What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Philly?
There's plenty of fun to be had around the city before turkey time
‘Tis the season to be thankful for all we have, for family — and that we live in a city where we don’t have to stay cooped up with that family all day! If you need to entertain the kids before turkey time, check out these fun things that are open and happening in Philly, even on Thanksgiving.
Things to Do on Thanksgiving in Philadelphia
Philly offers plenty of activities to enjoy before your turkey dinner. From parades to holiday markets, families can add these activities to their menu of Thanksgiving Day fun.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
8:30 am–12 pm
Begins at 20th St. and JFK Blvd., then heads east on JFK, left on 16th Street, then down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before ending at the Art Museum
Bundle up and get the kids to the Parkway early for a holiday tradition. Giant balloons, live musical performances, Santa’s sleigh, and even Gritty (yes, Gritty!) feature in our country’s first and oldest Thanksgiving Day parade.
Christmas Village
9 am–5 pm
Love Park, 1500 Arch Street
Modeled after the traditional Christmas markets in Germany, this annual holiday market features dozens of vendors in wooden booths selling authentic European food, ornaments, crafts, clothing, and more from all over the world. They also have great food, from waffles to mulled wine (Pro tip: buy the commemorative mug for discount refills — you won’t be sorry). Plus you can ride a giant Ferris wheel and a new, double-decker carousel in the City Hall Courtyard.
Made in Philadelphia Market
9 am–5 pm
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Head across the street from Christmas Village, because 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 — but only focuses on locally made gifts.
Astra Lumina
5:15–9 pm
Arlington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown PA
Spend your Thanksgiving night walking amongst the stars. Astra Lumina is a magical night walk in a sculpture garden where visitors go on a multi-sensory, immersive astrological journey. Visitors “walk among the stars” discovering a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions and astral song. This is a unique and artistic experience the whole family will enjoy.
Rothman Rink at Dilworth Park
12 pm–9 pm
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
After all that shopping at Christmas Village and Made in Philadelphia Market, lace up a pair of skates (or rent a penguin friend to help you balance), and skate around the Rothman Rink outside City Hall. It’ll help you work up an appetite for all that stuffing.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
10 am–8 pm (hourly, at the top of the hour)
Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular returns and opens on Thanksgiving Day. Every year, this 15-minute festive musical fills the Comcast Center lobby with holiday songs, expansive aerial footage of Philadelphia, parts of the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and more on one of the world’s largest highest-resolution LED displays. Celebrate the start of the holiday season as part of your Thanksgiving day.
Peddler’s Village
4–7 pm
2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA
Experience the magic of the season as you wander through Peddler’s Village and its breathtaking winter wonderland! This dazzling light experience creates a festive atmosphere perfect for making holiday memories with the whole family.
Holiday Garden Railway
10 am–4 pm
Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E Northwestern Ave.
Enjoy the Holiday Garden Railway at daytime with thousands of twinkling lights for the season! Watch miniature trains journey through a festive display of lights and sounds that captivates visitors of all ages. It’s a memorable way to celebrate the holidays together.
Explore What Philadelphia Offers This Thanksgiving
Philadelphia offers a delightful mix of activities that bring families together during the holiday. Whether you’re starting the day at the parade, exploring holiday markets, or enjoying an evening light display, these traditions create meaningful moments with loved ones.
Looking for more events happening in November? Check out our calendar of events below:
Events
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We Walk PHL Fall Season: FDR Park
Mander Playground 2140 N 33rd St, Philadelphia, United StatesJoin We Walk PHL at FDR Park! We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups at various public parks throughout the city. This program welcomes […]
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Wish Wall at Parkway Central Library
Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesWhat do you want America to be like in the future? Perhaps you have a wish for your own future? Visit our wish wall, located in the 2nd Floor West Gallery, and write or draw your vision for our nation's future. Your wish will then […]
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(Daily) The Declaration’s Journey at the Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAt the Museum of the American Revolution, families can view The Declaration’s Journey exhibit, presented by Griffin Catalyst, which marks the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Come together to explore the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to current […]
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Ministry of Awe
Ministry of Awe 27 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesMinistry of Awe is a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia that's located inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world packed with fun for the family. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. When visitors enter the ATM, they end up […]
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10-Minute Talk: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHead to the Museum of the American Revolution for a 10-minute, in-gallery talk about the legend of Sleepy Hollow. It is believed that The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Washington Irving’s gothic tale about the ghostly Headless Horseman, was based on a Hessian soldier who was […]
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We Walk PHL Fall Season: East Fairmount Park at Discovery Center
The Discovery Center 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin We Walk PHL in East Fairmount Park at The Discovery Center! We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups at various public parks throughout […]
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Acorns and Seeds: A Little Sprouts Nature Class
FDR Park 1500 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesLittle Sprouts: Acorns and Seeds Get outside and explore with Little Sprouts, a playful nature class for children ages 2–5 and their grown-ups at FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Each week we investigate a new nature topic through hands-on exploration, games, stories, songs, movement, and […]
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Fall for Tacony – Double Feature Halloween Movie Night
Tacony Community Garden 6719 Keystone Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAt Tacony Community Garden will be a double feature with screenings of Five Nights at Freddy’s 1 and 2! Remember to bring your own seating (chair, blanket, etc.) Light refreshments provided. Tacony Community Garden: corner of Longshore Ave and Keystone St
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Friends’ Central Middle School Open House (Grades 6-8)
Friends' Central Middle & Upper School 1101 City Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United StatesLearn more about Friends' Central School at an Open House or on a campus tour. When you come, you'll have the opportunity to meet teachers, administrators, and students who will give you a window into what you can expect at FCS.
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Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Signers' Garden 434-498 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor over 30 years, the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia has entertained locals and tourists alike with haunting tales of the city’s lingering spirits. Based on the book, Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, the tour combines ghost stories, legends, and Philly’s remarkable history on a candlelight stroll […]
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Mister John’s Community Sing
Mister John's Music 761 S 8th St., Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaJoin parents at Mister John's Music for their Fall 1 Session Community Sing! 🎤🎶 You'll enjoy a serenade from the choir with songs they’ve been rehearsing this session, then come inside for an all-voices-on-deck speed-arrangement of some awesome song chosen by Miss Casie and Doctor […]
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Wish Wall at Parkway Central Library
Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesWhat do you want America to be like in the future? Perhaps you have a wish for your own future? Visit our wish wall, located in the 2nd Floor West Gallery, and write or draw your vision for our nation's future. Your wish will then […]
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(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFrom March 28, 2026 to February 14, 2027, Botany of Nations is a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a culturally layered, new perspective on the legendary Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, co-curated with ethnobotanist and author Enrique Salmón, PhD, and developed with contributions from Indigenous […]
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Ministry of Awe
Ministry of Awe 27 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesMinistry of Awe is a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia that's located inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world packed with fun for the family. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. When visitors enter the ATM, they end up […]
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We Walk PHL Fall Season: East Fairmount Park at Mander Playground
Mander Playground 2140 N 33rd St, Philadelphia, United StatesJoin We Walk PHL at East Fairmount Park at Mander Recreation Center! We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups at various public parks throughout […]
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10-Minute Talk: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHead to the Museum of the American Revolution for a 10-minute, in-gallery talk about the legend of Sleepy Hollow. It is believed that The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Washington Irving’s gothic tale about the ghostly Headless Horseman, was based on a Hessian soldier who was […]
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Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library
Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesOn Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]
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Pumpkin Carving at the LAB
The Tacony LAB Community Arts Center 6918 Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCome design your own Halloween pumpkin! Pumpkins provided for you by the LAB in Tacony. Reserve your spot now to secure your pumpkin. You’re welcome to bring your own if you want to! Light refreshments provided.
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Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Signers' Garden 434-498 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor over 30 years, the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia has entertained locals and tourists alike with haunting tales of the city’s lingering spirits. Based on the book, Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, the tour combines ghost stories, legends, and Philly’s remarkable history on a candlelight stroll […]
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Wish Wall at Parkway Central Library
Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesWhat do you want America to be like in the future? Perhaps you have a wish for your own future? Visit our wish wall, located in the 2nd Floor West Gallery, and write or draw your vision for our nation's future. Your wish will then […]
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Leaf and Learn
FDR Park Gazebo 1600 Pattinson Avenue, Philadelphia, United StatesThe FDR Park Leaf & Learn program gives our littlest visitors (ages 2-5) their first opportunity to volunteer at FDR Park! We begin with a nature-themed read-aloud, and then get to the outdoorsy fun with easy, age-appropriate activities. Tasks include planting seeds, "feeding" a worm […]
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(Daily) The Declaration’s Journey at the Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAt the Museum of the American Revolution, families can view The Declaration’s Journey exhibit, presented by Griffin Catalyst, which marks the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Come together to explore the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to current […]
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We Walk PHL Fall Season: Eastwick Regional Playground
Eastwick Regional Playground S 80th & Mars Place, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin We Walk PHL at Eastwick Regional Playground! We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups at various public parks throughout the city. This program […]
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Ministry of Awe
Ministry of Awe 27 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesMinistry of Awe is a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia that's located inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world packed with fun for the family. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. When visitors enter the ATM, they end up […]
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10-Minute Talk: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHead to the Museum of the American Revolution for a 10-minute, in-gallery talk about the legend of Sleepy Hollow. It is believed that The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Washington Irving’s gothic tale about the ghostly Headless Horseman, was based on a Hessian soldier who was […]
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Friends’ Central Lower School Evening Open House (Grades N-5)
Friends' Central Lower School 228 Old Gulph Road, Wynnewood, PA, United StatesLearn more about Friends' Central School at an Open House or on a campus tour. When you come, you'll have the opportunity to meet teachers, administrators, and students who will give you a window into what you can expect at FCS.
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FREE Sunset Paddles with Riverways
Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesIn partnership with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, join Riverways for a free trip on the Delaware River every Thursday in October, beginning near Cherry St Pier. Paddle with friends and neighbors as the sun sets and experience Philadelphia from a whole new perspective. Each […]
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We Walk PHL Fall Season: Bartram’s Garden
Bartram's Garden 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin We Walk PHL at Bartram's Garden! We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups at various public parks throughout the city. This program welcomes […]
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Imagination Ball | 50 Years of Fun: The Next Chapter
Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThe Please Touch Museum's annual gala, Imagination Ball, returns on October 22nd to celebrate the Museum’s 50th birthday. During the evening, the Museum will honor two legendary leaders of the Museum: Portia Sperr, the founder of Please Touch Museum, and Nancy Kolb, its President and […]
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Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Signers' Garden 434-498 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor over 30 years, the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia has entertained locals and tourists alike with haunting tales of the city’s lingering spirits. Based on the book, Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, the tour combines ghost stories, legends, and Philly’s remarkable history on a candlelight stroll […]
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10-Minute Talk: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesHead to the Museum of the American Revolution for a 10-minute, in-gallery talk about the legend of Sleepy Hollow. It is believed that The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Washington Irving’s gothic tale about the ghostly Headless Horseman, was based on a Hessian soldier who was […]
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Fiber Craft Fridays at Kingsessing Library
Kingsessing Library 1201 South 51st Street (5lst St. between Kingsessing and Chester Avenues), Philadelphia, PA, United StatesAt Kingsessing Library, little ones can learn the basics of crochet, finger knit, mushroom knit, or just get cozy with some yarn on Friday afternoons. Yarn will be out in the children’s area starting at 3:30 pm, and then Librarian Rachel will provide a short […]
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Yoga at the Historic St. George’s Museum
Historic St. George's Museum & Archives 326 New St., Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEase into the weekend with free yoga and meditation every Friday in Old City this August and September. We recommend bringing a mat! Please note, sessions are held between two venues. Yoga & meditation sessions take place weekly at Historic St. George's Museum & Christ Church.
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Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Signers' Garden 434-498 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesFor over 30 years, the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia has entertained locals and tourists alike with haunting tales of the city’s lingering spirits. Based on the book, Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, the tour combines ghost stories, legends, and Philly’s remarkable history on a candlelight stroll […]
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We Walk PHL Fall Season: FDR Park
Mander Playground 2140 N 33rd St, Philadelphia, United StatesJoin We Walk PHL at FDR Park! We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups at various public parks throughout the city. This program welcomes […]
Free
Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
