Things to Do in Philly This Week & Weekend

Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant energy this week and weekend with many exciting options. Explore Philly events this week, including captivating Philadelphia art exhibits, soul-stirring Philadelphia concerts, and lively Philadelphia festivals. If you're seeking things to do in Philadelphia this week that won't break the bank, discover various free events in Philadelphia that offer enriching experiences for all ages.

Philly's Calling: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Week Ahead

For those planning their weekend adventures, delve into the exciting lineup of Philadelphia events this weekend. Whether you're seeking things to do in Philly this weekend with the family or searching for weekend events in Philadelphia that cater to your unique interests, you'll find diverse activities to fill your days and nights.

Here's a taste of what awaits you:

• November 21 to January 4: LumiNature returns to the Philadelphia Zoo with a dazzling display of over a million-holiday lights! Experience 16 illuminated zones celebrating wildlife and the beauty of our planet. This year's event is more interactive than ever, with new zones like "LumiNature 360," "Beary Sweet," and "Polar Play." Enjoy a brand-new menu of treats as you make magical memories this holiday season.

• November 1 to November 23: LochBar's" The Hamilton" Cocktail—In celebration of Hamilton at the Academy of the Arts, Loch Bar introduces" The Hamilton." This limited-edition cocktail, available during the show's run, features LochBar's exclusive Rittenhouse Rye Barrel Bourbon, Yellow Chartreuse, blackberry puree, and lemon, garnished with a fresh blackberry. Priced at $19," The Hamilton" offers a sophisticated sip for theatergoers and cocktail enthusiasts.

November-December: 2024 Events in Philly

Ongoing

• Throughout December: Experience the festive ambiance at Bloomsday and W Philadelphia, which are adorned with holiday decor. Sip on playful holiday cocktails at W Philadelphia's festive bar.
• Throughout December: Enjoy festive fun in Phoenixville with live concerts, holiday movies at the Colonial Theater, themed shopping events, and a Chanukah Celebration.
• November 15, 2024 - January 1, 2025:  Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park Dilworth Park Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia's most significant outdoor holiday market returns to Dilworth Park! The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market features over 40 local artists, makers, and crafters offering unique gifts, decorations, home goods, apparel, and food. Enjoy extended hours for shopping and festive fun.
• Every Friday until December 20th: Indulge in a French-inspired Afternoon Tea at Le Cavalier in Wilmington, DE. Savor delicate sandwiches, pastries, and tea with a touch.
• November 29 - February 25: Get ready to lace up your skates! The Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink in Newtown Square, PA, is back for the 2024-25 season. This family-friendly outdoor ice rink, a beloved winter tradition since 2021, offers a magical experience with festive lights, cozy fire pits, and delicious treats. Enjoy a day of skating, support local veterans, and embrace the holiday spirit at this award-winning attraction.
• November 30!  to December 29 ✨ Experience the magic of Black Girl Magic Holiday Pop-Up at the Divine Lorraine in Philadelphia! This enchanting Christmas bar and experience, the first Black-owned, female-owned in Pennsylvania, celebrates the beauty and strength of Black culture with curated decor, photo ops, and festive vibes. It's a celebratory space for all!
• December 1st, 8th & 15th: Learn the art of holiday baking at High Street's Cookie Classes! Create your festive treats and enjoy demonstrations from expert instructors.
• December 7th-8th & 14th-15th: Shop for unique gifts at the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market. Discover artisan vendors, food trucks, and festive activities. #HolidayMarket #KennettSquare #ShopLocal

NOVEMBER 2024

November 22nd - January 12th:

• Experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens! Immerse yourself in over half a million twinkling lights, new garden spaces, and festive displays.

November 23 - December 24, 2024:

• Christmas Village in Philadelphia - Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit of Philadelphia's beloved Christmas Village. Returning to LOVE Park and City Hall, this festive market offers twinkling lights, charming decorations, live music, delicious treats, and unique gifts.

November 25 - December 20

• CBS Philadelphia Joy of Giving Holiday Drive - Donate toys for needy children at the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater.

November 27th - January 5th:

• Be dazzled by the Herr's Holiday Lights Display! Drive through their corporate campus and marvel at over 600,000 lights. Free admission!

DECEMBER 2024

December 5th - 21st:

• Manayunk Gets Lit & Jolly Trolley: From Thursdays to Saturdays, enjoy twinkling lights, festive entertainment, and food and drink specials. Then, hop on the free Jolly Trolley for a magical ride down Main Street!

December 6-29:

• George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker - Philadelphia Ballet presents this holiday classic at the Academy of Music.

December 10:

• A Soulful Christmas - Gospel music and holiday spirit with special guest Ricky Dillard at Marian Anderson Hall.

December 11th & 18th:

• Get festive at Bloomsday's Gingerbread House Decorating Class for adults! Enjoy wine and holiday movies, and create your edible masterpiece. #Bloomsday #GingerbreadHouse #HolidayFun #AdultsOnly

December 12-13Yannick’s Holiday Mixtape in Concert - A festive orchestral concert with classic holiday tunes at Marian Anderson Hall.

December 13:

• WRTI Silent Night Sing-In - Join a community sing-along o" "Silent Nig"t" at Commonwealth Plaza.

December 13th & 14th:

• Lincoln Mill HaunteHouse's Twisted Christmas: Experience a spooky holiday twist at this haunted attraction.

December 14th:

• 10th Annual Rudolph Run (9:00 AM): Join this festive fun run along the towpath. Bring a canned good to benefit North Light Community Center.
• Witness the spectacle of the Phoenixville Firebird Festival! A 20-foot wooden phoenix will be set ablaze in a celebration of rebirth, accompanied by live music and vendors.
• Hot Chocolate Crawl! On Saturday, December 14th, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, over two dozen participating businesses will be serving up specially crafted cocoas, from classic to boozy and even ice cream-infused creations.

December 14-15:

• The Glorious Sound of Christmas - The Philadelphia Orchestra performs holiday classics at Marian Anderson Hall.

December 14th & 21st:

• Bring the kids to Bloomsday for a Gingerbread House Decorating Class! Hot cocoa, popcorn, and Christmas movies add to the festive fun.

December 15th:

• Brunch with Santa at Patchwork! Enjoy face painting, photos with Santa, and a delicious brunch menu. Reservations required. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🥞

December 15th & 22nd:

• Breakfast with Santa at Seaview Hotel! Indulge in a multi-station buffet, meet Santa, and capture memories with a festive photo. 🎅🍳

December 18-19 Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert - Enjoy this classic film with live orchestral accompaniment at Marian Anderson Hall.

December 20th:

• At Chris's Jazz Cafe, enjoy the Benny Benack III Quintet with special guest Michael Stephenson performing holiday jazz standards. Performances are at 7:30 and 9:30 PM and cost $30.

December 21st: Chris' Jazz Cafe presents vocalist Anaïs Reno and her trio performing a special holiday show, including her new jazzy take on "White Christm"s! 7:30 & 9:30 PM—$35.

December 21-22:

• Messiah - The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Handel's masterpiece at Marian Anderson Hall.
• Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Bastia! Chef Tyler Akin presents a Sardinian-inspired seafood feast. Reservations recommended.

December 24th:

• Enjoy a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes at Fork on Christmas Eve. Savor delectable seafood dishes in a festive setting. #Fork #FeastOfTheSevenFishes #ChristmasEveDinner

December 23:

• Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday - GRAMMY-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy performs holiday favorites at Marian Anderson Hall.

December 25th - January 1st:

• Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah: Celebrate Hanukkah with Instagram giveaways, candle lighting, and treats at the Manayunk Welcome Center.

December 26th-28th:

• Celebrate Hanukkah with delicious Sufganiyot (jelly donuts) from High Street Bakery. Pre-orders available. #HighStreetBakery #Sufganiyot #HanukkahTreats

December 26-29: 

• STOMP - The percussion sensation returns to the Miller Theater.

December 27th & 28th, Chris' Jazz Cafe welcomes bacPhilly's Kurt Rosenwinkel All-Star Quintet! 7:30 & 9:30 PM. $40.

New's Eve, December 31:

• Ring in the new year at Chris' Jazz Cafe with Chelsea Reed, the Fairweather 9, and their high-energy jazz and blues! 7, 9, & 11 PM. $50 general admission, or choose a dinner & show package.

• NeYear’s Celebration - Ring in the new year with an orchestral concert and dance performances at Marian Anderson Hall.

JANUARY 2025

January 10th:

• Lunar New Year - Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Marian Anderson Hall.

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Philadelphia truly comes alive with its vibrant array of events and activities. Whether a local seeking fun things to do in Philly this week or a visitor exploring things to do in Philadelphia this weekend, the city offers a captivating blend of experiences. Miss out on the best events in Philadelphia this weekend, and check the Philadelphia events calendar for a comprehensive list of happenings. If you are seeking things to do in Philly with kids this weekend, free things to do in Philadelphia this week, or specific events in neighborhoods like Center City, Old City, or South Philly, explore the many options available and create unforgettable memories in the City of Brotherly Love.

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