By Roxanne Snowden By Roxanne Snowden | November 21, 2023 | Feature, Events, Holiday, Entertainment,
Get in the holiday spirit with Philly’s best festivities, from Christmas villages to music spectaculars and more.Old City Santa at the Logan Hotel
11/10-2/25/24
Winter at Dilworth Park
You haven’t done winter right until you’ve experienced Winter at Dilworth Park. Locals can kick off the chilly months ahead at their Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink or open-air Winter Garden, featuring twinkly lights and reindeer topiaries. After exploring, relax at a rustic ski chalet-inspired cabin for snacks and sips before warming up at a toasty fire pit. 1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org
11/18-12/24
Christmas Village in LOVE Park and City Hall
Experience the magic of Nurenberg, Germany’s famous Christkindlesmarkt, right here in Philadelphia. Situated in LOVE Park and City Hall, the authentic German Christmas village features vendors selling handmade ornaments, jewelry and other treasures under thousands of vibrant Christmas lights. After taking a spin on the illuminated carousel, indulge in sweet sips like spiced mulled wine and delicious bites like schnitzel-smoked bratwurst. 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., philachristmas.com
11/23-1/1/24
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
On display for its 15th year is the Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center Lobby. Head to their Experience Video Wall and catch the 15-minute film featuring holiday songs, the Philadelphia Ballet and a sleigh ride through the city and beyond. After the show, pose with Santa Claus at the Comcast Center Campus and make the memory last forever. 1701 JFK Blvd., comcastcentercampus.com
11/24-12/31
Yuletide at Devon
No one celebrates the holiday season like Devon—their annual Yuletide festival features a European-inspired Christmas market and live music. After enjoying musical acts like Josh Wilson, The Afters and others, shop from over 37 vendors featuring products from high-end boutiques and small businesses. The fun doesn’t stop there—find farm-to-table food, sips and giant Ferris wheel rides. 23 Dorset Road., Devon, yuletidedevon.com
11/25-12/31
Old City Santa
Make memories that last a lifetime through Old City Santa—an immersive Christmas photography experience at the Logan Hotel. After booking a weekend appointment online, families will pose for the camera in themed spaces. Between story-time with Mrs. Claus, holiday sing-alongs and private pics with Santa, you’ll have plenty of photos to make the merry memories last forever. 1 Logan Square, oldcitysanta.com
12/2-12/3
Peddler’s Village Holly Jolly Weekend
As the countdown to Christmas begins, spend a day at Peddler’s Village’s Holly Jolly Weekend. While taking in one million sparkling lights, visitors can watch Sunday’s Santa Parade before checking out the gingerbread house competition and display. After showing off your gingerbread skills, stroll through over 60 specialty shops, including a candy store, artisan gallery, bookseller and clothing boutique. 2400 Street Road, New Hope, peddlersvillage.com
12/2-12/27
A Christmas Carol at The Drake Theater
For the sixth year in a row, acclaimed playwright and actor Anthony Lawton is back for his one-man show reenactment of A Christmas Carol. Transport yourself into the classic tale and become encapsulated in the story of a miserable man who reaches redemption after being visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. 302 S. Hicks St., theatrephiladelphia.org
12/7
Andrea Bocelli Live in Concert
Cherished pop and opera singer Andrea Bocelli is coming to the Wells Fargo Center for a show you don’t want to miss. Fans can look forward to a wide variety from the renowned singer, including music from his new number-one album, A Family Christmas, as well as a selection of arias, romantic love ballads and more. 3601 S. Broad St., wellsfargocenterphilly.com
12/8-12/30
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker by Philadelphia Ballet
Float away into the fantasy world of The Nutcracker as Philadelphia Ballet performs this charming classic. The show will captivate viewers as characters young Marie and her Prince travel through a dream world with prize-fighting mice, toy soldiers, dancing candy canes and others—all made possible with the help of choreographer George Balanchine. 240 S. Broad St., philadelphiaballet.org
12/13
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All
Would it really be December without Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”? Head to the Wells Fargo Center and hear this legendary tune performed live by the pop icon herself. The show will celebrate Carey’s holiday album reaching 25 years and promises a setlist with festive songs and her most recognizable tunes from over the years. 3601 S. Broad St., wellsfargocenterphilly.com
12/14-12/16
The Glorious Sound of Christmas
The Philadelphia Orchestra is performing all of your holiday favorites next month for a spectacular show with the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. Led by esteemed conductor William Eddins, the packed setlist includes “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride” and so many others that promise to fill the Kimmel Cultural Campus with holiday cheer. 300 S. Broad St., philorch.org
12/26-12/31
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Brought to you from Cirque de Soliel is the theatrical Cirque Dreams Holidaze show. Guests are invited to follow along as a fantastical cast of storybook characters is brought to life while listening to music like “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland” and others. The wow-factor show combines aerial circus acts with singers, dancers, toy soldiers and reindeer. 300 S. Broad St., kimmelculturalcampus.org
Photography by: Courtesy of brand; Veracity Studios; Courtesy of Brands