Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Philadelphia Marathon, LumiNature At The Philadelphia Zoo, A Longwood Christmas At Longwood Gardens, Holiday Attractions and More!

‘Fall Fun In Philadelphia!’

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The weekend kicks off with Philadelphia Marathon activities, An evening with Sutton Foster at the Merriam Theater, Mean Girls production, ice skating at Dilworth Park, A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck, Gersham Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village and more. 

During the weekend enjoy Philadelphia Marathon activities, Mean Girls production, ice skating at Dilworth Park, 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, Mean Girls production, Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall, ice skating at Dilworth Park, Pay-What-You-Wish, 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, First Friday, First Sunday, 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites, Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District 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: 

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 ~  
• Gersham Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ November 22 – 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 ~ 
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~ November 22 – 24 ~ Over 30,000 athletes will be running through historic Center City, past the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. Check out the designated Cheer Zones for the best places to watch along the race route. The weekend will also include an 8K race, half-marathon, a Kids Fun Run, and the Health & Fitness Expo. ~ Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~
• Mean Girls at the Academy of Music ~ November 22 – December 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street.  Enjoy this hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey. After years abroad, a home-schooled teenage girl experiences a wicked and funny immersion in high school cliques and rivalries. ~ Mean Girls at the Academy of Music ~
• A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck ~ November 22 – December 30 (Fridays through Sundays at selected times) ~ Held at One Liberty Observation Deck at 1650 Market Street, 57th floor. Guided holiday tours of the attraction take place Fridays through Sundays at select times and are included with general admission. ~ Get Tix ~ ~ A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 22 – 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 ~
• Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village ~ November 22 – 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 ~
• LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ November 22 – January 5 (select dates) ~ Held at Philadelphia Zoo at 3400 W. Girard Avenue. This immersive display transforms the zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia light and music spectacle. Dancing lights and sounds throughout furnish illusions of animals (and trees!) coming to life. A flock of plastic flamingos forms a 25-foot-tall tree, an enormous polar bear display broadcasts the magnificence of our planet and all four seasons host their very own party. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to spark the holiday spirit. ~ LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo ~
• A Longwood Christmas at a Longwood Gardens ~ November 22 – January 5 ~ Held at Longwood Gardens at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Visitors will enjoy thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform the heated four-acre Conservatory, where guests can enjoy holiday performances and sing-alongs. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music.  ~ A Longwood Christmas at a Longwood Gardens ~
• Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 22 – February 23 ~ Enjoy ice skating, food, drinks, special events and more! ~ Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ 
• Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park ~ November 23 – January 1 ~ Held at Dilworth Park at 1 S. 15th Street. This market features more than 45 local artisans, crafters, designers and food vendors selling their wares in festive tents topped with Herrnhut Stars. Shoppers can find a great selection of gifts, specialty foods and more at the open-air market.  ~ Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park ~
• 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: 

• 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 ~  
• 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 ~ 
• 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 ~ 
• 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 ~ 
• An Evening with Sutton Foster at the Merriam Theater ~ November 22 ~ At 8 pm at the Merriam Theater at 250 S. Broad Street. Foster, a two-time Tony Award-winning actress, currently stars in the hit series Younger on TV Land. Sutton will perform some of her favorite songs in this cabaret-style show. ~ An Evening with Sutton Foster at the Kimmel Center ~
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ November 23 ~ 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 23 ~ 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 23 ~ 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 23 ~ 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 23 – 24 ~ 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 23 & 27 ~ 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 24 ~ 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 24 ~ 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.  
• Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall ~ November 25 – January 1 ~ Starting at 4:30 pm at City Hall.   ~ Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall ~
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ November 25 ~ 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 27 ~ 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 ~ 
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 28 – 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 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:

• Friday Nights Art ~ November 29 ~ 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 ~ 
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 29 – 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 ~ December 2 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~
• 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 ~
• Dinos After Dark ~ December 27 ~ 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 ~ December 27 ~ 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 November 22 – 24

Friday  |  50% Showers  |  High 52°  |  Low 31°
Saturday  |  40% PM Showers  |  High 48°  |  Low 40° 
Sunday | 40% AM Showers | High 48° | Low 33°

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 Tibor Puskas for MyPhillyAlive

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