The new year is here! 2025 has finally arrived, and we’ve set some resolutions to have more fun in the City of Brotherly Love. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the most amazing and fun things to do in Philadelphia this January. Start 2025 on the right foot and check them out!
1. Kick off 2025 by taking an enchanting walk through the cosmos
New year, new you! Kick off 2025 by connecting with the stars. Philly’s newest immersive experience, Astra Lumina is here and is all the rave. The Abington Art Center has completely transformed into a majestic cosmic wonderland. Created by the visionary minds at Moment Factory, marvel at the astral sound and illuminating lights. It’s the perfect way to manifest those New Year resolutions. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
✨ Where: 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown PA, 19046
2. Take the young ones to meet everyone’s favorite furry friends at Sesame Place
Centered around iconic children’s show characters like Big Bird and Elmo, Sesame Place is a kid’s wildest dreams, and a great place to meet their favorite characters IRL! Sesame Place also offers other activities like rides, water rides, live shows and parades, story times, kid-friendly restaurants, themed shopping, and so much more.
Plus, the summertime welcomes special seasonal activations for kids, like a fireworks display with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Count von Count and the brand new 123 playground with slides, soft play mounds, and interactive play panels. Learn more about Sesame Place and see what’s on here!
✨ Where: 100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047
3-10. Hear breathtaking renditions of iconic songs at a candlelit concert
Calm your mind and experience popular music genres in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in magical venues in Philadelphia. This immersive experience is unlike anything else in the city. Step into some of Philadelphia’s most iconic venues illuminated with flameless candles, creating an absolutely unforgettable ambiance. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to life like never seen before in Philadelphia. Highlights of the concert series this month include:
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
- Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings
- Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks
- Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
- Candlelight: Best of Metal
- Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
- Candlelight: Queen Meets ABBA
🕯️ Where: various locations
11. Tease Your Senses And Enjoy An Immersive Dining Experience Completely Blindfolded
This new year be brave enough to try something suspenseful! This unforgettable blind-folded experience is must on your January things to do bucket list! Venture inside a restaurant cloaked in mystery and unlock the full potential of your senses.
How well do you trust your senses? Enjoy an absolutely delicious three-course meal in a lively restaurant in Philly. The catch- you won’t be able to see what you’re eating! 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 fastand can be purchased here.
✨ Where: Twisted Tail, 509 S. 2nd St.
12. Winter At Franklin Square
Now until February 23rd, 2025, get lost in a wintery wonderland of fun. Start by enjoying a round of chilly min-golf, featuring some of Center City’s most iconic landmarks. Next, take in the lights and sights of winter magic during the Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Sponsored by PECO, this free nightly light show is downright enchanting and perfect for all ages. Lastly, make sure to indulge in the on-site warm drinks and small bites as you explore this family-friendly local attraction located in historic Old City. Don’t forget to take a spin on the eye-catching, beloved carousel!
🎠 Where: 200 N 6th St
13. Winter At Dilworth Park
This January, put this on your things to do list! Anytime is a great time to experience Winter at Dilworth Park. Have fun and stay warm as you enjoy cozy cocktails, drinks, small bites & comfort food. Lace up your strings and embark on a 90-minute ice-skating session with Center City skyscrapers as your backdrop.
⛸️ Where: 1 S. 15th St
14. Fire & Frost Fun At Peddler’s Village
On select dates and times in January, come to Peddler’s Village for their annual Fire & Frost fun. Enjoy a spectacular light show, live fire artistry and ice carving demonstrations, and a Village-wide display of more than 30 ice sculptures. Dance to a live DJ and warm up with fire pits, outdoor food and drinks. Don’t forget to stop by the Ice Throne to snap the perfect winter wonderland selfie.
❄️ Where: 2400 Street Road New Hope, PA
15. The Philadelphia Auto Show Returns To The Convention Center
Don’t miss the annual Philadelphia Auto Show when it returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. From January 11-20th, 2025, enjoy an up-close and personal showcase of the industry’s most popular vehicles. Indeed, this exhibit is for the car lovers and aficionados. See car models from popular manufactures including new models, classic, luxury and exotic. Be sure to put this on your January things to do list!
🏎️ Where: 1101 Arch St.
16. Celebrate MLK Day With These Engaging Things To Do In January
From January 18-20th, celebrate MLK weekend in Philadelphia at the Museum of the American Revolution. Throughout the weekend, enjoy a specially-curated agenda of events including theatrical performances, pop-up talks, hands-on discovery carts, a poetry activity, and more. Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by discovering the ongoing promise of the American Revolution and how you too can change the world!
✊🏾 Where: 701 Arch St.
17. Take an R-rated ghost tour of Downtown Philly
This adult-only night tour covers all the raunchy topics that your normal walking tour of Philadelphia wouldn’t dare to mention. Developed by a local university professor well-versed in the dark side of Philadelphia, this tour covers vampires, sex, ghosts, and more, all while sightseeing the classic Philly historical spots like Alexander Hamilton’s home, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and more.
👻 Where: 523 Market St
18. Enjoy new movies on the big screen
This January see all the latest blockbusters on your big-screen with a specially-priced ticket valid at AMC theaters. Whether you’re in the mood for the latest horror flick or a action-packed thriller, you can enjoy it at your local AMC theater for a great price. Purchase your ticket and food and drink combos here.
🍿 Where: any participating AMC theater
19. All January Long Get Hit The Ice At The Blue Cross RiverRink
Philly’s favorite winter festival and rice skating rink is back this winter, running from now until March. Winterfest takes place on an Olympic-size ice skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, and you can rent your own skates while you’re there. On site is a ski chalet-style lodge to cozy up in, a winter garden with a majestically lit holiday tree, an outdoor seating area with fire pits, and plenty more.
☃️ Where: 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
20. Take part in Center City’s Restaurant Week In January
Center City’s first Restaurant Week of the year starts on January 19 – February 1, 2025. During this time, nearly 60 eateries will offer multi-course prix fixe lunches for $20 and dinners for $45 and $60. Whether you prefer to dine indoors, outdoors, and take an order to-go, you’ll be supporting your favorite local businesses. Don’t miss out on a fun way to explore the food scene in Philadelphia that is both satisfying and budget-friendly.
🥗 Where: see participating restaurants here
21. This January See A Winter Wonder Display At Longwood Gardens
No matter the weather, there’s always something marvellous going on at Longwood Gardens. This January, Longwood will be showcasing their Winter Wonder collection inside the Conservatory. This collection of tropical flowers is a breath of fresh air on a harsh winter day! The showcase will run from January 20–March 24, 2024).
🪻 Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
22. This January Cozy Up At A Local Coffee Shop
Make your New Year’s resolution to skip the Starbucks and instead buy your cup of Joe from local coffee roasters! You’ll be supporting hometown businesses while getting your caffeine fix at the same time. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite local cafes that have excellent coffee and good vibes. This January, why not try…
☕️ Where: see list here