Want to really unplug and connect with your kids? Explore 50 family-friendly events with this roundup of weekend fun for Philly families below and fill your calendar with things to do! For even more options, visit Main Line Parent’s Weekend Fun Roundup and Bucks County Parent’s Community Calendar!

Please be sure to check with the host location about their health and safety protocols, as well as their registration requirements, prior to heading out!

Go straight to: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY IN PHILLY ALL WEEKEND LONG

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
101 S. Columbus Blvd.

Come to skate, play games in the arcade, eat delicious food and treats, warm up by the firepits, and take in the gorgeous views and holiday lights. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason. Advance timed tickets are highly recommended.

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
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. Reservations strongly recommended.

Christmas Village
Love Park, 1500 Arch Street

Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, this annual market features dozens of unique 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); and rides including a giant Ferris wheel and a new double-decker carousel in City Hall Courtyard.

Franklin Frost Holiday Fun at the Franklin Institute 
222 N. 20th St.

Explore spectacular model trains surrounding a grand 25-foot-tall sparkling Stellar Tree, designed to reflect the mysterious and magnificent night sky. Plus, Conductor Carl will lead interactive seasonal science activities with a sprinkle of surprise! Included with General Museum Admission.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Academy of Music 240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA

Balanchine’s beloved holiday classic returns! Gather the family together this holiday season to share in the magic, the charm, the spectacle, and the joy of The Nutcracker* ballet. Set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score—full of cherished holiday tunes—this extraordinary ballet celebrates the season through a timeless […]SAT11December 11 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Grand Illumination hosted by American Credit Union
American Heritage Carriage House, 2060 Red Lion Road

American Heritage Credit Union’s campus lights up with over 400,000 lights. Stroll the campus, enjoy the lights and decorations, and take family photos; or, you can remain in your car and drive around to enjoy the lights as well.

Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
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. The garden holds special ticketed night events on weekends from 4:30—7:30 pm where you can really get the full effect of the lights.

Holiday Spectacular
Comcast Center 1701 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA

The 15-minute family-friendly show will play on an outdoor video wall through New Year’s Day at the top of the hour! This Philly favorite tradition brings the magic of the holidays to life, featuring classic holiday songs and performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet.

Miracle on South 13^th Street
13^th Street between Tasker and Morris

The stretch of 13^th Street between Tasker and Morris in South Philly has been named home to the best Christmas lights in all of Pennsylvania. The neighbors on this block go all out, from dazzling lights to toddler-sized illuminated lawn decorations. It’s colorful and kitschy and pure Philly. The displays generally go up after Thanksgiving and stick around til the New Year.

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular
Smedley Street between 16th and 17th Streets and Moyamensing and Oregon Avenues

Another extravagant South Philly display, the “Christmas Street,” as it is known, has giant light-up candy canes, inflatables, and lots of lights!

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink, Wintergarden, and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Right outside City Hall, 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!

Winter in Franklin Square
200 N. Sixth St.

More than 100,000 lights illuminate Franklin Square’s updated fountain show, timed to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS. There are two alternating shows every 30 minutes beginning at 5 pm daily, so if you stay a while for the square’s holiday activities, you can catch them both. Take a spin on the carousel, warm up at Franklin’s Winter View with outdoor fire pits and beautiful indoor heated tent featuring adult and hot beverages and seasonal food, and play Chilly Philly Mini Golf, a holiday spin on their beloved golf course complete with lights, holiday music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends! Tickets required for mini golf.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

A Philly POPS Christmas
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center 300 S Broad St

All the glitter and warmth of Philly’s favorite holiday tradition is back for another dazzling season! It’s Philly’s favorite holiday tradition — The POPS is back for another unforgettable holiday celebration! 

Christmas In Kensington
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Philadelphia Brewing Co. 2440 Frankford Ave

Philadelphia Brewing Company will be hosting over 25 local artists and makers in their beautiful beer garden. Enjoy a delicious beer and get your Holiday shopping done while listening to live music from local bands. 

Cookie Decorating at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy

An interactive family experience led by the Constellation pastry team. Purchase a cookie decorating kit in the Café, and learn tips of the trade and easy tricks sure to make your holiday dessert table special. Choose from gingerbread or winter forest sugar cookie kits.

Rudolph Run
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Manayunk Development Corporation 4312 Main St

Dress in your holiday best for the 7th Annual Rudolph Run on Saturday, December 11! Join Philadelphia Runner for a fun 3-mile run along the Manayunk Canal starting at 9AM.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

Free Holiday Toy Exchange
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fishtown Recreation Center 1235 E Palmer St

Little Big Change Makers are hosting their second Free Holiday Toy Exchange! If you have gently used good condition toys to contribute, please bring them. If not, please feel free to come and take anything your child can use! Everything is free!

Snow Princess Igloo Brunch at Figo
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Figo Italian 1033 N 2nd St

Princess Brunches at the Igloos at Figo in partnership with A Dash of Magic Events, welcomes families to “Igloo-distance” themselves in Northern Liberties. The Princess goes Igloo to Igloo, and table to table, to delight young children.   Photo courtesy of Figo Ristorante.

SEPTA Festive Bus and Jolly Trolly Emporium
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Two of SEPTA’s festive decorated buses will Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th and Baltimore. Take a tour, take some pictures, and get into the holiday spirit! This event coincides with West Philly Favorites Saturday pickup.

The West Craft Fest
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Find handmade holiday gifts galore, like warm hand knits, artisan jewelry, ceramics, holiday cards & stationery, ornaments, home wares, candles, soaps & bodycare, art prints & originals, clothing, accessories, childrens’ gifts and more, all by local, independent makers.

HANDMADE
11:00 am
Fleisher Art Memorial 719 Catharine St

Fleisher proudly presents HANDMADE, our annual creative market inviting Philadelphia’s artists and makers to showcase and sell their work in our historic sanctuary. 20+ vendors will be dishing out their wares to those looking for unique and affordable holiday gifts.

Mummer’s Museum Brunch with Santa
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mummer’s Museum 1100 S. 2nd Street

Save the date for a fantastic time with the Big Guy himself. Call the Museum or stop by for tickets.

Sisterly Love Mrs. Clause Holiday Market
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Shambles at Headhouse Square 2nd St &, Pine St

Come out to Headhouse Square for our celebratory food fair, along with a tree lighting! There will be food, fun, and gifts available to purchase from the amazing collective of women entrepreneurs! Get gifts for all your favorite people, your family, and yourself.

Christmas In Kensington
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Philadelphia Brewing Co. 2440 Frankford Ave

Philadelphia Brewing Company will be hosting over 25 local artists and makers in their beautiful beer garden. Enjoy a delicious beer and get your Holiday shopping done while listening to live music from local bands.

Santa at MARKET at the Fareway
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Top of the Hill MARKET at the Fareway 8221 Germantown Ave

Take a picture with Santa and give him your wishlist! Find him at the firepit outside of the Market at the Fareway in Chestnut Hill.

Teen Portfolio Building Workshop@Cherry Street Pier
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Portside Arts Center​121 N. Columbus Blvd.

These weekly workshops for students (ages 11-17) are designed to help teens build a portfolio of work for school or personal use. Each weekly workshop will focus on a different portfolio requirement needed to apply to various creative high schools.

Magic Show
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LuLu Shriners 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting

Magician Dave Darwin is widely known for his entertaining skills. He is a master magician and illusionist who combines magical effects with his imaginative sense of humor. The results are a delightfully clever program that you will remember for a long time to come.

Hot Cocoa Stroll along the River with Let’s Go Outdoors
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Looking for a fun wintery activity this weekend? Join Let’s Go Outdoors for a hot cocoa stroll along the river at Pennypack on the Delaware.

A Philly POPS Christmas
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center 300 S Broad St

All the glitter and warmth of Philly’s favorite holiday tradition is back for another dazzling season! It’s Philly’s favorite holiday tradition — The POPS is back for another unforgettable holiday celebration!

The Army-Navy Game
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way

One of the greatest college football rivalries, it’s the Black Knights versus the Midshipmen in this annual showdown.

Mt Airy Gingerbread House Workshop
4:00 pm
Mt. Airy Art Garage 7054 Germantown Ave

Learn how to make your own Gingerbread House to impress your friends and family, learn a new skill, or just have a great time. All attendees will receive a blank gingerbread house, an assortment of festive cookies and candies, and some special decorations.

Beauty Queen Dinner with Belle in an Igloo at Figo
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Figo Italian 1033 N 2nd St

Beauty Queen Dinner with Belle in the Igloos at Figo in partnership with A Dash of Magic Events, welcomes families to “Igloo-distance” themselves in Northern Liberties. The Princess goes Igloo to Igloo, and table to table, to delight young children.

A Celebration of Cultures Parranda
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd

The Parranda is a type of traditional, folklore holiday music represented in many ways throughout Latin America. The music has deep roots in history, storytelling, and the holiday season. Enjoy music, artisans, and tasty food. Folks are accustomed to bringing their own instruments.

Parade of Spirits
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

The Parade of Spirits (Pennsylvania Dutch: der Geischderschtrutz) is a grassroots, family-friendly event that recognizes the need for darkness in the days leading up to Yule.

Roxborough United Soccer Club Tree Lighting & Toy Drive
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Houston Playground 900 Grakyn Ln

Roxborough United Soccer Club in association with 21st Ward Jr League & Jeannette’s School of Dance invite you to a Tree Lightning Ceremony and Toy Drive at Houston Playground (Rain Date Sunday, December 12th)!

Santa Saturdays
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Franklin Square 200 N 6th St

Santa is coming to town in partnership with The African American Museum in Philadelphia! Join him as he brings cheer to Franklin Square and takes photos with kids.

The Polar Express Christmas Drive-In Movie
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Borough of Conshohocken will be hosting a FREE Christmas Drive-In Movie at the B-field (E 13th Avenue and Hallowell Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428). Check-in begins at 6:00 PM, first come, first serve,  all participants must register online.  (Rain Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021)

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

PlayArts WinterFest
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
PlayArts 1241 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA

Ring in the winter season with PlayArts WinterFest! In conjunction with the Fishtown Freeze tour PlayArts will be serving up complimentary hot chocolate, take-away winter craft bags and other giveaways.

Santa is Coming to Chick’s Philly for Brunch
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chick’s Philly 1807 Washington Ave

Enjoy pictures with Santa, face painting, and balloon sculptures to delight your family. Call for reservations.

Snow Queen Igloo Brunch at Figo
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Figo Italian 1033 N 2nd St

Snow Queen Brunch at the Igloos at Figo in partnership with A Dash of Magic Events, welcomes families to “Igloo-distance” themselves in Northern Liberties. The Princess goes Igloo to Igloo, and table to table, to delight young children. Photo courtesy of Figo Ristorante.

Family Bowl
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, 1009 Canal Street

Mention “Sunday Bowling Special” for half off your lane for some daytime family bowling.

Music of Phish for Kids + More Ft. Uncle Ebenezer
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, 1009 Canal Street

The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series, offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity.

CRAFTY: A Holiday Makers Market
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Perkins Center for the Arts 30 Irvin Ave, Collingswood

The market will feature makers, artists and crafters on Sunday, December 12th from 11am to 5pm at Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood, NJ. As always, the first 100 shoppers will receive a goodie bag filled with fun items from the vendors.

Christmas In Kensington
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Philadelphia Brewing Co. 2440 Frankford Ave

Philadelphia Brewing Company will be hosting over 25 local artists and makers in their beautiful beer garden. Enjoy a delicious beer and get your Holiday shopping done while listening to live music from local bands.

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Franklin Institute 222 North 20th St

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is spreading joy and cheer during this holiday season. Franklin Institute at noon Walmart S Columbus Blvd at noon Penn’s Landing at 6pm ShopRite at 6pm.

Kimmel Center’s Tuba Christmas at Cherry Street Pier
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd

Classic Christmas songs touch the hearts of millions. Kimmel Campus Presents Tuba Christmas takes that sentimental feeling to the next level by showcasing 100+ tuba players performing the world’s most beloved holiday tunes.

Fishtown Freeze
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fishtown District 29 E Allen St

Fishtown District is excited to bring icy family fun to the neighborhood with the 3rd Annual Fishtown Freeze and Winter Wonderland! Families can enjoy 20+ custom ice sculptures throughout Fishtown, 3 live ice sculpture carvings, entertainment and free refreshments.

Caroling in Clark Park (Bowl)
5:00 pm
Clark Park 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave

Hark the Herald Angels Sing … in CLARK PARK at the annual Carol Sing on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 5 pm at the Community Christmas Tree atop the maintenance house, near 45th & Regent St.

Splitsmas
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Somerset Splits 2600 E Somerset St

Join Somerset Splits, your friendly Port Richmond Ice cream shop, for their annual tree lighting at 6:30pm and Ornament Exchange at 6:45pm.