The new year is here! 2024 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 2024 on the right foot and check them out!
1-3. 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 one of Philadelphia’s 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: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
- Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings
- Candlelight: Soul and the Sea at Adventure Aquarium
🕯️ Where: various locations
4. 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.
5. Winter At Franklin Square
Now until February 25th, 2024, get lost in a wintery wonderland of fun. Enjoy a round of “chilly. mini-golf” Center City’s only outdoor mini-golf course. Take in the lights and sights of winter magic during the Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Sponsored by PECO, this free, nightly light show is lovely. Additionally, enjoy 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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. For nine days from January 13-21st, 2024, 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.
9. See A Multi-Black Artist Exhibition Ahead Of Black History Month On Offer Now
The Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia is back this year with another anticipated edition of their “Meet The Makers” series. Beginning with an opening reception Thursday, January 4 from 6 pm to 8 pm and running through the end of February, enjoy an immersive art experience featuring talented Black artists from Philadelphia. Nestled in the post neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square, this upscale lifestyle hotel is celebrating Black History Month all winter long. Come to meet the artists behind the artwork, hear their stories, and support the local Philadelphia community.
🖼️ Where: 1620 Chancellor St.
10. Enjoy A Western Sizzlin’-Themed Dinner One Night Only
For one night only enjoy a special, Western-theme dinner for a cause with all the bells and whistles. Think fancy salad bar, High Street bread bar, chicken fried steak, all the fixins’ and of course, dessert! Tickers include a prix fixe menu priced at $55 with a blend of family-style and buffet-style service. All proceeds from the evening will benefit @phillycurehd, a non-profit that offers support to the local Huntington’s Disease community through support, education and community.
🤠 Where: High Street, 101 S 9th St
11. Celebrate MLK Day With These Engaging Things To Do In January
From January 13-15th, celebrate MLK weekend in Philadelphia at the African-American Museum in Philadelphia. Throughout the weekend a a specially-curated agenda of events including live performances, discussions, keynote speakers, activities for families and more.
✊🏾 Where: 701 Arch St.
12. 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
13. 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 highly-anticipated film like The Color Purple, 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
14. Save your spot on the Viva Las Vengeance waitlist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEBiLfijhB8
You won’t want to miss this immersive VR experience based on the Netflix original film Army of the Dead. This limited-run VR experience lets you fight your way through hordes of zombies in mixed reality with the latest technology that feels shockingly real. Ready to destroy some zombies? Reserve your spot on the waitlist here.
15. 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
16. Take part in Center City’s Restaurant Week In January
Center City’s first Restaurant Week of the year starts on January 21 – February 3, 2024. 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
17. 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
18-20. 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