Fall and Holiday Music and Theater Shows in Philadelphia 2025
Philadelphia's best festive family performances of the season
Philadelphia offers a rich array of cultural experiences perfect for the whole family for the fall and holiday season. As the days grow colder and the holiday spirit fills the air, the city comes alive with captivating performances and musical delights. From enchanting theater productions to spirited concerts, Philadelphia’s stages are set to offer unforgettable entertainment with these winter music and theater shows.
Family-Friendly Theater in Philadelphia
Dive into Philadelphia’s theater scene to discover family-friendly performances that will spark joy and create lasting memories. Whether you’re in the mood for classic holiday tales, modern plays, or concerts that warm the soul, the city’s diverse arts scene has something special for everyone. These events promise to add an extra touch of magic to the colder season.
Back to the Future
Through November 30
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad Street
This beloved film comes to life as a high-energy Broadway musical that captivates families and fans alike. After landing in 1955 via Doc Brown’s legendary DeLorean, Marty McFly must race against time to navigate the past, restore the timeline, and make it back to his own era in this fast-paced theatrical experience.
Fellowship! The Musical
Through December 21
The Adrienne Theatre
2030 Sansom Street
This musical parody reimagines The Fellowship of the Ring with all the epic adventure and a comedic twist. Featuring twelve original songs from energetic hobbit numbers to dramatic ballads and show-stopping cabaret performances, this Broadway-style production delivers a night filled with laughter.
Hadestown
December 2–December 7
Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut Street
Warm up for a spellbinding journey to the underworld with this eight-time Tony Award®-winning musical that reimagines timeless Greek myths through stunning melodies and breathtaking imagination. This vibrant production proves that even in the darkest places, a single song can change your fate and light the way home.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
December 5–December 31, 2025
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad Street
Celebrate with Philadelphia Ballet performance of this holiday classic, featuring epic mouse battles, marching toy soldiers, spirited candy canes, and graceful flowers dancing to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Follow Marie and her Prince to the Land of Sweets in this beloved family tradition that captivates all ages.
A CHRISTMAS STORY, The Musical
Through January 4, 2026
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut Street
This musical comedy is perfect for the holiday season. Based on the beloved film, this musical brings holiday magic to life through humorous and touching songs, spectacular choreography, two playful pups, clever humor, and genuine warmth, which makes for a wonderful family night out.
A Wrinkle in Time
December 6, 2025–January 25, 2026
Arden Theatre
40 N. 2nd Street
Inspired by the classic science fiction tale by Madeleine L’Engle, this follows young Meg Murry on an interstellar quest filled with distant planets, enigmatic guides, a battle against encroaching darkness, and the revelation that her greatest strength has been within her all along. This heartwarming journey makes for an excellent family outing.
Experience Magic on Stage
As the holiday season unfolds, Philadelphia’s arts community invites families to experience the joy and wonder that live performance brings. From heartwarming holiday tales to captivating new productions, these shows offer something special for everyone to enjoy together.
Looking for more musical and theatre events? We’ve got you covered! Check out our calendar of events below:
Events
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Raya and the Last Dragon: Movies on the Block
Guerin Recreation Center 2201 S 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCalling all family and friends, come join the Philadelphia Film Society’s annual Movies on the Block movie night at Guerin Recreation Center! In collaboration with the Guerin Advisory Council, Parks and Recreation and EMIR Healing Center, the evening will include a screening of RAYA AND […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
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Just Us Exhibition at the Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThis summer, the Barnes Foundation is exhibiting works by incarcerated artists at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Just Us reflects […]
Lead photo courtesy of The Academy of Music
