical How The Grinch Stole Christmas at the Merriam Theater! Make this a family tradition! ~ Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas ~
- Family Things To Do In Philadelphia During The Holidays ~ December 27 – 31 ~ This is a great time of year with many different kinds of activities and events during the holidays for the family. Here is our guide to family things to do during the holidays in Philadelphia. ~ Family Things To Do In Philadelphia During The Holidays ~
- The Nutcracker ~ December 27 – 31 ~ The Nutcracker, a Pennsylvania Ballet’s performance by George Balanchine at The Academy of Music, is a beloved tale of as Marie and her Prince share a magical gift that transports them to a suspenseful battle between soldiers and mice, a glistening forest full of snow, and into the Land of Sweets. ~ The Nutcracker ~
- Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ December 27 – 31 ~ The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square is one for the whole family to enjoy. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 75,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
- Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~ December 27 – 31 ~ Held at the National Constitution Center. The exhibition focuses on Alexander Hamilton and the challenging relationships and friendships he had with some of our country’s history makers such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Aaron Burr. ~ Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~
- Viking Fest ~ December 27 – until unknown ~ From 10 am – 3 pm at the Franklin Institute. Celebrate the opening of the new Vikings: Beyond The Legend exhibit with a festival that includes performances, demonstrations, reenactments and 21-foot long replica ship! ~ Viking Fest ~
- Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~ December 27, 2018 – January 21, 2019 ~ Come face-to-feet with nearly 20 massive, colorful, moving bugs! From a fluttering oversized monarch butterfly and a fluffy tri-colored bumblebee to a gigantic Madagascar hissing cockroach and a blood-sucking bed bug, these towering animatronics tell a rarely seen story of the behaviors and intricacies of extreme bugs. Get a bug’s-eye view of the world, explore critter calls, dig for ancient arthropods, and play an Xtreme bug facts game. ~ Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~
- Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ December 27 – February 24, 2019 ~ Dilworth Park has been transformed into an Ice Skating Rink outside of City Hall. Known as the Rothman Ice Rink, it is open 7 days a week, to include all holidays. So make plans with the family, with friends, and enjoy this new found winter location in the heart of Philadelphia. ~ Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~
Date Specific Events & Activities ~ December 28 – January 4 ~
- Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of December ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for December 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
- Friday Nights Art ~ December 28 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Feliz Navidad Fiesta - Celebrate a Feliz Navidad with the music of Jarana Beat, rooted in Mexico’s Afro-Amerindian sounds and sure to make you move. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~
- Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ December 29 ~ 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 ~ December 29 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh organic 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 ~ December 29 ~ 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 ~ December 29 ~ 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 ~
- Mummer Day at the Market ~ December 29 ~ 11 am – 2 pm – Enjoy Mummer Day at the Reading Terminal Market with performances, a cooking demo, and arts and crafts! ~ Mummer Day at the Market ~
- The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum ~ December 29 ~ Held at Morris Arboretum 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The Holiday Garden Railway showcases a miniature winter wonderland complete with a quarter-mile of model-train track, seven loops and tunnels, 15 rail lines and model trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia landmarks adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. ~ The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum ~
- Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ December 29 & 30 ~ FREE – Saturdays & 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 ~ December 29 & January 2~ 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 30 ~ 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 ~ December 30 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm (but on Dec 30th 12:30 pm – 4 pm) at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Iriic while enjoying drinks and or your dinner.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Parties ~ December 31 ~ Enjoy fireworks at 6 pm & midnight at many locations throughout Philadelphia! ~ New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Parties ~
- Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ December 31 – February 24, 2019 ~ Dilworth Park has been transformed into an Ice Skating Rink outside of City Hall. Known as the Rothman Ice Rink, it is open 7 days a week, to include all holidays. So make plans with the family, with friends, and enjoy this new found winter location in the heart of Philadelphia. ~ Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~
- Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
- Mummers Parade ~ January 1 ~ Enjoy one of Philadelphia’s longest standing traditions as you watch the Mummers strut their stuff leading past City Hall! ~ Mummers Parade ~
- Pay-What-You-Wish ~ January 2 ~ 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 ~
- 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 March 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 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 ~
- 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 ~ January 4 & beyond
- Friday Nights Art ~ January 4 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Classic Cartoon Jazz Party - Get in the spirit of the season with songs from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The Cartoon Christmas Trio welcomes special appearances by the Cartoon Christmas Chorus under the direction of M’Balia Singley and by world-class baritone Grant Youngblood.. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~
- First Friday in Old City~ January 4 ~ 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 ~ January 4 ~ 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 ~ January 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 ~ January 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 ~
- 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ January 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 ~
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 28 – January 1
Friday | 100% Rain | High 60° | Low 47°
Saturday | Mostly Sunny | High 51° | Low 30°
Sunday | Partly Cloudy | High 41° | Low 32°
Monday | 100% Rain (overcast skies late) | High 50° | Low 48° (New Year’s Eve)
Tuesday | Partly Cloudy | High 56° | Low 35° (New Year’s Day)
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 of Delaware River Waterfront for MyPhillyAlive
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