Happy Holidays Philadelphia! There’s plenty to do to kick off the season, and more if you are doing everything you can to avoid them!

There are tree lightings in Northern Liberties, Roxborough, Old City, and of course at City Hall. You can shop while you sample libations in Old City this weekend, or hit Fishtown for Ice sculptures and Santa. For a decidedly different holiday experience, visit Historic Fort Mifflin for the Krampusnacht Festival.

On stage this week we have the premieres of Hadestown and an adaptation of the classic children’s story A Wrinkle in Time, plus Raekwon & Mobb Deep and Ezra Ray Hart in concert (not together, of course).

The Free Library Foundation Author Series holds two events this week with a live podcast taping about Black Genius and a look inside the 2024 presidential election.

The annual Defender Association Art Sale is binging the artwork of the incarcerated to the masses, while the Barnes Student Art Show puts promising youth art on display.

Science After Hours at the Franklin Institute is back this week with Celestial Sips.

• • • Things to do this week
    • Things to do this weekend
    • Ongoing things to do

Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY

Defender Association Art Sale, Free Library Foundation Author Series, NoLibs tree lighting, Raekwon & Mobb Deep, Hadestown, A Wrinkle in Time, Old City tree lighting, City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony

PURCHASE ART BY INCARCERATED ARTISTS. On December 2 from 4 to 6pm, Mural Arts and the Defender Association of Philadelphia present Defender Association Art Sale. Featuring original artwork by artists at SCI Phoenix, the sale amplifies the voices of incarcerated artists and ensures they are paid for their creative work. Food and beverages will be offered. Free. 1441 Sansom Street

GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE PRESIDENCY. The Free Library Foundation Author Series continues December 2 from 7 to 8:30pm with Jonathan Karl | Retribution. Tamala Edwards, 6abc Action News Mornings co-anchor, speaks with the author about what went down in the 2024 presidential election. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of the Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street. 

ATTEND THE NOLIBS TREE LIGHTING. On December 2 at 5:30pm, Northern Liberties kicks off its neighborhood holiday season with its 2025 Northern Liberties Holiday Tree Lighting, complete with Santa photo-ops, music and dance performances, cookie decorating, complimentary hot cocoa, local business giveaways, and more. Free, please RSVP. 1033 N. Second Street

SEE A MUSICAL GREEK MYTH UNLIKE ANY OTHER. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown is at the Forrest Theater December 2 through 7 with shows at 7:30, 1:30, and Sunday at 1pm. Orpheus, Eurydice, King Hades, and his wife Persephone are brought to life by a vibrant ensemble. $59-$187. 1114 Walnut Street

PROTECT YA NECK. It’s not just good advice, it’s a jam. On December 3 at 8pm, the Raekwon & Mobb Deep 30th Anniversary Tour hits The Fillmore. Son, they shook. $53-$159+. 29 E. Allen Street

TAKE THE FAMILY TO SEE A CLASSIC FANTASY STAGE ADAPTATION. Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time comes to Arden Theatre December 3 through January 25 with select morning, afternoon, and evening performances. Remember, “A straight line is not the shortest distance between two points.”$45-$61. 40 N. 2nd Street

START YOUR HOLIDAY IN OLD CITY WITH A TREE LIGHTING. The Historic Holiday Tree, decorated by Petit Jardin en Ville and located at the Betsy Ross House, officially lights up at the Old City Holiday Tree Lighting December 3 at 6pm, accompanied by the Upper Darby High School Encore Singers, The Philadelphia Dance Academy, and a special appearance from Santa. Free. 239 Arch Street

SEE PHILLY’S TREE LIGHT UP. Hailing from Upstate New York, the Philly Holiday Tree gets officially plugged in December 4 from 6 to 8pm at the City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony. Featuring  Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Ashanti, the festivities will be broadcast live on 6ABC and streaming platforms. Free. North side of City Hall (North Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard)

ATTEND A LIVE PODCAST TAPING ON BLACK GENIUS. The Free Library Foundation Author Events Series presents Tre Johnson in conversation with Reckon True Stories: Podcast hosts Kiese Laymon and Deesha Philyaw December 4 from 7 to 8pm. In this live taping of the Reckon True Stories podcast, author Tre Johnson talks about Black Genius: Essays on an American Legacy. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of The Free Library Foundation. Free. 1901 Vine Street

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

Supergroup Ezra Ray Hart,  Science After Hours at the Franklin Institute, Historic Fort Mifflin Krampusnacht Festival, Holidays in Roxborough, Old City Sip & Stroll, Fishtown Freeze, Barnes Student Art Show

IF ONLY YOU COULD SEE THE WAY…OH HEY, YOU CAN! The supergroup Ezra Ray Hart, founded in 2018 by Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, and Emerson Hart of Tonic, is coming to Rivers Casino on December 5 at 8pm for 90s Hits & Xmas Riffs. $39.91-$109.57. 1001 North Delaware Avenue

SPEND AN ADULTS-ONLY EVENING AT THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.  Science After Hours: Celestial Sips happens December 5 from 7:30 to 11:30pm at the Franklin Institute. Strictly for those 21 and over only, peruse the exhibits while drinking and snacking and being entertained. $40. 271 North 21st Street

YOU BETTER HAVE BEEN GOOD THIS YEAR! Regardless, you want to be at the first-ever Historic Fort Mifflin Krampusnacht Festival happening December 5 from 6 to 10:30pm. Embrace the spooky side of the season with goth/punk music, vendors and artisans, pictures with Krampus (and Santa), an hourly parade, games, local breweries and distilleries, food, and  a fire pit. $38.80-$85+. 6400 Hog Island Road

SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN ROXBOROUGH. Enjoy Happy Holidays From Rox with the neighborhood tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, the Holiday Market, live music, caroling, ornament hanging, and more December 6th from noon to 6pm at the Roxborough Pocket Park. Free. 6170 Ridge Avenue

DRINK AND GO SHOPPING. On December 6 from noon to 4pm,  Old City Sip & Stroll returns for an afternoon of festive drinks, live entertainment, and shopping local at nearly 30 Old City Businesses offering specials and sales. Pay as you go. See locations here. 

FREEZE IN FISHTOWN. It’s more fun than it sounds! On December 6 from noon to 6:30pm, Fishtown transforms into a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, outdoor food and beverage, holiday shopping specials, Santa Clause, a complimentary trolley along Frankford Avenue, and all-ages seasonal activities for the annual Fishtown Freeze and Shopping Spree. Rain date December 7. Pay as you go. Frankford and Girard Avenues, N. Front Street, and surrounding streets

ATTEND A FIRST SUNDAY THAT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS. On December 7 from 10am to 5pm, the PECO Free First Sunday: Reimagined features free admission to the Barnes, art activities, a performance by the Philadelphia Youth Concert Band, and the Barnes Student Art Show, an exhibition of paintings made by artists in a pilot program with Central High School. Free. Registration required. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

ONGOING EVENTS

Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.

SEE A MILESTONE ART EXHIBITION. The William Way LGBT Community Center’s 20th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, featuring 46 emerging and established LGBTQ+ artists, is on view until December 11. Free.1315 Spruce Street

SEE AN ART EXHIBIT ABOUT BECOMING AMERICA. The Germantown Historical Society presents American Mythologies by acclaimed Philadelphia-based artists Tom Judd and Mark Stockton, an exploration of American myths throughout the decades through large-scale paintings, drawings, mixed media, sound, and immersive installations. On view through December 20 on Thursdays from noon to 4pm and on Friday and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Free. 5501 Germantown Avenue

WITNESS MLK’S LAST NIGHT ON EARTH. Arden Theatre presents The Mountaintop, an intimate reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last evening in his room at the Lorraine Motel after delivering his legendary “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Live on the Arcadia Stage and extended through December 21 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. $55-$70. 40 N. 2nd Street

SHOP AT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. Open through Christmas Eve noon to 8pm Sunday through Thursday and noon to 9pm Fridays and Saturdays, Christmas Village in Philadelphia features over 120 mostly local vendors, food and drink, traditional music and dance, and of course, Santa. Pay as you go. LOVE Park & City Hall

ENJOY LIGHTS AND DECORATED TREES TO RAISE MONEY FOR SICK KIDS. LOVE Park’s Welcome Center is home to the annual Philadelphia Festival of Trees to benefit the Children’s Fund at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The festival is open through December 24. Free. 569 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

EXPERIENCE A HALF-CENTURY LONG RUNNING HOLIDAY TRADITION. The Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village returns for the 2025 holiday season through December 24 with more than 100,000 LED lights accompanied by the Wanamaker Grand Organ. Above is the Dickens Village 6,000-square-foot walk-through experience, transporting visitors to 1840s London with scenes from A Christmas Carol. Show schedule varies and tickets are timed, check availability here. Free, donations accepted. 100 E. Penn Square 

SHOP AFFORDABLE ART. Hyatt Centric’s Makers Series Holiday Showcase with a variety of artworks starting at $20, ranging from prints, photographs, paintings, sculptures and more will be on view and available for purchase through December 30. Free. 1620 Chancellor Street 

EXAMINE CERAMIC ART AND WELLBEING. Clay as Care combines an exhibition, scientific research, a publication, and public programs on the relationship between ceramic art and health. The Clay Studio will host several special events during the exhibition from through December 31. Free. 1425 N. American Street

CELEBRATE AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY WITH ITS OFFICIAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE. On October 18, the Museum of the American Revolution unveils a new exhibit: The Declaration’s Journey: 250 Years of America’s Founding Document, showcasing how the American Declaration of Independence has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and the exhibit is on view through January 3, 2026. $14-$64. 101 South Third Street

EXPERIENCE THE ZOO LIT AND LOVELY! The Philadelphia Zoo’s holiday multimedia spectacular LumiNature is back for the season. More than a million twinkling lights include the iconic pink flamingo tree, 40-foot tall glowing penguin, a sparkling waterfall, and loads more bright attractions that will light up the night — while the animals slumber out of sight. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages will also be on hand. LumiNature is open from 5 to 9pm select nights through through January 3. $22-$32. 3400 W. Girard Avenue

ARE YOU THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN MAJOR GENERAL? Then get to the Sedgwick Theater for Quintessence Theatre’s production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic The Pirates of Penzance, open through January 4 with afternoon and evening performances. $25-$75. 7137 Germantown Avenue

I TRIPLE-DOG DARE YOU TO MISS THIS SHOW. Live at the Walnut Street Theatre through January 4 with evening and afternoon performances, A Christmas Story The Musical is the hilarious adaptation of the holiday classic film (and book) you grew up with. $45-$198+. 825 Walnut Street

LEARN NAVY & MARINE CORPS HISTORY. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Homecoming 250, presents To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775–1958, an exhibit exploring Philadelphia’s place in the birth and evolution of the Navy and the Marine Corps. On view until January 9, 2026; viewing hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 4pm and Wednesday 1 to 7pm. Free. 1300 Locust Street

CELEBRATE THE SEASON ON THE WATERFRONT. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest runs through March 1 with ice skating, games, rides, food and drink, The Lodge Bar, and more. Pay as you go. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard

SEE THE EXHIBIT AT THE MÜTTER. Through February 2, 2026, The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia present Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, a special exhibition that marks five years since the onset of the pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the mRNA vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations. Museum hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am to 5pm. $15-20. 19 S. 22nd Street

EXPLORE A NEW ROUSSEAU EXHIBITION AT THE BARNES. Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets reveals hidden layers in the visionary painter’s work and brings together for the first time the works at The Barnes and the collection from the Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris. Open through February 22, 2026, Thursday through Monday, 11am to 5pm. $5-$30. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

ENJOY WINTER FUN IN DILWORTH PARK. Winter in Dilworth Park returns through March 14 with activities and attractions taking advantage of the cold and cozy season, including The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin, the Wintergarden, and coming soon, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Free/pay as you go. 1 S. 15th St (West Side of City Hall)

LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street

TAKE A FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHWEST PHILLY. Stuff your face with Jamaican, West African, and Southern African American cuisines while walking it off on Woodland Avenue during your Africatown Food Tour, scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:30am and 1:30pm. $56. 5741 Woodland Avenue

MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY