Growing up in New York, the holiday season is a special time to indulge in classic Christmas festivities and traditions with family and friends. Each year, my family would take us to Radio City Music Hall to watch the Rockettes, Rockefeller Center, and then walk around Fifth Avenue. While I adore Christmas in New York more than anything, living in Philadelphia during the winter months has given me a new perspective.

Jon and I are fortunate enough to go to college in a fantastic city that offers lots to do year round. Although the Bryant Park Holiday Market is great, we prefer Philly’s Christmas Village and Dilworth Park, as the vendors are similar, but there are just more options. If you’re looking for holiday activities that feel more wholesome and residential, Philly is the place to go!

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Christmas Village & Dilworth Park

Browsing the Christmas Village is absolutely necessary, especially to support small businesses. There are countless locally sourced vendors, ranging from gourmet food, to ornament shops, accessories, liquor companies, and more. City Hall’s Dilworth Park has an ice skating rink, a picturesque Christmas tree & Ferris Wheel, and even more vendors. These two are the top holiday attractions in Philly, so prepare for a crowded scene if you go on a weekend.

🔗: https://www.philachristmas.com/index.html

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/dilworth-park-at-city-hall/

South Philly Shops

South Philly is our go-to area for Christmas gift shopping, specifically the shops on 4th St. in Queen Village and Passyunk Ave. There are cute ornaments, cookbooks, jewelry, accessories, stationary, artwork and well-designed cards for every occasion. They also sell handmade candles from small businesses that smell divine; I buy them every year. Even if you don’t go for Christmas gifts, I recommend browsing these shops just for fun. Our top favorites are the Merrygold Shop, Moon & Arrow, Nice Things Handmade, and Creations by Coppola.

Franklin Square

Decorated with a walk-through of lights, Franklin square celebrates the holidays with various events throughout the season. There’s mini golf, street curling, and the “Electrical Spectacle Light Show,” inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s kite and key electricity experiment.

🔗: https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/franklin-square/

Light Show at the Elmwood Park Zoo

The Elmwood Park Zoo has their annual “Wild Lights” show, which is perfect for families, as there’s light displays, live shows, and animal meet and greets.

🔗: https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/wildlights/

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular at FDR Park

Located in South Philly’s FDR Park, the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular has all sorts of holiday activities like ice skating, food vendors, and the Mistletoe Marketplace for Christmas gifts. '

🔗: https://www.tinseltownholiday.com/

Peddler’s Village

Although Peddler’s Village isn’t located directly in Philadelphia, it’s worth the drive away from the city. With over 60 Christmas shops, Peddler’s Village is the cutest little town that makes you feel like you’re in Europe during Christmas time. They have many events, such as Gingerbread competitions and Santa themed festivities and parades.

🔗: https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/must-see-holiday-attractions-in-philadelphia/#winter-in-franklin-square

📸:

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/electrical-spectacle-holiday-light-show-at-franklin-square/

https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/wild-lights-returns-to-elmwood-park-zoo/

https://uncoveringpa.com/wild-lights-elmwood-park-zoo

https://www.phillyvoice.com/wild-lights-elmwood-park-zoo-holidays-2020-family-friendly/

https://www.tinseltownholiday.com/tickets

https://campusphilly.org/event/tinseltown-holiday-spectacular-2/2023-12-20/'

https://uncoveringpa.com/tinseltown-holiday-spectacular-philadelphia

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/christmas-in-peddlers-village/

What To Do in Philly During The Holiday Season