Christmas in Philadelphia with kids.
Christmas in Philadelphia starts at City Hall. Christmas Village fills LOVE Park and City Hall with a German-style market. There's a free light show in Franklin Square too. Skate at Dilworth Park or at RiverRink on the waterfront.
Outside the city, A Longwood Christmas and Sesame Place's holiday season are big family day trips. LumiNature lights up the Philadelphia Zoo at night.
Before you go
- Christmas Village is free to enter and calmer on weeknights.
- Book LumiNature and A Longwood Christmas ahead, especially for weekends.
- Franklin Square's light show is free and easy to pair with a carousel ride.
- The Philadelphia Ballet has a sensory-friendly Nutcracker on December 26.
- Longwood Gardens and Sesame Place are outside the city. Plan a car for those days.
Family Christmas events in Philadelphia
24 events
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- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 27 · Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Christmas Eve noon-5pm. Closed Nov 23-25 and Dec 25.
- Where
- LOVE Park and City Hall, 1500 Arch St., Center City
- Price
- Free to enter. Food, rides and gifts cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A German-style Christmas market with wooden huts around LOVE Park and City Hall. Expect hot drinks, food, gifts, a carousel, a Ferris wheel and a small kids' train.
Parent tip: Weeknights are calmer than weekends. Kids under 12 ride SEPTA free, which is easier than parking downtown.
- Zoo lights Good for toddlers
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 9 · Select nights, 5-9pm. Closed Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1.
- Where
- Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., West Fairmount Park
- Price
- Prices change by night. See the official site. Parking is $22.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Book a date online ahead
The zoo's holiday light walk after dark, with glowing animal scenes along the paths. It runs on select nights from mid-November into early January.
Parent tip: Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights cost less than Fridays and Saturdays. Go early in the evening with little ones.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
A Longwood Christmas
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 10 · Daily. Check the gardens' site for hours on your date.
- Where
- Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Chester County (about 1 hour from Center City)
- Price
- Adults about $45-52, ages 5-15 about $25-32, kids 4 and under free. Prices change by date.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets required. Popular times sell out.
Longwood decorates its big indoor conservatory and lights up the outdoor gardens for the season. There are fire pits and holiday treats along the way.
Parent tip: The grounds are huge, so bring a stroller or carrier. Book weekend evening slots early.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Holidays in Franklin Square and the Electrical Spectacle Light Show
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · Nightly 5-9pm, light show every 30 minutes. Closes 8pm Dec 24 and 31. Closed Nov 26, Dec 25 and Jan 1.
- Where
- Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St., Old City
- Price
- Free light show. Carousel and mini golf cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small city square with a free light show set to music every half hour. Kids can also ride the carousel or play holiday mini golf.
Parent tip: Arrive just before the hour or half hour so you don't wait long. Santa visits on some evenings; check the square's site for dates.
- Ice skatingFree Good for toddlers
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Feb 28 · Daily, including holidays. See the official site for hours.
- Where
- Penn's Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Delaware River Waterfront
- Price
- Free to enter. Skating $5, skate rental $12.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Skating spots are limited. Reserve ahead.
A winter park on the river with an outdoor skating rink, fire pits and lights. You can visit without skating.
Parent tip: Non-skaters can still enjoy the lights and fire pits. Book weekend skating times early.
- Parades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
City of Philadelphia Tree Lighting Celebration
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu Dec 3, 6-8pm. The tree stays lit through Jan 2, 2027.
- Where
- Philadelphia City Hall, Center City
- Price
- No ticket price listed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No booking info yet. Full details go up on the official site in November.
The city's official tree-lighting night at City Hall, presented by 6abc. The tree stays lit into the new year.
Parent tip: Christmas Village is right next door, so plan dinner at the market stalls.
- Ice skating Good for toddlers
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Wintergarden at Dilworth Park
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Feb 21 · Daily. Timed 90-minute skating sessions. Wintergarden open through March 28.
- Where
- Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St., Center City (beside City Hall)
- Price
- See the official site for skating prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reservations encouraged. Buy skating tickets online ahead.
An outdoor rink next to City Hall with 90-minute skating sessions. The Wintergarden beside it has lights and room for little ones to wander.
Parent tip: Christmas Village is across the street, so you can skate and shop in one trip.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 1 · Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Closes 5pm Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Closed Dec 25.
- Where
- Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St. (west side of City Hall), Center City
- Price
- No entry fee listed. Shopping costs extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A holiday market of local makers and food sellers at Dilworth Park. It's a good stop for gifts made in the city.
Parent tip: Pair it with the Dilworth Park rink or Christmas Village, both steps away.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler's Village
- Dates
- Nov 20 · Fri Nov 20, 4:30-10pm. Santa lights the village at 6:15pm.
- Where
- Peddler's Village, Route 202 and Street Road, Lahaska, Bucks County (about 1 hour from Center City)
- Price
- Free admission and parking
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Arrive by 5:30pm.
Santa and Mrs. Claus switch on the village's holiday lights. Local music and dance groups perform after.
Parent tip: Get there by 5:30pm for a good spot and easier parking.
- Holiday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Gingerbread Competition and Display at Peddler's Village
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 9 · Daily, hours vary by date. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Where
- Visitor and Event Center, Peddler's Village, Lahaska, Bucks County
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
More than 100 gingerbread houses made by the public fill one room. It makes a quick, free indoor stop.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday. Weekend lines can be long.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler's Village
- Dates
- Dec 5-6 · Sat-Sun Dec 5-6, 11am-6pm. Santa parades at noon both days. Lights on at 4:30pm.
- Where
- Peddler's Village, Lahaska, Bucks County
- Price
- Free admission and parking
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free weekend with Santa parades through the village, live music and family activities.
Parent tip: Stay until 4:30pm to see the lights come on, then warm up at the gingerbread display.
- Zoo lights Good for toddlers
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 30 · Select nights, 5-9pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Where
- Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, Montgomery County
- Price
- Adults $27.95, kids 3-12 $24.95 online (a little more at the gate). Ages 0-2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead to save
A smaller zoo's holiday light walk on select nights in late November and December.
Parent tip: Late Night tickets after 7:30pm cost less, if your kids can stay up.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 3 · Select days. Check the park's operating calendar.
- Where
- Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, Bucks County
- Price
- Theme park ticket needed. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy park tickets online ahead
Sesame Place's holiday season, with rides, Santa's Furry Workshop, character photos, shows and a parade.
Parent tip: The park only opens on select days, so check the calendar before you plan the drive.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Philadelphia Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 4-31 · Dec 4-31, no show Dec 25. About 2 hours 8 minutes with one intermission.
- Where
- Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Avenue of the Arts
- Price
- Prices vary by seat. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a 2-hour ballet · Buy ahead online or call 215-893-1999
Philadelphia Ballet's big holiday show, George Balanchine's version of The Nutcracker, at the Academy of Music.
Parent tip: A sensory-friendly show runs Sat Dec 26 at noon, a good pick for kids who need breaks.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Children's Holiday Spectacular with The Philadelphia Orchestra
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 11:30am. Pre-concert activities from 10:30am.
- Where
- Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., Avenue of the Arts
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead
A morning holiday concert by The Philadelphia Orchestra, made for families. There are activities before the music starts.
Parent tip: Arrive by 10:30am for the pre-concert fun in Commonwealth Plaza.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (WST for Kids)
- Dates
- Dec 5-20 · Dec 5-20. Weekend shows at 11am, weekday shows at 10:30am.
- Where
- Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Washington Square West
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- Made for kids · Buy ahead
An hour-long musical version of A Christmas Carol made for children, part of the theater's kids' series.
Parent tip: Morning show times fit well around afternoon naps.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical at Walnut Street Theatre
- Dates
- Nov 17 - Jan 3 · Nov 17-Jan 3. See the theater's calendar for show times.
- Where
- Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Washington Square West
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a full musical · Buy ahead
The Frozen stage musical is the theater's main show for the holiday season.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Deck the Alley at Elfreth's Alley
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 1-5pm. Timed entry at 1, 2, 3 or 4pm.
- Where
- Elfreth's Alley, Old City
- Price
- About $25 adults, $10 kids. Check the ticket page.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy timed tickets ahead
Residents of this street of 1700s and 1800s homes open their doors for one afternoon. Expect carolers, crafts, a kids' table, cookies, cider and a visit from Santa.
Parent tip: Street parking is very limited. Park at Independence AutoPark and ride the free PHLASH bus with your ticket.
- Holiday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment
- Dates
- Dec 25 · Fri Dec 25, noon-3pm. The river crossing is around 1pm.
- Where
- Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing, Bucks County
- Price
- Free, with advance registration
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Register ahead. Attendance is capped for 2026.
Hundreds of reenactors in Revolutionary War dress row replica boats across the Delaware River. If the river isn't safe, the speeches and ceremony still go on.
Parent tip: Check the park's update by 8am that day. A ticketed First Crossing on Sun Dec 13 is another option ($10 adults, $6 ages 5-11, under 5 free).
- Parades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
West Chester Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4. Tree lighting 6:30pm, parade 7pm.
- Where
- Downtown West Chester, West Chester, Chester County
- Price
- No ticket price listed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Arrive early for a spot along the route
West Chester lights its tree, then a nighttime Christmas parade moves through downtown.
Parent tip: Free photos with Santa and a holiday concert follow on Sat Dec 12, 2-4pm.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Illuminaire Nights in Skippack Village
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 18 · Fridays Nov 27, Dec 4, 11 and 18, 5-8pm.
- Where
- Skippack Village, Skippack, Montgomery County
- Price
- No ticket price listed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The shops and restaurants of this small village light up and stay open late on four Friday nights.
Parent tip: The village's yearly tree lighting is on Black Friday, Nov 27, so that night packs in the most.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Skippack Holiday Village
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 11am-7pm.
- Where
- Skippack Village, Skippack, Montgomery County
- Price
- No ticket price listed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Shops dress up for the holidays, and Santa and other characters stroll the village. Kids can write a letter to the North Pole.
- Parades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
Manayunk Tree-Lighting Ceremony
- Dates
- Nov 19 · Thu Nov 19, 5:30pm.
- Where
- Canal View Park, 4418 Main St., Manayunk
- Price
- No ticket price listed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Manayunk lights its tree to start the season. Shops along Main Street decorate their windows for the holidays.
Parent tip: The decorated shop windows stay up all season, so a Main Street stroll works on other evenings too.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Grand Illumination at American Heritage Credit Union
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Jan 1 · Kickoff Sat Nov 28 at 7pm. Lights on nightly from dusk, Nov 30 through New Year's.
- Where
- American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Rd., Northeast Philadelphia
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Free parking on site.
The credit union's grounds glow with a big holiday light display each night. Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross appear at the kickoff.
Parent tip: Enter from Red Lion Road or Jamison Road.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Philadelphia, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Philadelphia, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Philadelphia, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Philadelphia, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Philadelphia for Christmas with kids?
Walk Christmas Village at LOVE Park and see the free light show in Franklin Square. Skate at Dilworth Park or RiverRink. Visit LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Day trips to A Longwood Christmas and Sesame Place's A Very Furry Christmas are family favorites.
When is the Philadelphia Christmas Village in 2026?
Christmas Village runs from November 21 to December 27, 2026, at LOVE Park and City Hall. It's free to enter.
What are the free Christmas events in Philadelphia?
Christmas Village and the Franklin Square light show are free. So are RiverRink Winterfest's grounds and the Peddler's Village Grand Illumination. The Christmas Day crossing at Washington Crossing is free too.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
Christmas in other cities
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