Welcome to the 2025 Good Philadelphia Citizen Calendar, full of good things to do in Philly, all year long. This month-by-month list has civic holidays, neighborhood festivals, historic Philadelphia traditions, and dozens of opportunities to engage with your city.
But truth be told, you can be a good citizen any day of the year: Sweep your block. Donate a book to a little free library. Donate your time to any kind of shelter. Buy a box of overpriced candy from a kid on the subway. Lend a hand to someone who could use it. Patronize a local business. Get out there. Participate in our city. Mark down these civic holidays and Philly-centric events, to make this year in Philadelphia your — and our — best year, ever.
NOVEMBER 2025
November 1: Eat Your Veggies on World Vegan Day
Didya know that Philadelphia has one of the highest ranked vegan restaurants … in the world? Vedge sure is a treat. But you can also get your vegan on at Monster Vegan, Bar Bombón, HipCityVedge, The Tasty, LUHV, The Nile Cafe, Miss Rachel’s Pantry, Fitz on 4th, Charlie was a sinner …
November 4: It’s Election Day. Vote for the next District Attorney of Philadelphia, PA Supreme Court Justices and more
If you haven’t already, do it. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
November 5: Show Your Philly Pride on Jason Kelce’s Birthday
Philadelphians don’t often adopt out-of-towners as one of our own. Kelce keeps being one of our favorite exceptions.
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November 8: Run like Rocky
The annual Rocky Run offers participants options: a 5K, a 10 miler, or a half marathon around town. Of course, the route could never follow Balboa’s, since his wasn’t filmed in geographic order. But you can enter as a group and dedicate your jog to the Special Olympics.
November 13: Take Part in the inaugural Ideas We Should Scale Showcase
The Philadelphia Citizen partners with the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation and ImpactED for a first-of-its-kind evening presenting three winning Philadelphia B corps and nonprofits seeking capital and other support to expand their missions. Ideas We Should Scale is the official opening night of The Citizen’s annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival (see below). Free with Citizen membership or $10
November 14: Get Inspired at the 2025 Ideas We Should Steal Festival®
Every year, The Philadelphia Citizen brings some of the nation’s most inspiring and accomplished doers to Philadelphia to share what they’ve done and how they’ve done it, inspiring an audience of hundreds. Taking place in the Ralph J. Roberts Forum at the Comcast Technology Center, the Ideas We Should Steal Festival® includes lunch, time to network, and an amazing Philadelphia skyline view. From $35. 1800 Arch Street
November 27: Give Thanks by … Giving
Thank those Philadelphians who are making this city a greater city for all. Then, take some time to honor those in need. Here are some ways to do that:
November 29: Shop Small Saturday in Philadelphia
We’ve got some of the best urban main streets — although few go by that name — in the country. Choose one. Or more. Buy stuff there.
DECEMBER 2025
December 3: Celebrate Rocky Day
On December 3, 1976, a little film called Rocky made its big-screen debut. Last year, December 3 officially became “Rocky Day,” Sylvester Stallone and all. Celebrate by running up and down the art museum steps, boxing some frozen beef, or shouting “Yo Adrian!” during your commute. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps)
December 7: Write a Letter
On National Letter Writing Day, think about someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to — a far-away friend, grandparent, sibling, anyone you’ve lost touch with — and take a few minutes to send them a card or drop them a line.
December 21: It’s Quinta Brunson’s Birthday. Respect your Teachers
The creator and star of Abbott Elementary made us fall in love again with Philadelphia’s public schools, warts and all — but especially with Philly educators. You know what they like: Gift cards for school supplies … and coffee shops.
December 26 through January 1: Join One of the Oldest Kwanzaa Celebrations in the Country. (And Bake Cookies.)
That’s here, in Philadelphia, in case you didn’t know. Listen to Tonya “Food Griot” Hopkins’ podcast about the history of the holiday in Philly. Then start the festivities in the best way: Bake Kwanzaa cookies.
MORE THINGS TO DO AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN PHILADELPHIA
The 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
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