The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: from upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Theater) Some say musicals should be carefully crafted and deeply thought out. This show says otherwise. You’re invited to take a look and listen as Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino create a completely improvised musical that flips everything you thought you knew about Broadway on its head.

⌚️ Dec. 5, 6p.m., 📍334 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 $45-72

(Dance) This dance showcase highlights women’s perspectives and expressions and features voices of African American women. You’ll be captivated by thought provoking choreography, and exciting music that will speak to a range of audience members.

⌚️Dec. 6-8, 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philadanco.org, 💵 $49

(Community) This gaming-focused event is perfect for tons of board games, miniatures, RPGs, cards and more. The event will be packed with great panels, an expo hall highlighting new innovations, game demos, tournaments and so much more.

⌚️Dec. 6-8, 📍 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 unplugged.paxsite.com, 💵 $14-43

(Music) It doesn’t get more traditional holiday season than a viewing of The Nutcracker. The ballet follows a young Marie on a night of adventure where she is transported to a magical wonderland filled with enchanted toys, a Mouse King, sugarplum fairies and, of course, a handsome prince.

⌚️Dec 6-29, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $99-450

(Theater) See the story of a remarkable Christmas eve come to life on the stage. Come watch as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him Christmas past, present and future. This adaptation features traditional holiday songs to highlight the story and is perfect for kids.

⌚️Dec. 6-21, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $17-20

(Community) Travel back in time this holiday season as Philadelphia’s oldest alley is opens its doors. Come take a look at the homes on the alley accompanied by the sounds and smells of the holiday season. Elfreth’s Alley Elves will also be hidden throughout the alley, so see how many you can find on your visit.

⌚️Dec. 7, 2-6p.m., 📍126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 elfrethsalley.org, 💵 $11.20-62.20

(History) Bring history to life at this immersive experience at the Thompson-Neely farm, where you’ll see what daily life was like for revolutionary soldiers. You’ll also get a chance to take a look at the newly opened Thompson Neely house and view all of its many exhibits.

⌚️Dec. 7, 1:45 - 4:45p.m., 📍1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing, Pa, 18977, 🌐 washingtoncrossingpark.org, 💵 $10

(Community) If you’re looking to shop small this holiday season, you won’t want to miss this marketplace. More than 300 crafters and vendors will be on display offering unique crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts.

⌚️ Dec. 7-8, 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 phillyexpocenter.com, 💵 $5 admission

(History) Don’t just have a regular weekend, make it revolutionary. Join thousands of others along the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s epic 1776 crossing on Christmas night. After the crossing, head to the Historic Village for colonial era activities and demonstrations.

⌚️Dec. 8, 10a.m. - 3p.m., 📍1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing, Pa, 18977, 🌐 washingtoncrossingpark.org, 💵 $5-25

(Community) The holidays in Philadelphia aren’t complete without a stop at Christmas Village. More than 120 vendors from all over the world are setting up a Christmas marketplace, offering everything from food and drinks to unique gifts. Grab a mulled wine or steaming hot chocolate before the end of the season.

⌚️ Nov. 23 - Dec. 24, 📍1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) The Comcast Experience’s Holiday Spectacular is a must for your Philly holiday bucket list. This free show features a massive LED display depicting a virtual sleigh ride over the city that you won’t believe isn’t happening before your eyes. A sensory-friendly version of the show will take place at 2:30p.m. each day while the experience runs.

⌚️ Nov. 28, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025, 📍1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 comcastcentercampus.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Nothing says winter time like skating right alongside the Delaware River. The rink is reopening for the 2024-2025 winter season. Come skate, grab delicious hot chocolate, play games and make winter memories at the waterfront.

⌚️Nov. 29, 2024 - Mar. 2, 2025, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Varies

(Theatre) This farcical murder mystery and play within a play is back after selling out in spring 2023. The show follows the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they embark on producing a 1920s murder mystery. Watch as hilarious disaster after disaster ensues until the final curtain call.

⌚️Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 📍1714 Delancey Pl., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 1812productions.org, 💵 $55-61

(Community) Kick off the holiday season with this dazzling walk-through experience. Your visit will be filled with dazzling light displays, illuminated animals, live entertainment, festival decorations and so much more. This event is perfect for the entire family and makes for a great holiday tradition.

⌚️Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 📍1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa, 19401, 🌐 elmwoodparkzoo.org, 💵 $14.95-28.95

(Community) Longwood Gardens is transforming into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Take in a dazzling display of floating floral designs, stunning trees, bold blooms and more. Brand new spaces will be revealed this year offering even more chances to take in astonishing feats of horticulture and creativity.

⌚️Nov. 22 - Jan. 12, 2025, 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa, 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $8-42

(Community) Morris Aborteum’s annual holiday tradition is back and opening earlier to offer more chances to enjoy it. Come enjoy a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, model trains and a lovely winter garden. For an even more magical visit, stop by at night for the Nighttime Express to take in sparkling lights along the railway and laser lights in the trees.

⌚️Nov. 23 - Dec. 22, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12-22

If you can’t escape the holiday hustle, embrace it with a week full of festive fun. From beloved traditions and live performances to a classic parade and a unique science-filled escape, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

(Seasonal / multi-day) At Variety’s 77-acre campus, enjoy decked-out cabins, an 18th-century farmhouse, performances, Santa, an outdoor market, and cocoa for everyone. The first night is drive-through only ($20-$25). All ages.

⌚December 5, 5-7 p.m.; December 6, 5-9 p.m.; December 7, 3-9 p.m., 📍2950 Potshop Rd., Worcester, PA 19490, 🌐 varietyphila.org, 💵 $8-$12

(Holiday / theater / multi-day) At Walnut Street Theatre, experience a family-friendly adaptation of the classic tale of holiday transformation. Perfect for introducing kids to Dickens’ timeless story. Ages 5 and up.

⌚December 6-21, various times, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $17-$24

(Holiday / free) In West Chester, this community parade kicks off with a tree lighting and continues with high school bands, festive floats, and a visit from Kris Kringle himself. Ages 2 and up.

⌚December 6, 6:30 p.m., 📍Market and Gay Sts., West Chester, PA 19380, 🌐 greaterwestchester.com, 💵 Free

(Music / holiday) At Marian Anderson Hall, Charlotte Blake Alston narrates a festive performance featuring the Orchestra, youth choirs, dancers, sing-alongs, and Santa. Sign up early for a gingerbread house contest. All ages.

⌚December 7, 11:30 a.m., 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $29-$59

(Science / seasonal / free) Take a break from holiday themes at the Wagner Free Institute of Science. Kids can dig for shark teeth, make paper snowflakes, and learn about the museum’s history during talks at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Ages 4 and up.

⌚December 7, noon-4 p.m., 📍1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121, 🌐 wagnerfreeinstitute.org, 💵 Free

(Musical / multi-day) Arden Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, featuring fairy dust, beloved characters, and plenty of joy. Directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Ages 6-12.

⌚November 27-January 19, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25-$46

(Holiday / multi-day) LOVE Park and City Hall transform into a festive holiday market with shopping, snacks, a Festival of Trees, a Ferris wheel, live performances, and visits from Santa. Key events include the city tree lighting on December 5 and a family weekend December 7-8. All ages.

⌚November 28-December 24, noon-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 📍15th and JFK Blvd. and 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 philachristmas.com, 💵 Free

(Outdoors / multi-day) Penn’s Landing welcomes winter fun with a skating rink, fire pits, cabins, arcade games, and snacks. Construction is ongoing, but the venue remains a must-visit for winter break. Ages 4 and up to skate.

⌚November 29-March 2, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 $5 to skate, $12 to rent skates

(Musical / multi-day) At Walnut Street Theatre, Buddy the Elf’s journey from the North Pole to New York City comes alive with a festive score. Kids can attend free with an adult on December 12 and 13 via in-person or phone ticket sales. Ages 6 and up.

⌚November 19-December 29, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $25-$137

(Musical / multi-day) People’s Light presents a creative, interactive twist on the classic Peter Pan story with all your favorite characters, Broadway talent, and a TikTok-loving crocodile. Written by Philly’s own Jennifer Childs. Ages 5 and up.

⌚November 20-January 5, times vary, 📍39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, PA 19355, 🌐 peopleslight.org, 💵 $35-$64

(Seasonal / multi-day) The Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of lights, animal-inspired sculptures, entertainment, and snacks while the animals snooze. Timed tickets required. All ages.

⌚November 21-January 4, 5:15-7:30 p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $22-$29

(Holiday / multi-day)Morris Arboretum’s beloved outdoor toy train display returns, featuring over a dozen lines—including Thomas and friends—traveling through scenic gardens and past miniature Philadelphia landmarks. Ages 1 and up.

⌚November 23-December 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $10-$20

(Seasonal) City Hall’s front yard transforms for winter with the foliage and light-filled Wintergarden, a festive makers market, and an ice-skating rink (weather permitting). All ages.

⌚November 15-February 23 (rink; through March 9 for Wintergarden), 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free (Wintergarden), $7-$9 to skate; $10 to rent skates

(Holidays / multi-day) At the Brandywine Museum of Art, marvel at massive miniature train sets, Critter-adorned trees, and intricate dollhouse displays, all ready for the holiday season. Perfect for fans of trains, Wyeth art, and seasonal magic. All ages.

⌚November 16-January 5, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. December 26-30), 📍1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 🌐 brandywine.org, 💵 $8-$25

(Community / multiday) Can you teach toddlers and elementary school-age kids empathy? It’s certainly worth trying. The Please Touch Museum’s visiting exhibit aims to help children express feelings and understand others’ through lightbox silhouette-making, playing with empathy blocks, and negotiating a seesaw. Ages 2-10.

⌚September 27-January 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays,📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org , 💵$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2