Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Mummers Parade, Kwanzaa Celebrations, Last Days Of Holiday Light Shows and More!

‘Celebrating The End Of 2017 In Philadelphia!’

The weekend kicks off with The Nutcracker, Winter Fountains On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Deck The Hall Light Show, Comcast Holiday Spectacular, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, the Parkway 100 Celebration and more.

During the weekend enjoy The Nutcracker, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink, Deck The Hall Light Show, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing, 12 Days of Christmas Shows at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Comcast Holiday Spectacular, the Parkway 100 Celebration, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga, and much more.

The weekend ends with the Fireworks In Philadelphia, Winter Fountains On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Nutcracker, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Deck The Hall Light Show and more.

On New Year’s Day, enjoy the Mummers Parade! It’s also the last day to watch the Comcast Holiday Spectacular and the Deck The Hall Light Show.

During the week enjoy the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for First Friday, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Benjamin Franklin Day, Hair O’ The Dog, 4th Friday in Headhouse District, Philadelphia Auto Show, Chinese New Year 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 ~ December 29 – 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. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Season Preview & Expectations of The Philadelphia Eagles ~ 2017 – 2018 Season ~ It’s football time and who is not excited about the 2017 – 2018 Philadelphia Eagles! Disregarding the fans who predict that, “This is the year we win it all!” most Eagles fans are still bubbling over with excitement and playoff hopes. Let’s take a peak into how the Eagles should fair this season. ~ Season Preview & Expectations of The Philadelphia Eagles ~
• Kwanzaa Celebration at the African American Museum ~ December 29 & 30 ~ Visitors can enjoy different programs each day to include a drumming workshop, a kinara lighting ceremony, explorations in creativity workshop and a Kwanzaa magic show. ~ Kwanzaa Celebration at the African American Museum ~
• The Nutcracker ~ December 29 – 31 ~ Enjoy 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 ~
• Guide To Family Things To Do During The Holidays In Philadelphia ~ December 29 – 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. ~ Guide To Family Things To Do During The Holidays In Philadelphia ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ December 29 – 31 ~ Held at Franklin Square for the whole family. 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 ~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ December 29 – 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. 7 Days a Week  |  Show runs every two hours  |  10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm  |  Show lasts 15 minutes  ~ Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~
• Deck The Hall Light Show ~ December 29 – January 1 ~ Enjoy Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall at Dilworth Park is shown multiple times nightly, seven days a week! Visitors can also enjoy ice skating at the Rothman Ice Rink, shopping at various tents, a carousel in the courtyard and more. ~ Deck The Hall Light Show ~
• Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ December 29 – January 1 ~ Held at the Comcast Building, visitors will 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. ~ Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~
• Ice Skating At Rothman Ice Rink ~ December 29 – February 26, 2018 ~ Held at Dilworth Park, the Rothman Ice Rink 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 ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing ~ December 29 – March 4 ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing 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 at Penn’s Landing ~
• Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~ December 29 – March 18, 2018 ~ FREE – Enjoy this outdoor exhibit that features a stunning nighttime display of surreal, glowing videos projected on to four large domes! ~ Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ December 29, 2017 to Nov 16, 2018 ~ The Ben Franklin Parkway is turning 100 and Philadelphia is set to mark this milestone with a year of special events, promotions, and family-friendly experiences through November 18, 2018.  ~ Parkway 100 Celebration ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ December 29 – 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 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Art After 5 ~ December 29 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays: Get Your Om On – An evening of guided meditation, art making, yoga, performances, and more​​. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ December 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 ~ December 30 ~ 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 30 ~ 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 30 ~ 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 ~ Starting Back Up Feb 2018 ~ 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 30 & January 3 ~ 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 31 ~ 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. Beyond the abundance of fresh produce, you can also find a great selection of locally prepared foods and artisanal goods such as soups, caneles, ice cream, coffee and wine. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
• Philadelphia Eagles ~ December 31 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys at 1 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. If not going to the game, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
• Fireworks In Philadelphia ~ December 31 ~ Philadelphia’s main attraction on New Year’s Eve are the 2 fireworks shows, 6 pm & midnight, drawing thousands of people to the Delaware River Waterfront, specifically at Penn’s Landing. What a great way to ring in the New Year with family and friends, to be watching fireworks in Philadelphia, America’s birthplace. Check out the many excellent spots in Philly. ~ Fireworks In Philadelphia ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Mummers Parade ~ January 1 ~ The Mummers Parade in Philadelphia is a celebration on New Year’s Day, with elaborate costumes and fun music. The Mummers dates back to the mid 1800’s, with several different stories circulating. The first official parade was held January 1, 1901. ~ Mummers Parade ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ January 3 ~ 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 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 5 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ January 5 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays: Get Your Om On – An evening of guided meditation, art making, yoga, performances, and more​​. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ January 5 ~ 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 ~ January 5 ~ 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 7 ~ 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 7 ~ 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 ~
• Martin Luther King Jr Day ~ January 15 ~ Looking for some free things to do on Martin Luther King Day, we have compiled a list for you with entrance to several excellent museums for free. ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Day ~ January  ~ Enjoy FREE admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum during his birthday and extended weekend celebration. There will be special programs in celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, which will take place on 2 days. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Hair O’ The Dog ~ January 20 ~ Welcome to Hair O’ The Dog! The party of all parties that kicks off the 2018 new year! Enjoy live music from some well known artists, hors d’oeuvres and more! Also people watch as some guests dress to kill! ~ Hair O’ The Dog ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ January 26 ~ 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 ~ 
• Philadelphia Auto Show ~ January 27 – February 4 ~ Philadelphia Auto Show is recognized by the industry as one of the top shows in the country, usually featuring more than 700 concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars on display! Show-goers get to sit inside the vehicles, pop the hood and kick the tires; excluding the concept or exotic vehicles. Even take a few for a test ride. Check it out. ~ Philadelphia Auto Show ~
• Chinese New Year ~ February 16 ~ The Chinese New Year kicks off with a midnight parade in Chinatown on Chinese New Year’s Eve and continues to explore many events throughout Philadelphia for the next 2 weeks. Check out the excitement, the Chinese culture and much more! ~ Chinese New Year ~

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 29 – January 1

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 27°  |  Low 19°

Saturday  |  AM Snow Showers (less than an inch)  |  High 28°  |  Low 17°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 22°  |  Low 8°

New Year’s Day  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 21°  |  Low 12°

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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