PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There is so much to do at this time of the year.
This weekend, there are Christmas tree lightings, brand-new parades, food and city tours, holiday markets, and annual displays — take your pick.
EVENT: Parade of Lights
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; parade begins at 5:15 p.m.
WHERE: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Penn’s Landing
DETAILS: In its 12th year, the Parade of Lights offers a unique festive experience with a parade of boats all lit up for the holiday season. The museum is offering a variety of crafts during the day, including an origami ornaments table.
PRICE: Free with museum admission
EVENT: Car Menorah Parade on the Parkway
DATE/TIME: Thursday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 22nd Street
DETAILS: The world’s largest annual car menorah parade kicks off again along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 22nd Street. Cars — each adorned with large rooftop menorahs — line up at the start and make their way down to Independence Mall. Reach out to your local Chabad if you are interested in participating.
PRICE: Free to watch
EVENT: Holiday Parade
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Beginning at Market and Second streets, ending at City Hall
DETAILS: The city’s first-ever Holiday Parade will travel from Second Street to City Hall and feature balloons, marching bands, and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas floats. As a perk, you can warm up at the starting line with a free Wawa hot chocolate, plus other giveaways.
PRICE: Free to attend
EVENT: Holiday Garden Railway Nights
DATE: Through Jan. 2
WHERE: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave., Chestnut Hill
DETAILS: The evening is the peak viewing time for the annual Holiday Garden Railway at the arboretum. View Philadelphia-area landmarks that are made completely out of natural materials. There are also opportunities to view the trains during the day if you cannot make the evening times.
PRICE: $20 for adults, $10 for kids
EVENT: Holiday Farm Party & Greens Sale
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: The Farm at Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh Ave., Germantown
DETAILS: Get into the holiday spirit with Awbury Arboretum with an afternoon of fire pits, cookie decorating, goats and more. There will be a few ticketed workshops available that you need to pre-register for. There will also be greens for sale, including wreaths, dwarf spruce trees and pine roping.
PRICE: Pay as you go
EVENT: Deck the Halls 2021
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Elfreth’s Alley, 126 Elfreth’s Alley, Old City
DETAILS: Get a glimpse inside the 18th- and 19th-century homes that occupy Elfreth’s Alley and tour the museum during this fundraising event. There will be private home tours, caroling, a raffle and more.
PRICE: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
EVENT: Holiday Tree Lighting
DATE/TIME: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., Penn’s Landing
DETAILS: Winterfest on the Delaware River is in full swing, and on Friday, the holiday season really kicks off with the lighting of its tree. There will be acts and performances from a wide range of musicians, and, of course, everything that Winterfest has to offer.
PRICE: Non-ice skating areas are free
EVENT: Bucks County Wine Trail Holiday Celebration
DATE: Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: Select wineries in Bucks County
DETAILS: Celebrate mulled wine season with the seven wineries that make up the Bucks County Wine Trail. Enjoy spiced wine, Christmas cookies, artisanal cheeses and discounted prices if you’re doing holiday shopping. Be sure to check out the Light up the Vines holiday at the wineries as well.
PRICE: Pay as you go
EVENT: Christkindlmarkt
DATE: Thursday through Sunday
WHERE: PNC Plaza SteelStacks at 645 E. First St., Bethlehem
DETAILS: For the next few weekends, Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt will feature performances, food and more than 60 artisans and craftspeople offering unique holiday gifts.
PRICE: Tickets start at $10
EVENT: Haddonfield Food Tour
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 1 p.m.
WHERE: Haddonfield, New Jersey; exact location provided after you buy your ticket
DETAILS: Enjoy international cuisines without ever leaving the state on this food tour through Haddonfield’s diverse dining scene. Every food sample is included in your ticket except for any additional beverages.
PRICE: $65 with registration
EVENT: Indonesian Night Market
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 3 to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., South Philadelphia
DETAILS: Modero & Company and the Fleisher Art Memorial are teaming up for an evening dedicated to Indonesian culture. From satay to bakso (Indonesian meatball soup) to a screening of “Raya and the Last Dragon,” there’s a little something for everyone.
PRICE: Free to attend