‘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 20^th 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. 15^th 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. 15^th 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:

Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.