It’s the most wonderful time of year and Philadelphia is filled with plenty of things to do to get in on the festivities. From concerts under the stars to light show galore and more, we’ve rounded up 25 dazzling things to do in December in Philadelphia. Tis’ the season!
1. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
Unleash a whirlwind of giggles, family shenanigans, and memories to last a lifetime! A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is the ultimate holiday treat for the tiny tots in your world. Rub elbows with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and all your beloved Muppets while zooming through thrilling rides and munching on scrumptious snacks. Cap off the night with a dazzling Sesame Street parade that’ll leave everyone cheering! Snag your specially-priced tickets right here!
✨ Where: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA, 19047
2. A Very Sinatra Christmas Special
This December, make sure to add this spectacular experience to your things to do! Gift yourself or your loved an unforgettable concert in a beautiful star-lit venue in Philadelphia. Enjoy the mesmerizing smooth sounds of Sinatra as you immerse yourself into the spirit and sounds of the holidays. Tickets are selling-fast! Don’t miss out and purchase your tickets here.
✨ Where: 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 19107
3. Take an enchanted illuminated celestial night walk or give the experience as a gift
Immerse yourself in a magical experience as Astra Lumina unveils its breathtaking light show at Abington Art Center! Now open, this beloved night walk from acclaimed multimedia studio Moment Factory, is sure to dazzle and daze. Fall in love with cosmic wonder as you stroll along shimmering illuminated pathways and mesmerizing visual displays that turn the already beautiful center into a celestial paradise. Tickets are selling-fast. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable experience just in time for the holidays. Get your tickets here before they’re gone!
🎁 Get an Astra Lumina gift card here
✨ Where: 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown
4. See Over 1 Million Sparkling Lights Now On Display At The Philadelphia Zoo
See the Philadelphia Zoo in a new light -literally! Now on offer from November 17th, 2023 until January 6th, 2024, don’t miss LumiNature. Over one million dazzling lights make up this nighttime holiday show extravaganza with surprises and thrills along the way. This family-friendly holiday attraction is the perfect way to create unforgettable memories in a beloved destination with a dazzling spin.
✨ Where: 3400 W. Girard Ave
5-10. Celebrate The Magic Of The Holidays With Spectacular Candlelight Concerts
Enjoy the melodies of Christmas with by attending an spectacular Candlelight Concert. These concerts, held in beautiful Philadelphia venues, are a perfect way to spend meaningful time with friends and loved one during the holiday season. Relax to the sounds iconic classical holiday scores surrounded by an array of tiny flickering candles. The holiday concert series includes:
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
- Candlelight: Christmas Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
- Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston on Strings
- Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
For tickets and more information, visit here. Or, give the gift of candlelight magic with a gift card.
✨ Where: various locations
11. Take A Train Ride To Santa’s North Pole
Imagination, magic, and fun awaits! Take a train ride aboard Santa’s North Pole Express as you and your entire family sip hot chocolate, make memories, take in the scenery and even tell your Christmas wishes to jolly ol’ St. Nick.
At New Hope Railroad they’ve reconditioned their beautiful, century-old trains to transport you away to the wonderful land of reindeer and Santa Claus just in time for the holiday season.
✨ Where: 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA
12. Visit A Family-Friendly Village Full Of Holiday Festivities
Stroll through twinkling lights, shop for holiday gifts, vote for your favorite gingerbread house and more during Peddler’s Village holiday village. Create magical memories that will last a lifetime at this spectacular family-friendly holiday experience only at Peddler’s Village.
✨ Where: 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
13. Add An Air Of Mystery To The Holiday Season With The Popular Dining In The Dark Experience
This unforgettable blind-folded experience is must on your December things to do bucket list! Venture inside a restaurant cloaked in mystery and unlock the full potential of your senses.
You’ll enjoy an absolutely delicious meal in a lively restaurant in Philly. Indeed, this one-of-a-kind event includes far more than questionable eyewear. Perfect for a holiday date night, this is one experience you have to try at least once in your lifetime. Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased here.
✨ Where: Twisted Tail, 509 S. 2nd St.
14. Visit This Posh Pink-Themed Holiday Pop Up Bar
December things to do just got a whole lot pinker! Escape to a pink paradise at The White Elephant, an annual holiday-themed bar that is more than meets the eye. Hues of pink, gold, and silver collide to make this new disco, posh experience. Enjoy cocktails with a twist, tomato pie, and Instagram-worthy photo opps. You’ve never done the holidays quite like this!
✨ Where: 1500 Locust St.
15. Visit A Christmas Tree Display For A Cause
Now on display in the newly renovated LOVE park welcome center, The Festival of Trees is a beautiful display of 20 uniquely-decorated Christmas Trees. See the decorated trees featuring themes by The Philadelphia Eagles, Rita’s Water Ice, and more. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite tree as all proceeds will go to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
✨ Where: LOVE Park Welcome Center, 1569 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
16. Visit The W Hotel For A Festive Celebration Of Cocktails, Small Bites, and Music
Located in bustling Center City, the eloquent W Hotel is more than just the premier hotel in Philadelphia! Just off to the side of the welcoming lobby is a hip social club, The Living Room. Kick back in the Living Room this holiday season and enjoy a festive drink menu and delicious and dainty small plates. Groove to the smooth sounds and booming beats of a live DJ as. you mix and mingle with Philly socialites. The eye-catching ambiance makes for the perfect holiday selfies and group flicks.
There’s also a secret room available for those who want to get in party in privacy and get into sleuth mode -like Santa on Christmas Eve.
✨ Where: 1439 Chestnut Street
17. Go On An Adventure At Yuletide At Liberty Hill
Enjoy live music featuring local artists and bands, carnival rides, photos with Santa and so much more at this exhilarating holiday festival. Yuletide At Liberty Hill is now on offer until the end of the year and a must-do on your December things to do list. Of course there are plenty of fulfilling and tasty food and drink options for all including sweet treats and carnival staples for the kiddos and crafty cocktails and boozy beverages for the adults.
Shop over 37 high-end shops at this musical festival meets Christmas market meets carnival fun. For tickets and more information, visit here.
✨ Where: 800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA
18. Happy Hour At The Hard Rock
Mix and mingle with friends and enjoy a mid-week kickback experience only at The Hard Rock Philadelphia. Come for a night out and stay for the newly updated happy hour menu.
The new happy hour menu will be offered in the bar area and Vibe Lounge, offering domestic and craft beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as bites like nachos, boneless and bone-in wings, a jumbo pretzel with cheese for $8, and fried chicken sliders, burger sliders, loaded tots for $10.
So come party at The Hard Rock where the vibes are good for your soul and your budget!
✨ Where: 1113 Market St.
19. A Twisted Christmas At Lincoln Mill
Calling all grinches! If you’re looking for something spooky to do this holiday season that isn’t bright and cheery and even a little scary, then put this on your December things to do to list.
Philadelphia’s scariest new haunted attraction is opening its doors for a special one-night only exclusive holiday haunted house. Lincoln Mill Haunted House at 4100 Main Street in Manayunk presents the region’s first Christmastime haunt with A Twisted Christmas, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. For tickets and more information, visit here.
✨ Where: 4100 Main St.
20. Enjoy A Festively-Fun Breakfast With Santa
Sunday, December 14th at 8:30am and 10:30am, enjoy a joyous buffet breakfast with Father Christmas. Only at The Hard Rock Philly, guests will indulge in fluffy scrambled eggs, maple bacon, home-fried potatoes, fresh bagels, breakfast pastries, freshly cut fruit and delicious French toast.
This event is open to all ages. Tickets are $25/person. Professional photos with Santa available for an additional charge, but cellphones are welcomed and encouraged. Activity table setup and Story Time with Santa included in ticket purchase.
For more information and tickets visit here.
✨ Where: 1113 Market St.
21. Celebrate The Season With Historic Holidays In Old City
22. See The World’s Largest Snowman
The snowman was proudly custom designed and built by the local community in South Jersey! For tickets and more information visit here.
23. Laugh Your Pants Off At This Independent Standup Comedy Show
24. Strap Up Your Laces & Hit The Ice
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without adding ice-skating to your December things to do list! From indoor and outdoor rinks to seasonal and year round ones, we’ve rounded up five ice skating rinks to check out this holiday season. Many of the rinks also have other festive offerings like shopping, hot chocolate, and plenty of photo props.
✨ Where: See list here
25. Shop, Be Merry, & Have Fun At Christmas Village
Indulge in the sights, sounds, and smells of all things Christmas at the annual Philadelphia holiday staple. Over 120 international and local vendors are situated in quaint, wooden cottages for you to shop and find the perfect holiday gifts. This German-inspired market features family-friendly fun, rides, food, ice skating, warm drinks, spiked drinks, and so much more. Complete your holiday season with a visit to village.
✨ Where: City Hall’s Courtyard and LOVE Park (JFK Plaza, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102)