30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: December 24--30

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: December 24–30

Need plans? We've got something great, every day!

December 23, 2018

Need plans? We’ve got something great, every day.

First off, check out all the special programming going on in our Philly Winter Break Survival Guide!

Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND

All Week

See this: Holiday Lights in Philly

Winter Break Camps

If your kids have off but you don’t, there are some great day-off camps that will keep them occupied and learning during Winter Break! Here’s our rundown!

Dr. Seuss’ ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ The Musical

December 19—29

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

Fantastical sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, as Max the Dog narrates this children’s classic. With songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the animated television special, plus new songs, the play is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’

December 7—31 (Sensory-Friendly Performance: December 27, noon)

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

From the Tchaikovsky score to the timeless story of holiday magic, this ballet is a classic for a reason. On December 27 at noon, there will be a sensory-friendly performance with accommodations both inside and outside the theater to make children who are on the autism spectrum, or who may have sensory sensitivities, more welcome.

Disney on Ice

December 24—31

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

You know the drill—and your little ones have probably been begging to go since last year— so get on your best princess dress and bring your light-up wand for skating, music, and adventure. This new production, Mickey’s Search Party, includes favorite characters like Elsa, Ariel, Moana, Belle, and the debut Miguel from Coco. Of course, Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang are there too.

Winter Break Family Studio at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

December 26 — 31, 10:30 am—3 pm

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Create tiny wonders inspired by the miniatures of the “Little Ladies” exhibit, and capture their magic in a snow globe. Take a family-friendly Jolly Jaunts tour, pick up a Holiday Family Guide, and drop by the museum’s miniature winter wonderland created by artist Lydia Ricci—she’ll be adding her tiny sculptures (and yours) to it throughout the week.

Creation Station at The Franklin Institute

December 26—31

222 North 20th Street

Visitors can see live shows including The Science of Fireworks Show and the Holiday Spectacular Show, plus Random Acts of Science and more expanded daily programming. The museum will also feature their family-focused Creation Station for young scientists to design, build, and play with everything from Imagination Playground blocks to Rig Ama Jigs and more! And while you’re there see…

‘Vikings: Beyond the Legend’ at the Franklin Institute

Through March 3, 2019

222 North 20th Street

The Franklin Institute presents 600 unique artifacts, multimedia, hands-on elements, and more to bring the Viking Age to life. Read all about the exhibit in our preview.

‘Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Philadelphia’

Through March 17, 2019; 1 – 5 pm on weekdays, 10 am–5 pm on weekends

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St.

This new exhibit is highly interactive, incorporating games, group activities, dress up, thought-provoking questions, and much more to highlight Alexander Hamilton’s major accomplishments and Philadelphia connections. Read all about it in our preview.

‘Ten Crucial Days’ at Museum of the American Revolution

December 26 — 31

101 S. Third St.

The museum will focus on the “The Ten Crucial Days” during the Revolutionary War that turned things around for the Continental Army, and for our country’s future. Guests can explore these days with costumed interpretation and craft demonstrations that highlight famous duels, river crossings, and military families. On December 28, learn the rules of dueling; and on December 29 and 30, follow a fashion demonstration to stitch a gown similar to what Eliza Schuyler Hamilton might have worn.

‘Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation’

Through December 31

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.

This exhibit focuses on the intellectual and political conflicts between Hamilton and his contemporaries, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams, and of course, Aaron Burr (that one was a bit more personal).

Macy’s Santaland and Christmas Light Show

November 23—December 31 (Closed Christmas Day)

Showtimes: 10 am, noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm

1300 Market St

To quote Julie Andrews’s narration of this 100,000-light spectacle, it the Macy’s Christmas Light Show is a “grand tradition.” If you’re from Philly, you probably grew up watching it, and not a thing has changed. The bears, the dancing snowmen, the “magic Christmas tree,” the Wanamaker Organ finale—it’s all there, and it’s all aglow in colorful nostalgia. After the show, head upstairs to Dickens Village to walk through an animatronic telling of A Christmas Carol.

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink, Wintergarden, and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Through January 1, 2019 (Rink through February)

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Right outside City Hall, more than 40 local artisans, designers, crafters, and confectionaries will offer unique selections for gifts and special holiday foods. This market was designed to complement Christmas Village across the street—but only focuses on locally made gifts. Stop by after skating on the Rothman Rink and running through Wintergarden Maze!

‘Matilda’

Through January 6, 2019

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, Matilda The Musical will delight with high-energy dance and catchy songs.

Scuba Santa at Adventure Aquarium

November 23—December 25

1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ

Scuba Santa is back and ready to make the most underwater appearances in aquarium history! Visit him in Ocean Realm as he spreads the magic of Christmas and takes selfies through the glass. The aquarium will also have the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, and more decorations throughout.

Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

November 23—December 31, 10 am—4 pm

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue

Morris Arboretum’s beloved Garden Railway gets a holiday upgrade, lighting up this quarter-mile of track and miniature replicas of Philadelphia-area landmarks made from natural materials with thousands of twinkling lights.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

November 23—March 3, 2019

101 S. Columbus Blvd.

Come to skate, come to party in the cabins, come for the fun and food. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason. This year, it will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and has lots of fun events planned throughout the season– read all about it in our preview!

‘Xtreme Bugs’ at Academy of Natural Sciences

Through January 21, 2019

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Nearly 20 towering animatronic bugs will come alive in this new creepy crawly exhibit! Get a bug’s-eye view of the world and learn about their intricacies and behaviors. See our preview here.

‘Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails!’ at Please Touch Museum

Through January 6, 2019

4231 Avenue of the Republic

The long-awaited Thomas and Friends exhibit arrives at Please Touch Museum with plenty of train-themed fun, photo ops, imaginative play, and valuable STEM lessons along the way! Read our full preview here.