Your Guide for Winter Events in Greater Philadelphia

City of Philadelphia in the Distance on a Snowy Winter Day - stock photo
Photo credit Getty Images: BrianEKushner

We have your guide for post-holiday winter season events!

MJ the Musical at Academy of Music (january 8 - january 19)

MJ the Musical, a 'Thriller' of a Tony Award-winning show is coming to the Academy of Music! Tap here for tickets and additional details.

fire & frost fun at peddler's village (january 10, 11, 17, 18)

Twinkling lights cover Peddler's Village during the holidays, but the final two weekends are celebrated with the annual Fire & Frost Fun event - featuring live fire artistry, fire pits, a scavenger hunt, ice-carving demonstrations, plus more!

philadelphia auto show at pennsylvania convention center (january 11 - january 19)

The Philadelphia Auto Show returns for its 123rd year as it takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center for 10 days in January with the theme Fuelin' Philly 2025. The event's Black Tie Tailgate kicks off the week on the even of the show. Tap here for more info on the Show.

They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce at Union Transfer (january 3 - january 31) *friday nights only

The Philadelphia Eagles' legendary lineman Jason Kelce is hosting the new one-hour show 'They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce' airing on ESPON for five consecutive Friday nights in January. Each episode will be shot in front of a live studio audience at Union Transfer in Callowhill on Friday evenings a few hours before it airs live-to-tape. Free tickets can be requested from 1iota's website while supplies last!

winter wonder at longwood gardens (january 17 - march 23)

Escape the chill and bask in the warmth of the beautiful new West Conservatory at Longwood Gardens' Winter Wonder exhibit. Leave your winter worries at the door and unwind as the soothing sounds of water and lush, tropical gardens transport you to another world.

martin luther king jr. weekend in philly (january 18 - january 20)

Check out where you can celebrate Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday weekend:

- The African American Museum in Philadelphia three-day weekend of special events, including music and dance performances and family activates.
- The Museum of American Revolution honors Dr. King's ongoing legacy of the Revolution during Martin Luther King Jr, Weekend at the Museum.
- Lend a hand during Greater Philadelphia's Martin Luther King Day of Service 30th annual community volunteer event, which includes in-person service projects throughout the Philadelphia Region.

philly chocolate, wine & whiskey festival at the greater philadelphia expo center (january 25)

Quench your thirst and get your sweet tooth fix at the Philly Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival on Saturday, January 25! From 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM, taste the flavors of a chocolate fondue bar, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, grab a boozy milkshake, and indulge in countless beverages. Tap here for more details.

winter in franklin square (november 21 - february 23)

Winter In Franklin Square's free nightly Electrical Spectacle Light Shows begin November 21st and is open through February 23, 2025. Themed to Ben Franklin’s electric discovery with a giant kite and key, enjoy light shows running nightly from 5pm – closing, every 30 minutes. Plus, gather a team, and channel your inner Olympian through Street Curling and tabletop shuffleboard.

Don't miss Ice Princess Night at Franklin Square on January 25 and January 26! Join Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Isabella from Encanto, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, and more for meet-and-greets with kids at this free event.

winter at dilworth park (november 15 - february 23)

Just steps away from City Hall, Winter at Dilworth Park returns! Check out the return of the Wintergarden, a chalet-style cabin, fire pits, seasonal refreshments, a holiday market and plenty of winter events this winter season starting Friday, November 15th.

winterfest ice skating at cooper river park (november 29 - february 23)

Make memories on the ice at WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River Park! The fun begins Novem-BURRR 29.

bluecross riverrink winterfest (november 29 - march 2)

A Waterfront Winter Wonderland is at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest starting Friday, November 29th! Experience illuminating lights, a 60 foot Ferris wheel, ice skating, plus more.

PAST EVENTS

ardmore winter beer fest at ardmore music hall (january 11)

Cheers! Ardmore Music Hall is the site of the annual Ardmore Winter Beer Fest and its 2025 tropical Island Getaway theme on Saturday, January 11, 2025 starting at 12:30 PM. Visit main street Ardmore for curated a la carte fest food, over 50 craft beets, and more.

GINGERBREAD COMPETITION & DISPLAY AT PEDDLER'S VILLAGE (through sunday, january 19)

Holiday-themed happenings continue at Bucks County's Peddler's Village! Catch the end of the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display, featuring over 100 handcrafted gingerbread creations.

holidays at peddler's village (november 15 - december 21)

Ring in the holiday season at Peddler's Village! Their holiday kick-off weekend is November 15th through November 17th. Check out their calendar to learn more on their Gingerbread Competition Photos with Santa, Holiday Hustle, Holly Jolly weekend, and more family-friendly events this holiday season.

drive-thru holiday light show at diggerland (november 15 - january 1)

Experience Diggerland's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! Make Diggerland a family holiday staple!

didonato's magical express (november 16 - december 23)

All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more!

storybook land's christmas fantasy with lights (november 16 - december 30)

During the Christmas Fantasy with Lights, Storybook Land's Jumping Jumbos retire for a winter slumber and the ride is transformed in Santa's Fantasy Flight, a flying sleigh ride through falling snow. Rider requirements: Under 36" must be accompanied by a responsible person.

seasonal celebrations at sesame place (select dates: november 16 - december 31)

From A Very Furry Christmas, Hanukkah Celebration, Kwanza Celebration, and New Year's Eve Fireworks, there's lots to celebrate the holiday season at Sesame Place! The fun festivities kick off Friday, November 17th.

luminature at the philadelphia zoo (november 21 - january 4)

While the animals are tucked away for the holiday season, 1 million lights and 14 illuminated zones come to life at LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo starting Thursday, November 21st!

yuletide at liberty hill (november 22 - january 5)

From market shops, to food & beverages, attractions, and amusement rides for all ages, Yuletide is a Christmas Market Festival held in the vibrant suburbs of Philadelphia. The festival runs from November 22 to January 5 at its new location, Union League Liberty Hill.

winter wonderland illuminated walking trail at indian acres tree farm (november 22 - december 30)

Presenting: Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail! Stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees, waddle past a penguin igloo town, “fly by” Birdhouse Row —but watch out for a runaway toboggan! Make your way into our White Pine field to experience a tunnel of lights snowing down on you. The trail is draped and decorated with tens of thousands of lights and is THE best way to celebrate the season! After experiencing Winter Wonderland, make sure to stop by the bonfires for some hot chocolate and s’mores! You can even walk through the trail a SECOND time after enjoying the bonfires!

wild lights at elmwood park zoo (select nights: november 22 - december 30)

Heading down to Norristown? Experience the Elmwood Park Zoo Wild Lights walk-through Featuring millions of LED lights across 16 acres starting Friday, November 22nd. (Wild Lights is closed on December 24 and December 25).

fire & lights/christmas light show hayride at johnson's corner farm (november 22 - december 30)

Johnson's Corner Farm “Christmas Musical Light Show Hayride" gets you into the holiday spirit as it takes your friends and family on a trip around the farm. You will be surrounded by a light show set to your family’s favorite Christmas tunes. Celebrate the season as you view the Farm with Decorated Barns, Tractors and Farmhouses.

a longwood christmas at longwood gardens (november 22 - january 12)

Experience Longwood Reimagined at Longwood Gardens! Take a stroll through millions of holiday lights and mid-century magic at this Kennett Square holiday festivity. It all starts Friday, November 22nd.

holiday garden railway and nighttime express at morris arborteum & gardens (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 30)

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.

holiday light show at shady brook farm (november 23 - january 5)

Over 3 million lights illuminate the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm! Open Saturday, November 23rd, take a drive in your car or enjoy the open air while snuggled up in a tractor-pulled wagon through January 5th.

christmas village at love park (november 23 - december 24)

Need to start your Christmas shopping soon? Keep an eye out for our unique selection of international and local vendors at Christmas Village at LOVE Park. Expect handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry as well as high-quality arts and crafts. Warm yourself with sweet and hot drinks while enjoying festive Christmas lights at this traditional Philadelphia event.

holiday lights display at the herr's snack factory (november 27 - january 5)

From dusk to dawn, enjoy Herr's Free Holiday Lights Display! Drive through the corporate campus to see over 600,000 twinkling lights this holiday season starting Wednesday, November 27th.

philadelphia's 6abc dunkin' thanksgiving day parade (november 28)

The nation's oldest Thanksgiving Day parade kicks off at 8:30 AM on the holiday! From floats to marching bands, dazzling dancers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, check it out on Thursday, November 28th at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

glow to bed christmas light show (november 28 - january 4)

Glow Big, or Glow Home! Check out South Jersey’s Ultimate Animated Light Show, Glow To Bed in Sicklerville, NJ. GLOW includes a 45 food LED snowman, a 40 foot Christmas tree, two million synchronized dancing lights, a dazzling district, Santa Claus and so much more.

Don't miss the tree lighting ceremony set for Friday, December 6!

santa claus special on the woodstown central railrood (november 30 - december 22)

Celebrate the yuletide season aboard Woodstown Central Railroad’s annual Santa Claus Special! As your journey begins, Santa will make his way through the train for a memorable visit with each family. As you travel down the tracks, take in the changing winter landscapes of the forests, farmland, and historic small towns of South Jersey.

breakfast with santa at johnson's locust hall farm (december 7, 8, 14, and 15)

Get into the festive spirit with Johnson's Locust Hall Farm's delightful 'Breakfast with Santa' event, a magical experience nestled in the heart of Jobstown, New Jersey. This event is sure to be a memorable one for both kids and adults alike.

philadelphia city hall tree lighting ceremony

Stop by City Hall on Thursday, December 5 from 6PM-8PM for the annual Philadelphia Holiday Tree lighting ceremony!

tractor parade with santa at coombs barnyard (november 30 at 10 am)

Check out Coombs Barnyard on November 30 at 10 am for a Winter Tractor Parade along with a special visit from Santa Claus!! Stay at the farm and enjoy some snacks and crafts for kids and adults. Cost is $10 per car to attend. They will also be collecting canned goods to be donated to our local food banks.

new year's eve in philadelphia (december 31)

You won't want to miss these two incredible fireworks displays at Delaware River Waterfront celebrating New Year's Eve in Philadelphia! See the first show at 6PM, and ring in the New Year with fireworks at midnight. See more details on the official Delaware River Waterfront Corporation website!

Best free viewing spots:
- Race Street Pier at North Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Washington Avenue Pier at Washington Avenue Green, South Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Spruce Street Harbor Park at 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Great Plaza at Penn's Landing at 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Pier 69 at Pier 70 Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19148

Ticketed events with views
- Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
- Cherry Street Pier
- Battleship New Jersey
- Fringe Bar's Latin Bash

mummers parade (january 1, 2025)

Celebrate 2025 with one of Philadelphia's most famous traditions, The Mummers Parade! Check out complete details on the 2025 parade route and competition taking place on New Year's Day.

How are you celebrating this holiday season? Tag us on our socials '@NEW965PHILLY' and let us know!

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images: FamVeld