Christmas in Philadelphia: 2023 Events & Activities for Families

Erin P. said:  Celebrate the holidays at Peddler’s Village Holly Jolly Weekend. Catch the Santa parade and a gingerbread display. In the evening, Peddler’s Village becomes a magical nighttime Christmas wonderland, illuminated by a million colorful lights.

1:30pm Santa Parade

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Byers Choice is hosting Gerard Dickens, the great-great grandson of the famed Charles Dickens, for his exclusive one-man performance of A Christmas Carol. Mr. Dickens uses his voice and physical impersonations to play over 26 characters during the unique performance.

Erin P. said:  Kick off the holiday season with the Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler's Village! Santa and a special guest will will flip the switch to illuminate the entire Village! Enjoy musical and dance performances by local groups as well as sing-alongs with Santa.

4:30pm-9pm

Tim Ponisciak said:  Visit Macy's Center City to walk through Dickens Christmas Village, visit Santa Claus, enjoy the Christmas Light Show, and stroll the holiday windows! The Village tells the tale of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as you walk through the different scenes from the book! Reservations are required for Dickens' Village and visits with Santa.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Every Philadelphian has to experience the Mummers Parade at least once. This eclectic mix of performers will surely bring a smile to your face and your kids' faces too! The Mummers parade runs through Center City Philadelphia. The Mummers compete to be awarded as best in their division, separated into the Fancy, Comics, Wench Brigade, String Band and Fancy Brigade. The best known division is the string bands. Get to Broad Street early to secure a good viewing spot!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  This is one of the longest running Nutcracker productions in the U.S. You will be led on the journey of this classic story full of magic, fantasy and enchantment as well as exciting choreography, beautiful sets and show-stopping music.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy Winter Wonderland hosted by the Borough of Conshohocken and held in the Conshohocken Community Center at the Fellowship House. Enjoy arts & crafts, games and an appearance by Santa!

12pm-2pm

Pre-registration required

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy a fun and festive event at Smith Memorial Playground for their Annual Winter Wonderland. Enjoy family-friendly activities including an ice carving demonstration, s’mores roasting, winter-themed crafts, and tasty treats.

12pm-2pm

Juan L. said:  The Blue Cross River Rink celebrates the holidays each year with Winterfest. It boasts a huge outdoor ice skating rink, a colorfully-lit holiday tree, fire pits, warming cabins, foods, drinks, and games, and more!

Tim Ponisciak said:  The city's tree is located right outside of City Hall, in the middle of the city. Each year this quintessential Philadelphia Christmas event revolves around the lighting of this tree. Make sure to check out the tree if you are dropping by the Christmas Village just a few steps away or going to see the Macy's Light Show!

7pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Downingtown will have Christmas in the air with music and fun at the Good Neighbor Christmas Parade. This true “hometown” Christmas parade features local bands, dance groups, scouts, and of course, the arrival of Santa Claus!

3pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Head to Floral & Hardy of Skippack for a unique shopping experience at their store, Cafe, and outdoor Christmas Village. Highlights include select vendors/artisans with one-of-a kind items for sale, specialty coffee/tea and freshly baked goods from Blossom Cafe, holiday decor, gift items, and freshly decorated wreaths, and a DIY Succulent Bar with holiday accents.

9am-5pm

Becki Evans Fleming said:  Recommending as an owner of this establishment, but one with 4 kids who LOVE everything about Shady Brook Farm. Visitors experience the magic of millions of lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters as you wind your way along this 2 mile trail in a car or an open air wagon ride. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and cook up s’mores at a toasty bonfire (cocoa, s’mores kits, and more treats available for purchase). Visit and have your photo taken with Santa (at the Farm Market) and pick out the perfect Christmas tree while you’re here!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Your family will love the magical holiday experience of Forever Forest. You can take a ride on Santa's Sleigh, go Toy Testing with Santa's Elves, check out MarshMello Lane, wander through a Christmas Tree Walking Trail, get your photo taken with Santa, and more. There are also holiday treats and menu items including sweet hot cocoa.

5pm-9pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Attractions include pre-cut trees, cut-your-own trees, horse and wagon rides, a gift shop, wreaths and greenery, Christmas decor, Santa pictures, complimentary hot chocolate, an interactive animal area, and more.

Dawn said:  Featuring stunning light shows, illuminated, towering trees, thrilling rides and festive street vendors offering holiday treats, Holiday in the Park is sure to delight the entire family. Be sure to visit Santa in his workshop for a fun photo opportunity.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Bundle up the kids for some winter fun at Dutch Wonderland. Rides are open and there are holiday attractions and light displays, performances, a chance to meet Santa, story times, a train display and more!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Adventure Aquarium is decked out for the holidays and boasts the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree! Visit Scuba Santa, drop your letters to Santa in a special mailbox and dance and play in the magical indoor snow flurries in the new and improved Snowtunda!

10am & 1pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is a holiday tradition that will delight children and adults of all ages. Located on an outdoor video wall of the Comcast building, it is a 15 minute state-of-the-art visual show featuring classic holiday songs and performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet.

10am-8pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Count down as Santa lights the official Christmas Tree at the Singing Fountain. You can take photos with Santa after the lighting.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Christmas Village will light up LOVE park. Everyone is invited to experience the charm of a traditional German holiday market with thousands of twinkling lights, festive Christmas decorations, live music at the main stage, and exclusive wine and spirit tastings

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy the more than 100 year tradition of the Christmas Tree Lighting in Doylestown. The sounds of festive live music will waft through the crowds before the parade and tree lighting.

5pm-8pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Join in the holiday fun in Media with a block party, fun run/walk, and Santa's Parade! Santa will lead mummers, drummers, musicians, dancers, classic cars, fire engines, and more on a four-mile route through Media.

2:30pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Dickens Festival transforms Narberth in 1840s London for a fun-filled and unique family experience. Popular attractions include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, carolers, period vendors and food, dancers, musicians, ballet performances, puppet shows, magicians, puppeteers, a free Dickens-themed scavenger hunt for children, and more.

12pm-4pm

Dawn said:  Each December, thousands gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of General George Washington’s daring Christmas Day river crossing. During this family-friendly event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Koziar’s is a park and walk vintage Christmas lights experience. Santa will be there for pictures as well!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  During this walk-through experience, guests will be surrounded by dazzling light displays, illuminated animals and live entertainment.

5pm-9pm

Tim Ponisciak said:   Seeing the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, as performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet, is sure to have sugarplums dancing in the heads of your little ones!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Holiday Spectacular at Eagleview Town Center features live music, a visit from Santa, tree lighting, and more festive activities for kids.

2pm-5pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky's timeless score and be transported to the magical Land of Sweets as you join Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy on the journey of a dream.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy a festive and fun holiday experience at Christmas at Joanna with the Hay Creek Valley Historical Society. Families can take wagon rides through the illuminated Joanna Furnace iron plantation, participate in holiday songs and Christmas stories around the bonfire and walk through the 3,200 square foot light maze and pathways. Your family can also see the Live Nativity scene, visit the Christmas market and Historic Mule Stable for Victorian decorations as well as take a walking tour. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Bristol Riverside Theater Annual Christmas Show is a fun-filled experience of holiday songs and Christmas carols to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Festivities start at NRG Station with live music, balloon animals, a special appearance from Paws, a certain Phillies mascot, and more! Hop aboard a special SEPTA train decked out with holiday decorations and head to Dilworth Park where you can stay and skate with Santa and shop for gifts at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market!

10am-12pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Kick off the holidays at the annual Tree Lighting event at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. Enjoy live entertainment and festive fun. Soaked Winery and McCall Collective Brewing Co. will be on-site selling alcoholic beverages to attendees of age. Santa and Mrs. Claus will delight the crowd by lighting the tree and will stay afterwards for photos.

5:30pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Experience the mesmerizing performance, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, at the Santander Performing Arts Center. Your family will be delighted with dazzling acrobatics, inspiring music, bold costumes and much more for this breathtaking holiday performance.

7:30pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and their very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! Don’t forget to grab some tasty treats at the Fork Lift Cafe!

5:30pm-9pm

Juan L. said:  The Philadelphia Orchestra helps the whole family get into the Holiday Spirit with a spectacular Christmas show featuring sleigh bells and trumpets ringing in the holiday to classics. The songs are all kid-approved and childhood favorites sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

11:30am

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Plymouth Township invites you to the annual tree lighting ceremony.

6pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Join a festive welcome to the holiday season at the Annual Hatboro Holiday Parade hosted by the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce.

2pm-4pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Make your holidays sparkle with a trip to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and experience thrilling rides, more than 5 million holiday lights, special entertainment and a visit from Santa and his reindeer.

Also check out Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive through 2 miles of wooded trails with 600 colorful displays that light up the night.

Erin P. said:  Enjoy the magic of the holidays, delicious food, and festive family fun at this spectacular series of Philadelphia Christmas events, including the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, Santa Saturdays, Hanukkah Celebration, Kwanzaa Weekend, and Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square! The holiday fun culminates with a Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A Longwood Christmas is a sensory delight with half a million twinkling lights, richly decorated Christmas trees, brightly lit fountains set to holiday music, strolling carolers and ornamentally decorated grounds to give guests the ultimate holiday experience.

Timed Tickets Required

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Tour through the Pennypacker mansion, see Victorian decorations, and discover how the Pennypacker's celebrated Christmas and what life was like in the early 1900’s.

Pre-registration required

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science’s annual holiday tradition features science, Santa, food, and fun!

9am & 11am

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Take part in a special holiday tradition with the Lucia Celebration at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Families can enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee while taking a stroll through the Christmas Market featuring crafts, decorations, Swedish specialties, gifts and more. Enjoy daily Lucia processions and live holiday music throughout the day.

10am-4pm

Dawn Barger Wiggins said:  Ambler Main Street’s Holiday Parade is an annual community event you don’t want to miss. Arrive early to get your viewing spot along Butler Ave and enjoy bands, floats, Mummers, Santa and more!

1pm

Kristy Pepping said:  Frosty meets new friends, but soon must return to The North Pole so he can stay cold. He brings his new friends back with him so they can hang out and see where he is from. But they all must keep away from the magician who wants his magic hat back.

10am

Erin P. said:  The whole family will love the experience at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. They have a whole lineup of shows geared for children, and after each show the cast stays on the stage to answer questions from the audience. The cast will also sign autographs and take pictures in the lobby.

Santa Claus is ready to retire, but his chosen replacement has a big task ahead of him in this festive show with original Christmas music to get you into the holiday spirit!

10:30 lunch/11:30 show

11:45 lunch/12:45 show

10am

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Music Mountain Theatre boasts high quality Children's Theatre performances throughout the year. Get ready to welcome in the Christmas season with this festive musical featuring the snow man from one of our favorite Christmas songs, and his red-nosed pal Rudolph, as they work together to save Christmas.

Saturdays at 11 am & 1 pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Celebrate the holidays at the Hagley Museum with holiday happenings your kids will love! There will be lavish gingerbread houses on display for voting in their contest, Santa Days, evening Twilight Tours, and more.

Closed on Christmas Day

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy a free Christmas concert of traditional holiday music featuring over 100 tuba players playing the world's most beloved holiday tunes.

Erin P. said:  Make this fantastic holiday light show a part of your holiday traditions when you are downtown for Christmas in Philadelphia! The Deck the Hall Holiday Lights is a festive light show projected on Philadelphia's City Hall.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Fairview Village Church hosts Lights in the Village, a spectacular light and animated walk-through display. See live characters, laser lights, Bethlehem adventure, and so much more!

6pm-9pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas display that will delight the senses and capture the holiday spirit. Enjoy music of a bell choir, witness clear toy candy demonstrations and feast your eyes on the magnificent decorations and living history in the property's mansion.

2pm-8pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  This parade features fire engines, marching bands, choirs, antique cars, horses, local schools, Santa Claus, and the Phillie Phanatic!

9am-10am

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Experience the magnificent and grand holiday decorations from the 1800s through the 20th Century at a Christmas extravaganza for the sights at Yuletide at Winterthur. See their magical toy train display and gingerbread and doll houses.

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Linvilla Orchards becomes a Winter Wonderland for the holidays complete with Santa and his elves. Families can visit and take a photo with Santa, enjoy holiday entertainment, and cut your own Christmas tree. Stop by the Garden Center for holiday decorations and gifts, see the animals in the barnyard and grab a freshly made pie from the Farm Market & Bakery.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A Very Furry Christmas will delight the youngest to the oldest with holiday shows, train rides and Christmas Parade. Sesame Place is adorned with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations to celebrate the holiday season. Visit Rudolph's Misfit Marketplace for tasty, seasonal treats while browsing for gifts and don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show for the ultimate light show. Santa, Rudolph and his friends will be on hand for visits and photos.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo shines brightly with over 1.2 million lights, prominent holiday themed displays, costumed characters and state-of-the-art technology to enthrall guests of all ages.

Tim Ponisciak said:  The POPS will play all of your and your kids' musical Christmas favorites which will be sure to get you in the mood for the holiday season. Singing Santa has been known to make an appearance!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Take your family to a lavish production of The Nutcracker performed by the First State Ballet and held at The Grand Opera House Copeland Hall.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Take your family to a festive event, The Magic of Christmas, at Old Stone House Historic Village. Kids can meet with Santa and take pictures, see the Tree lighting, enjoy live holiday music and hear readings from The Polar Express. Bake sale goodies will be available for purchase.

5:30pm-8:30pm