It’s the most wonderful time of year and Philadelphia is filled with plenty of things to do to get in on the festivities. The city transforms into a twinkling playground of cheerful markets, cozy seasonal experiences, and sparkling nighttime adventures that make winter feel warm. Whether you’re chasing family-friendly fun, planning a romantic winter night out, or simply looking to soak in every ounce of holiday spirit, we’ve rounded up 16 dazzling things to do in Philly this December to you make the season unforgettable.
This December take an enchanted night walk amongst the stars along an illuminated shimmering dreamscape
From $24.68
Step into a world of wonder as Astra Lumina lights up the Abington Art Center with its breathtaking nighttime experience. Now open, this immersive walk transforms the grounds into a glowing cosmic dreamscape filled with shimmering paths and celestial visuals. Enchanting and memorable, it’s the perfect holiday experience. Grab your tickets before they’re gone!
Take a spin on the new, 110-foot Ferris wheel at Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature Holiday Light Show—featuring over 1 million sparkling lights
From $18-$29
The Philadelphia Zoo is lighting up the holidays with the return of its LumiNature light show, bigger and brighter than ever! Now until January 3, explore over a million sparkling lights, whimsical animal displays, Santa’s Lodge, cozy fire pits, and the new 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel with stunning city skyline views. Get your tickets at their official website.
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with spectacular Candlelight Concerts
From $28
Celebrate the season with the melodies of Christmas at a Candlelight Concert in stunning Philly venues. Enjoy iconic holiday tunes, hundreds of flickering candles, and unforgettable holiday vibes. For music lovers, there’s also concerts featuring the works of artists such as Imagine Dragons, ABBA, & more. Get your tickets now.
This month’s concert series includes:
Experience ‘A Very Furry Christmas’ at Sesame Place
From $36.99
Get ready for giggles, rides, and holiday fun! A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place brings Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and all your favorite Muppets to life. Enjoy thrilling rides, tasty treats, and end the night with a dazzling Sesame Street Parade. Tickets available on their official website.
Hop on the Holiday Express to Santa’s North Pole
From $19-$155
Imagination, magic, and holiday fun await! Hop aboard Santa’s North Pole Express at New Hope Railroad. Sip hop chocolate, share wishes with Santa, and create lasting memories aboard beautifully restored, century-old trains. For tickets, visit their official website. All aboard!
Visit a family-friendly winter wonderland village featuring plenty of holiday festivities
From FREE to pay-as-you-go
Wander through twinkling lights, shop for festive gifts, vote for your favorite gingerbread house, and more at Peddler’s Village Holiday Village. Make magical, lasting memories at this family-friendly seasonal experience. For a calendar of events (including FREE ones), visit their official website.
NOLA coming to Philly with The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans
From $20.40
Step into The Jazz Room and experience the heart of 1920s New Orleans! This street-style bar comes alive with soulful live jazz, sizzling brass, ragtime, and blues. Sip a cocktail as talented musicians improvise and bring the music’s rich legacy to life. Don’t miss this unforgettable Philadelphia night. Get your tickets now!
Visit the largest Christmas market in Philadelphia with a 30-foot German pyramid, ferris wheel, and holiday magic
Pay-as-you-go
The city’s largest and most beloved holiday marketplace is back and bigger than ever! Shop over 120 vendors, enjoy festive bites, sip hot chocolate (or mulled wine) and wander through the magical village. There’s also rides for the kids (and the kid in you) including the carousel and ferris wheel. Find the perfect holiday gift or just enjoy time with your loved ones at this annual event.
Celebrate the season this December with Historic Holidays in Old City
Old City sparkles with holiday cheer this season! Sip cocoa or a festival cocktail, shop unique gifts, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting at the Betsy Ross House (Dec 3), the Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll (Dec 6), and the Community Menorah Lighting (Dec 14). Celebrate the season with shopping, dining, and festive events where history comes alive.
Take a road trip to the ‘Christmas Tree Capital of the World’ only a few hours from Philly
Experience vintage lights, a 30-foot tree, and classic holiday charm in Indiana, Pennsylvania (just a few hours from Philly). Known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World and hometown of Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart, the town transforms each year into a real-life Bedford Falls.
More than one million lights glow in this hidden holiday village in Pennsylvania only 1 hour 45 minutes From Philly
Step into a winter wonderland at Koziar’s Christmas Village in PA, where twinkling lights, festive displays, and charming holiday scenes bring the season to life. Stroll through illuminated streets, enjoy family-friendly attractions, and soak in the magic of this beloved holiday tradition. Read more about this great winter escape and plan your trip here.
Enjoy a winter wonderland & ice skating along Philly’s Delaware Ave. with stunning waterfront views
From $5
Philadelphia’s winter magic is back with the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. The Delaware River waterfront has completely transformed for the season. Guests can strap up their laces and hit the ice for some skating and fun. Be sure to enjoy festive bites, glowing fire pits, holiday decor in The Lodge, and winter cocktails at Jaquin’s Porch. Find out what’s new this year here.
Sip festive cocktails at Craftsman Row Saloon’s Miracle on 8th St.
From $20
Craftsman Row Saloon knows how to deck the halls! Enjoy comforting dishes, festive cocktails, and Instagram-worthy holiday décor at one of Philly’s most merry and popular seasonal bars.
Meet me at The Eagle—The iconic Wanamaker light show is back for the season
Philly’s holiday magic shines with the return of the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village. Back at the historic Wanamaker Building, the displays feature festive lights, holiday music, and the iconic Wanamaker Organ. Free admission with timed-entry tickets makes family visits easy, while Dickens Village tickets are available online.
The largest holiday attraction in Delaware County is back with skating, fire pits, and family fun all season long
From $15.48
Delaware County’s largest winter attraction is back! The award-winning Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink at Newtown Square is open now through February 1, 2026, offering a festive outdoor skating experience that supports local veterans. $75,000 will be donated this year, totaling $225,000 since the rink’s opening. This December, skate for a good cause.
Visit the country’s largest snow tubing park just 90 minutes from Philadelphia
From $30
Just 90 minutes from Philly, Blue Mountain Resort in the Poconos is home to the largest snow tubing park in the U.S., with 56 lanes for all skill levels. Families, friends, and thrill-seekers can zoom down groomed runs, ride modern lifts, and enjoy 2-3 hour sessions of endless fun. After 5 p.m, enjoy a neon-lit, sonic snow tubing experience with Après lounges for relaxing.