Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Philadelphia Marathon, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grand Illusion Celebration and More!

‘Philadelphia Marathon Weekend’

The weekend kicks off with Nutcracker Night in Franklin Square, the Grand Illumination celebration at Peddler’s Village, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, Philadelphia Marathon, Franklin Square Holiday Festival, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show and the continuation of the Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit at Penn Museum.

During the weekend enjoy a sneak preview of The Christmas Village, the Philadelphia Marathon, farmers’ markets and much more. The weekend ends with the Philadelphia Marathon, The Christmas Village, and the Philadelphia Eagles vs the Atlanta Falcons.

During the week enjoy the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas Village, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, Longwood Gardens Christmas, Singing Fountain Farmers Market, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Macy’s Holiday Light Show, Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest, 4th Friday in Headhouse District, Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad, City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony, Miracle on 13th Street, Franklin Flea Holiday Market, Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, First Friday, First Sundays at Barnes Foundation, Deck the Alley, Parade of Lights Ceremony at Independence Seaport Museum, holiday light shows, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies 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

Did you hear that Philadelphia was named best place to visit in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Read more, click here.

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 18 – 24 ~

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. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Philadelphia Marathon ~ November 18 – 20 ~ The Philadelphia Marathon, founded in 1954, is an annual marathon sporting event hosted by the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November each year.  ~ Philadelphia Marathon ~ ~ Schedule of Events ~
• Preview Weekend For The Christmas Village ~ November 19 & 20 ~ Held in the Court Yard at City Hall & at Dilworth Park , get a preview of the Christmas Village! The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks. ~ Christmas Village ~
• The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~ November 18 – 27 ~ Held at Penn Museum, get acquainted with the Golden Age Of King Midas Exhibit and find out the hidden story of the golden touch, aka the Midas golden touch. A video experience lets visitors explore the tomb as if they were in the tomb itself when it was sealed nearly 3,000 years ago. ~ The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~
• Franklin Square Holiday Festival ~ November 18 – December 31 ~   ~ Franklin Square Holiday Festival ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ November 18 – December 31 ~ Held at Franklin Square, enjoy this Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 50,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~
• Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 18, 2016 – February 26, 2017 ~ Enjoy ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park! Bring your skates or rent them, as you skate with City Hall in the background. ~ Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ ~ More Details ~
• Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~ November 19 – December 23; Closed Thanksgiving Day ~ 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 ~ November 24 – December 24 ~  Held in the Court Yard at City Hall & at Dilworth Park , get your holiday shopping done at the Christmas Village! The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks. ~ Christmas Village ~
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ November 24 – 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. A great family event to get you into the Holiday Spirit in Philadelphia. ~ The Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~
• Longwood Gardens Christmas ~ November 24 – January 8 ~ Longwood Gardens Christmas ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ November 18 – 24 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Art After 5 ~ November 18 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Future Jazz Stars – A night showcasing students from the Kimmel Center’s Creative Music Program. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Nutcracker Night in Franklin Square ~ November 18 ~ From 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Franklin Square, characters from the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker will bring holiday fantasy to life in Franklin Square. Visit with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King. FREE kids’ craft activity. ~ Nutcracker Night in Franklin Square ~
• Grand Illumination Celebration ~ November 18 ~ From 6 pm to 9 pm at Peddler’s Village – Santa switches on the outdoor holiday light display on Friday at 6:15 pm to kick off the holiday season and his weekend visits with children at Giggleberry Fair. Join them for free cider and marshmallow toasting that evening. Visit shops throughout the weekend and preview the merchants distinctive choices for holiday gift giving. ~ Grand Illumination Celebration ~
• Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ November 18 – 19 ~ The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival brings 30+ films from a dozen different countries around the world to highlight the diversity and commonality we hold as humans. These screenings will be held citywide. ~ Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~  
• Philadelphia Marathon ~ November 18 – 20 ~  ~ The Philadelphia Marathon, founded in 1954, is an annual marathon sporting event hosted by the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November each year. ~ Philadelphia Marathon ~ ~ Schedule of Events ~   
• Preview Weekend For The Christmas Village ~ November 19 & 20 ~ Held in the Court Yard at City Hall & at Dilworth Park , get a preview of the Christmas Village! The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks. ~ Christmas Village ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ November 18 – December 31 ~ Held at Franklin Square, enjoy this Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 50,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~
• Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 18, 2016 – February 26, 2017 ~ Enjoy ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park! Bring your skates or rent them, as you skate with City Hall in the background. ~ Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ ~ More Details ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ November 19 ~ 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 ~
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ November 19 ~ 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 19  ~ 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 ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ November 19 & 23 ~ 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 ~
• Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~ November 19 – December 23; Closed Thanksgiving Day ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Marathon ~ November 20 ~ ~ The Philadelphia Marathon, founded in 1954, is an annual marathon sporting event hosted by the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November each year.  ~ Philadelphia Marathon ~ ~ Schedule of Events ~
• Philadelphia Eagles vs Atlanta Falcons ~ November 20 ~ 4 pm – Not going the Eagles game in East Rutherford, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles!
• Singing Fountain Farmers Market ~ November 23 ~ From 3 pm top 7 pm at the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Ave. ~ Singing Fountain Farmers Market on East Passyunk Ave ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ November 23 ~ 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 ~  
• Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ November 24 ~ The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade will surely be epic. Starting at 8:30 am., bring the family for tons of fun and entertainment. ~ Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~
• Christmas Village ~ November 24 – December 24 ~ Held in the Court Yard at City Hall & at Dilworth Park , get your holiday shopping done at the Christmas Village! The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks. ~ Christmas Village ~
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ November 24 – 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. A great family event to get you into the Holiday Spirit in Philadelphia. ~ The Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~
• Longwood Gardens Christmas ~ November 24 – January 8 ~ Longwood Gardens Christmas ~
• 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 ~
• 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~
• Museum of  the American Revolution ~ Opens April 2017 ~ 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. Anchoring the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park, The Museum is going to be an exciting and important project. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
• 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 25 & beyond

• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ November 25 – December 31 ~ The Macy’s light show has become a Philadelphia Holiday tradition since 1955 and a great family tradition for many over the years. The Light Show 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 ~
• Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest ~ November 25 – March 5 ~   ~ Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest ~
• Art After 5 ~ November 25 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Celebrate India – Eight-piece party band Red Baraat combines hard driving North Indian Bhangra with elements of go-go, rock, and jazz. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ November 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 ~  
• Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad ~ November 25 – December 31 ~    ~ Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad ~
• City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony ~ November 26 ~     ~ City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony ~
• Miracle on 13th Street ~ November 26 ~   ~ Miracle on 13th Street ~
• Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~ November 26 & December 3 & 17 ~ 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 ~
• Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting Ceremony ~ November 29 ~ Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of December ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for December 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ December 2 ~ 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’s in Manayunk ~ December 2 ~ 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 ~
• Deck the Alley ~ December 3 ~ From 3 pm to 7 pm at Elfreth’s Alley, visitors not only get to enter a dozen private historic homes, but enjoy carolers, refreshments, and possibly Ben Franklin and other historic guests. ~ Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ December 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 ~ December 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 ~
• Parade of Lights Ceremony at Independence Seaport Museum ~ December 10 ~     ~ Parade of Lights Ceremony at Independence Seaport Museum ~

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 18 – 20

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 67°  |  Low 43°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 70°  |  Low 38°

Sunday  |  Mostly Cloudy & Wind  |  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 ~

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Philadelphia Marathon

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page