Fall is fully underway and the holiday season is finally here! From festivals to spectacles to mesmerizing candlelight concerts, there’s so much to do in Philly this November to get you into the festive spirits. Read on to see our to twenty things to do in Philadelphia this month. Cheer is in the air!
1-5. Hear Iconic Musical Scores At This Breathtaking Candlelight Concert
Enjoy a mesmerizing concert surrounded my flickering candles in one of Philly’s most stunning locations. This November, immerse yourself into this one-of-a-kind experience featuring iconic scores from some of the most renowned musical artists. Perfect for a romantic night out on the town, the Candlelight Concert series is sure to be unforgettable.
This month’s concert series includes:
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
- Candlelight: Favorite Anime Themes
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks at Adventure Aquarium
Tickets are required to attend this event and can be purchased here. Shopping early for the holidays? Give the gift of a Candlelight Concert with the purchase of a gift card.
🎻 Where: locations vary
6. Enjoy A Delectable Dinner Completely Blind-Folded In This Unique Experience
Did you know that studies show that 80 percent of people eat with their eyes? Moreover, when you take the sense of sight away, your other senses become even stronger. Interested in testing this theory? Then grab your tickets for the ultimate tasting experience combining fine dining and suspense: Dining In The Dark, a blindfolded dinner experience unlike anything you (haven’t) seen before.
Tickets are going quickly –get yours here!
🍴 Where: The Twisted Tail, 509 S 2nd St.
7. Wicked At The Academy Of Music
From November 1st – November 26th, 2023, don’t miss the chance to see the story behind the wicked witch of the west long before she encountered Dorothy from Kansas.
Wicked, the Broadway hit, tells the story of the popular, beautiful Glinda and green-hued, misunderstood Elphaba long before the world decided to call one “good” and the other one “wicked”. Learn about initial rivalry turned unlikely friendship in this captivating musical sure to delight audience members young and old.
Tickets are required to see the show and can be purchased by visit their website here.
🧙🏼♀️ Where: 240 S Broad St.
8. Winter At Dilworth Park
Beginning, November 3, 2023 through February 25, 2024, Dilworth Park transforms into a dazzling Winter wonderland with activities for all. In addition to free events planned throughout the season, vistiors will enjoy an array of popular attractions.
Firstly, the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will again offer skating seven days per week. Secondly, the Greenfield Lawn will host reindeer topiaries in the Wintergarden. Lastly, Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will round out the park’s seasonal transformation.
For a complete list of activities visit the CCD official website here.
⛸️ Where: 1 S. 15th St.
9. Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
From November 2 -12, 2023, enjoy a film festival showing the best in Asian & Pacific Islander diasporic storytelling. Festival-goers will view provoking film screenings, partake in panel discussions, and more.
Held at the Asian Arts Initiative in Chinatown, this hybrid fest celebrates and showcases the stories of Asian & Pacific Islanders not only through film but also music, performance art, and other forms of creativity.
For tickets and more information visit the official website here.
🎬 Where: 1219 Vine St.
10. Dope Shows Presents Jeezy & Fabolous
Saturday November 18th, 2023 at 8 p.m., don’t miss this buzz-worthy concert featuring two of Hip-Hop’s most respected and talented veterans. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, musicians Jeezy and Fabolous will take the stage at the iconic Met Philadelphia.
The show is presented by Dope Shows, a concert promotion company founded by Philadelphia natives, Stephan Piner and Jamir Shaw. The duo, who recently inked a deal with Live Nation, brings the hottest artists to Philadelphia including West Philadelphia native, Toure.
Tickets are required for the concert and can be purchased by visiting the website here. Don’t miss this epic concert celebrating a genre that changed the face of music.
🎤 Where: 858 N. Broad St.
11. Philadelphia Jewish Film & Media Fall Fest
Now in its 43rd year, the PJFM Fall Festival takes places in Philadelphia from November 11-18, 2023. The festival takes place at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and showcases film that appeal to diverse communities. This week long festival encourage understanding and inclusion.
The festival opens with a screening of Remembering Gene Wilder, a documentary about the iconic comedian. To learn more about the festival visit the official website here.
🎞️ Where: 101 S. Independence Mall East
12. LumiNature At The Philadelphia Zoo
Beginning November 17th, 2023 to Saturday, January 6th, 2024, come see a light-show spectacle sure to delight and dazzle. Presented by PNC, LumiNature , Philadelphia Zoo’s spectacular winter light show experience returns this holiday season for sparkling displays, shimmering sights, lively light performers and magical memories.
Revel in awe at more than a million twinkling lights across 16 artistically illuminated zones. Indeed, LumiNature will take guests on a breathtaking journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet. This family-friendly experience is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
For tickets and more information visit the official website here.
🔆 Where: 3400 W. Girard Ave.
13. See The Latest Blockbuster At AMC Theaters For A Can’t-Beat Price
Brought to you by Fever, enjoy a specially-priced ticket to your local AMC theater. Upgrade your experience with this can’t beat food and drink ticket as well.
Everyone loves a deal, especially during the holidays!
🍿 Where: AMC theaters only
14. AACR Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
Now in its 30th year, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend takes place in the city from November 17-19, 2023. Spectators cheer on thousands of marathon runners as they make their way through historic Center City, Fairmount Park, University City, Manayunk and past iconic landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row.
Participants will run a course taking them through a unique experience of centuries of history and architecture, diverse and lively neighborhoods, and remarkable views throughout Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River.
For more information visit the website here.
🏃🏼♂️ Where: marathon begins 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
15. Christmas Village Returns To LOVE Park
From November 18th – December, 24th, 2023, magic returns to LOVE park. Christmas Village is coming back to LOVE Park and City Hall and is more magical than ever before. Embrace the magic of the season as you explore one of the most recognized and award-winning German Christmas markets in America!
Enjoy food, drinks, live music, and plenty of shopping at those cute wooden cottages featuring local vendors and artisans. Read more here.
🎄 Where: 1500 Arch St.
16. Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular At FDR Park
South Philly’s FDR park will transform into a holiday light-show and winter wonderland full of attractions for all. Skate down the Ice Trail or glide down the Ice Slide. Hear stories by Mrs. Claus and take pictures with Santa. Enjoy warm spirits, drinks, and bites and warm up in the Union Forge Lodge. Pick up the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones by visiting the Mistletoe Marketplace.
For more information on this magical event, visit the website here.
❄️ Where: 1500 Pattison Ave.
17. 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Parade
The ultimate, annual Philly tradition takes place this year on Thanksgiving day November 23, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.. The festivities begins with a 30-minute pre-show followed by three hours for the parade and performances.
True to year’s past, parade-goers will enjoy giant floats, enormous balloons, marching bands and whimsical performances. Santa himself will make an appearance, officially usher in the season of Christmas.
For more details, visit the official website here.
🦃 Where: Starts at 20th Street & JFK Boulevard
18. Lil’ Uzi Vert At The Wells Fargo Center
Nothing beats a hometown concert! Philly’s own Symere Basil Woods, aka Lil’ Uzi Vert, is bringing his showstopping Pink Tape Tour home to Philadelphia.
Indeed, the hometown love will be in the air as the artist takes the stage November 22nd, 2023 at 8p.m. for a show you won’t want to miss. It all goes down at one of the best live music venues in the city, The Wells Fargo Center.
If you just wanna rock, make sure to get your tickets by visiting here.
🎶 Where: 3601 S. Broad St.
19. Macy’s Christmas Light Show & Dickens Christmas Village
After gobbling down on Turkey, beginning Black Friday come see a Philly holiday tradition loved by all! The Macy’s Christmas Light Show and Dickens Christmas Village returns for the holiday season. Since 1956, this light show spectacle and Dickens Christmas Village display has delighted families as a staple of holiday magic in Philadelphia.
Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights in the shapes of snowflakes, candy canes and dancing snowmen accompanied by seasonal sounds from the famed Wanamaker Organ. Families can also purchase tickets to see the retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and take a picture with Santa.
For more information visit the official website here.
🎅🏼 Where: 1300 Market St.
20. Impress Your Partner With A Unique Fall Date Night
There’s so much to do in the city to impress your partner with a memorable date night. Bask in the beauty of the autumn in Philadelphia while impressing your significant other with these cute and fun date ideas from apple-picking to leaf-peeping. We’ve rounded up eight cute ideas to help you execute the perfect romantic time out.
See the list here.
💋 Where: locations vary