Philadelphia Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a BYOB trolley tour through Philadelphia's most dazzling light displays. Begin the evening at Urban Village Brewing for a festive welcome before boarding a vintage trolley for a cheerful ride. Sing along to carols and enjoy holiday trivia as you journey past...

Dive into a magical holiday experience at Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Underwater! This unique event features Scuba Santa swimming daily with marine life, the World's Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, and festive photo opportunities. Enjoy holiday décor, special shows, and meet Santa on land in his workshop.

Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland for LumiNature, a spectacular holiday light show. Wander through dazzling displays of over a million twinkling lights, bringing whimsical wildlife scenes to life. Meet Santa at Santa's Lodge, enjoy festive food and drinks at Jambi's Solstice Saloon, and capture memorable photos with unique...

Step into a winter wonderland at the LuLu Shriners FEZtival of Trees & Lights! This magical event features a forest of uniquely decorated trees, a captivating model train display, and a bustling marketplace. Families can enjoy children's activities, festive refreshments, and the chance to win a tree in the raffle....

Elmwood Park Zoo transforms into a magical holiday spectacle with Wild Lights. This enchanting event features dazzling light displays that illuminate the zoo grounds, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment each night, including unique animal encounters and live music, making it a perfect way...

Welcome the holiday season in Wayne with a weekend of festive cheer! Friday evening features enchanting carriage rides, creative arts and crafts, lively caroling, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, culminating in a beautiful tree lighting ceremony. Saturday continues the celebration with the 'Elves for Shelves' Fun Run...

Experience the magic of the season at Diggerland USA's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, beginning November 2025. Journey through America's only construction theme park as it transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. Enjoy spectacular light displays, festive decorations, and enchanting tunnels, all while listening to holiday tunes on the park's own...

Sesame Place transforms into a Christmas wonderland for 'A Very Furry Christmas Celebration.' Millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed rides create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy spectacular Christmas shows, a dazzling music and light show, and the enchanting Sesame Street Christmas Parade. Meet Santa Claus in his Furry Workshop,...

Join the festive spirit in West Chester for their annual Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved event kicks off with the ceremonial lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree, followed by a spectacular parade featuring marching bands, award-winning floats, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. It's a magical...

Experience the magic of the holidays at Hagley Museum's "Holiday Nights." This special event offers a rare opportunity to tour the first du Pont family home, Eleutherian Mills, beautifully decorated and illuminated for the season. Discover the "Our Storied Past" theme, which brings beloved holiday tales and traditions to life....

Experience the magic of Yuletide at Winterthur, where classic literature and holiday charm intertwine. Wander through the historic mansion, transformed by artful displays inspired by beloved stories, and marvel at dazzling outdoor lights. Discover a giant gingerbread creation, a miniature 18-room dollhouse, and a festive model train display. Special evening...

Step into a breathtaking holiday spectacle at A Longwood Christmas, where the Gardens are transformed into a radiant jewel box. Explore enchanting displays of vibrant colors, twinkling lights, and stunning floral arrangements. Witness magical fountain shows set to holiday music and wander through illuminated tunnels for an unforgettable festive experience.

Join the beloved annual Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler's Village to officially kick off the holiday season. Witness the magical moment when Santa and Mrs. Claus illuminate the village with a million colorful lights. Enjoy live music and dance performances, and explore the impressive 41st Annual Gingerbread Competition & Display.

Discover the magic of the holiday season at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. This vibrant event transforms Dilworth Park into a festive winter wonderland, showcasing a curated selection of local artisans, designers, and jewelers. Find unique, handmade gifts, art, photography, and culinary delights, all while celebrating Philadelphia's rich craft...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia, an authentic German-style holiday market. Browse over 120 international and local vendors offering unique gifts and crafts, and savor delicious European cuisine and warm beverages. Enjoy family-friendly attractions and the magical ambiance of thousands of holiday lights.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Merry Glitzmas Holiday Festival! This festive event brings together local small business vendors offering unique handmade crafts, delicious food trucks, and engaging activities for kids. Enjoy winter carnival games, a festive basket auction, and plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family.

Step back in time to 1840s London at the Narberth Dickens Festival. This free, family-friendly event transforms downtown Narberth into a Victorian wonderland, complete with costumed characters from "A Christmas Carol," period vendors, and lively entertainment. Enjoy carols, dancers, puppet shows, and a special free screening of "A Muppet Christmas...

Experience the magic of Chestnut Hill's Stag + Doe Nights, a cherished holiday tradition. Explore unique shops with extended hours, discover special holiday deals, and enjoy complimentary treats. Keep an eye out for Santa himself and the lively sounds of a brass quartet as you embrace the festive spirit.

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia's historic Garden District. This charming village comes alive with festive entertainment, including live carolers and a brass quartet. Enjoy extended shopping hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and don't miss the chance to meet Santa. Savor seasonal treats and discover unique...

Experience the magic of the season at Stag & Doe Nights in Chestnut Hill. On select Wednesday evenings, local shops extend their hours, offering exclusive holiday specials and complimentary refreshments. Enjoy live entertainment and festive cheer as Santa Claus strolls the avenue, creating a truly enchanting holiday atmosphere.

Step into a winter wonderland at Peddler's Village, where millions of lights create a magical holiday atmosphere. Discover unique gifts and artisanal treasures in over 65 charming shops, and savor delicious food and drinks from diverse eateries. Enjoy festive entertainment, special events like gingerbread displays, and opportunities to meet Santa.

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the 24th annual Spirit of Christmas Celebration in Historic New Castle. This beloved event blends community festivity with the town's rich colonial history. While tickets grant access to a special historic house tour, most of the day's programming, including browsing market vendors and...

Experience the timeless magic of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®, presented by the Philadelphia Ballet. This beloved holiday tradition unfolds with Tchaikovsky's glorious score, bringing to life fighting mice, toy soldiers, dancing candy canes, and waltzing flowers. Join young Marie and her Prince on an unforgettable journey through a dreamworld to...

Experience the timeless tradition of Handel's Messiah, performed by the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. Under the masterful direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this beloved oratorio comes alive with "all the fanfare and glorious music." Joined by a stellar cast of soloists, including soprano Lucy Crowe and countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński, this performance...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with The Glorious Sound of Christmas, a cherished annual tradition. The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, presents a program filled with festive cheer. This beloved concert, echoing the iconic 1962 recording, promises a joyous celebration of the season, possibly even...

Get ready for a magical holiday season with the Sinatra Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Tommy Ward Orchestra live! This event promises an unforgettable evening filled with the timeless melodies and festive spirit of Frank Sinatra, performed by a talented orchestra. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in holiday cheer...

Get ready for a magical evening with the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour at the historic Lansdowne Theater. This festive concert features the acclaimed saxophonist Dave Koz alongside talented artists Jonathan Butler, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, and Kayla Waters. Experience a night of smooth jazz and holiday cheer in...

Step into a heartwarming holiday celebration at The Candlelight Theatre with 'Christmas by Candlelight 2025.' This acclaimed musical production, voted Best Musical by subscribers, features beloved seasonal and sacred tunes, along with delightful new surprises. Experience the magic of the yuletide season in an intimate setting, perfect for creating lasting...

Ring in the holiday season with platinum-selling vocalist Chris Pinnella and his 12-piece orchestra at The Newtown Theatre. Pinnella, formerly of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, brings Christmas classics and holiday hits to life with his powerful vocals. Enjoy beloved songs such as 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,' 'Silver Bells,' and 'The...

Delaware's professional ballet company presents its enchanting production of The Nutcracker. Follow Marie on a magical holiday dream through a swirling snowstorm to the Land of Sweets, featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score and a lavish production. This beloved holiday tradition promises a captivating experience for all ages.

Get ready for an epic holiday adventure at Philadelphia SantaCon 2025! Don your most festive Santa attire and join hundreds of fellow revelers for a bar crawl through over 15 of the city's best pubs and bars. Enjoy exclusive drink specials, holiday-themed beverages, and waived cover fees. A free Santa...

Welcome 2026 in style at New Jersey's most exciting New Year's Eve parties! From sophisticated galas in Princeton to energetic celebrations in Edison and family-friendly events in Iselin, there's a perfect way for everyone to ring in the new year. Discover vibrant nightlife, gourmet dining, and unforgettable fireworks displays across...

Immerse yourself in the wonder of 'The Comcast Holiday Spectacular,' a beloved Philadelphia tradition. This free, interactive show features dazzling visuals on one of the world's largest LED video walls, including a magical sleigh ride and whimsical characters. It's an inclusive experience designed to bring joy and magic to all...

Experience the magic of winter at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, a premier outdoor ice skating destination on the Delaware River waterfront. Glide across the ice with breathtaking city views, then gather around the warm fire pits for delicious s'mores and festive drinks. It's the perfect spot for seasonal...

Lace up your running shoes for the A Merry Christmas Run in Camden, New Jersey! This festive event offers 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances, plus a family-friendly 1-mile fun run. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal, and digital training pack. Join the holiday cheer and spread love and togetherness on...

Experience the magic of Winterfest at Cooper River Park, a beloved seasonal attraction running from November through February. This vibrant event transforms the park into a winter wonderland, offering a fantastic ice skating experience for visitors of all ages. It's the perfect destination for families and friends to embrace the...

Discover a festive array of holiday events in Mount Laurel, NJ, perfect for getting into the seasonal spirit. From Christmas bazaars offering unique gifts to lively parties, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Explore popular upcoming events and find details to plan your festive outings.

Experience the magic of Winterfest at Diggerland USA, where construction-themed fun meets holiday cheer. This exciting event, included with regular admission, features live music, a spectacular Parade of Machines, and delicious seasonal treats like s'mores and hot chocolate. Families can enjoy festive activities such as photos with Santa, a candy...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Sesame Place Philadelphia for Santa's Twas the Night Celebration. This enchanting event invites families to meet Santa Claus himself, share their holiday wishes, and capture unforgettable photos. Enjoy spectacular holiday-themed shows, dazzling light displays, and festive decorations that transform the park into a...