Philadelphia Family Holiday Guide
Your guide to make the most of the holiday season with your kids in Philly.
Presented by the Philly Family team
Welcome to the Philadelphia Family Holiday Guide! From the Thanksgiving parade to the last candle of Hanukkah, and from Christmas morning to the New Year’s Eve countdown, the city is full of ways to celebrate together. We’ve gathered Philly’s best family traditions, events and time-saving tips to fill your season with warmth and joy.
Claim your curbside spot with Philly Family’s guide to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country. Let a local favorite do the cooking with our list of where to order Thanksgiving dinner in Philly, then check what’s open on Thanksgiving in Philly for fun before the turkey hits the table. Mark the Festival of Lights at one of the city’s family-friendly Hanukkah celebrations. And pass along the holiday spirit with family volunteering and ways to give back this season.
Scroll down to read these holiday stories and more, and meet our trusted Philadelphia Family Members, the local businesses and organizations that help make the season a little brighter for city families.
You’ve Found Your Village: The Philly Family Community
This Holiday Guide and Philadelphia Family are published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids in Philly with resources, events, and each other.
Our High Five email newsletters arrive every Thursday with our latest stories and the best weekend events for families. Connect with @PhillyFamilyMag on Instagram and through our Philly Family Community Facebook group to find friends and trusted referrals.
The organizations below make this work possible. By partnering with local businesses and nonprofits through our Marketing Services and Membership programs, Family Focus Media fosters connections that help families thrive.
Philadelphia Family Winter Holiday Guide Stories
Spark up your holiday season at one of these tree lighting events around the city
Philadelphia celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights this year with these fun, family-friendly celebrations
The Philly Family Events Calendar is curated to help you find fun things to do with your kids in Philadelphia every day.
Turn off the TV and check out the country's oldest Thanksgiving parade in person this year
Skip the mall and Amazon, and shop local! Here’s where to get in the spirit with fantastic holiday markets
Skip the stress this Thanksgiving and let Philly’s best restaurants and specialty food shops do the cooking
Discover meaningful ways for Philadelphia families to give back and teach children the joy of helping others
There's plenty of fun to be had around the city before turkey time
Discover the best day camps in Philly when the kids have off from school this fall and holiday season
The Philadelphia Family Holiday Guide was created to help you make the most of the season with your kids in Philly!
Philadelphia Family Holiday Guide Supporting Members | Find gift ideas, businesses that can help make your holidays a little easier, and more!
Why Trust Philadelphia Family Members?
Our Member directory features carefully vetted local businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve Bucks County families and align with our core values. Each Member has been recommended by parents in our community and maintains high standards of service. These Members support our Back to School Guide and the Philly Family Community.
How You Can Help Your Fellow Philly Parents
Have you worked with any of our Members? You can help other families benefit from your experience by sharing an endorsement on their Profile Page.SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A 5-STAR REVIEW. You can also recommend a resource that local parents should know here. We’ll consider them for coverage and invite them to join.
Mister John’s Music | 2026 LOVE Award Winner – Best Music School
Mister John’s Music, a boutique music school in Philadelphia, serves hundreds of families every week…
The Philadelphia Dance Academy | 2026 LOVE Award Winner – Best Dance Studio
PDA offers professional dance training in a positive environment, focusing on technique, wellness, and artistic…
AMC Photography Studios
AMC Photography Studios is a commercial and event boutique professional photography studio.
Rutabaga Toy Library | 2026 LOVE Award Winner – Best Sustainable Play
The folks at Rutabaga believe that sharing instead of buying new is not only good for the…
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