Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Tree Lighting At Blue Cross RiverRink, First Friday, Deck the Alley, Franklin Flea Market, Tree Lighting Celebrations, Holiday Light Shows and More!

Philly Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration November 26, 2016

‘Holiday Weekend Fun In Philly With Family & Friends’

The weekend kicks off with the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Tree Lighting, First Friday, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest, Franklin Square Holiday Festival, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Macy’s Holiday Light Show, Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad.

During the weekend enjoy Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration, Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village, the Citizen’s Bank Park tree lighting, Deck the Alley, Franklin Flea Holiday Market, farmers’ markets and much more. The weekend ends with First Sundays at Barnes Foundation, South Street Headhouse District’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration and the Philadelphia Eagles at the Cincinnati Bengals.

During the week enjoy the Christmas Village, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, Longwood Gardens Christmas, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for the Parade of Lights Ceremony at Independence Seaport Museum, holiday light shows, the Mummers Parade, 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 2 – 8 ~

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 ~
• Our Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philly ~ December 2 – 10 ~ Enjoy many holiday tree lighting celebrations throughout Philadelphia & in the region. ~ Our Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philly ~
• Cut Your Own Tree at Linvilla Orchards ~ December 2 – 23 ~ 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 ~ December 2 – 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 ~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ December 2 – 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 ~
• Franklin Square Holiday Festival ~ December 2 – 31 ~   ~ Franklin Square Holiday Festival ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ December 2 – 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 ~
• Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad ~ December 2 – 31 ~ Held at Reading Terminal Market , come see the magical interactive model railroad display. With 17 trains on a 1/3 mile track, this is a great holiday tradition at the Market. ~ Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad ~
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular ~ December 2 – 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 ~ December  2 – January 8 ~ Longwood Gardens Christmas ~
• Rothman Ice Rink ~ December 2, 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 ~
• Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest ~ December 2 – March 5 ~ The 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 RiveRink Winterfest ~
• Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ December 3 & 4 ~  10 am to 6 pm both days at Peddler’s Village, enjoy pictures with Santa, a Santa parade, visit the Gingerbread House display, listen to holiday tunes & more.  ~ Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration ~ December 3 – 30 ~ Enjoy twinkling lights, glowing trees, and an appearance by the beloved Scuba Santa. Children of all ages can see Scuba Santa swim alongside magnificent sharks, incredible sea turtles and graceful stingrays in the Aquarium’s 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit. ~ Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ December 2 – 8 ~

• 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 ~
• Art After 5 ~ December 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Ugly Sweater Party – Get the season started right with a night of card making, spiked hot chocolate, and performances by The Debonairs. Wear your ugliest sweater for a memorable night and use our photo booth to snap a memento. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Tree Lighting Celebration ~ December 2 ~ Starting at 5:30 pm, enjoy the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River Waterfront and be dazzled by the tree lighting of a 43-foot-tall tree. From 6 pm to 9 pm, enjoy performances from In the Mix A Capella Group, the Philadelphia Youth Ballet, the Philadelphia Symmetry Synchronized Skating, Olde Towne Carolers, Santa Clause, Santa’s Elves and many more.
• 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 ~
• Our Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philly ~ December 2 – 10 ~ Enjoy many holiday tree lighting celebrations throughout Philadelphia & in the region. ~ Our Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philly ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ December 2 ~ 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 ~ December 2 ~ 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 2  ~ 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 ~
• Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~ December 2 ~ 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 ~
• Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration ~ December 3 ~ Enjoy twinkling lights, glowing trees, and an appearance by the beloved Scuba Santa. Children of all ages can see Scuba Santa swim alongside magnificent sharks, incredible sea turtles and graceful stingrays in the Aquarium’s 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit. ~ Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration ~
• Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ December 3 ~  10 am to 6 pm both days at Peddler’s Village, enjoy pictures with Santa, a Santa parade, visit the Gingerbread House display, listen to holiday tunes & more.  ~ Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• Citizens Bank Park Tree Lighting ~ December 3 ~ Starting at 10 am, have lots of fun at Citizen’s Bank Park with raffle prizes every hour, sales on merchandise, meet and greets, photos with Phanta Claus from 11 am to 1 pm & of course, photos in the clubhouse from 2 pm to 4 pm and the tree lighting which will take place at 5 pm. ~ Tree Lighting at Citizens Bank Park ~
• 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 ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ December 3 & 7 ~ 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 ~
• Franklin Flea Holiday Market ~ 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 ~
• 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 ~
• Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ December 4 ~  10 am to 6 pm both days at Peddler’s Village, enjoy pictures with Santa, a Santa parade, visit the Gingerbread House display, listen to holiday tunes & more.  ~ Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration ~ December 4 ~ Enjoy twinkling lights, glowing trees, and an appearance by the beloved Scuba Santa. Children of all ages can see Scuba Santa swim alongside magnificent sharks, incredible sea turtles and graceful stingrays in the Aquarium’s 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit. ~ Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration ~
• Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals ~ December 4 ~ 1:00 pm – Not going the Eagles game in Cincinnati? Catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles!
• South Street Headhouse District’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting ~ December 4 ~ Starting at 3 pm, come enjoy this winter extravaganza with the family. The event will take place from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, with dance performances by the Society Hill Dance Academy and the Philadelphia Dance Academy, free horse-drawn carriage rides and much more. Santa visits and the tree lighting will begin at 5 pm. Don’t forget to visit the shops and restaurants afterwards. ~ Click here for more Details ~
• 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 ~
• Our Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philly ~ December 4 – 10 ~ Enjoy many holiday tree lighting celebrations throughout Philadelphia & in the region. ~ Our Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philly ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ December 7 ~ 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 ~
• 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 ~ December 9 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ December 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Ugly Sweater Party – Get the season started right with a night of card making, spiked hot chocolate, and performances by The Debonairs. Wear your ugliest sweater for a memorable night and use our photo booth to snap a memento. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Parade of Lights Ceremony at Independence Seaport Museum ~ December 10 ~     ~ Parade of Lights Ceremony at Independence Seaport Museum ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ December 23 ~ 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 Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Mummers Parade in Philadelphia ~ January 1 ~      ~ Mummers Parade in Philadelphia ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ January 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’s in Manayunk ~ January 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 ~ January 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 ~ January 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 ~

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 2 – 4

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 50°  |  Low 37°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 49°  |  Low 34°

Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 47°  |  Low 38°

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 by Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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