Tis the season to be jolly! Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and our partners are hosting holiday events at sites across the city this month. Check out the upcoming events below.
ALL MONTH
Christmas Village
December 1-24
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
LOVE Park – 1501 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 19102.
Experience an authentic German Christmas market in LOVE Park through Christmas Eve. Learn more about Christmas Village.
Christmas Village Storytimes
December 1 – December 22, 2021
Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Christmas Village stage in LOVE Park – 1501 John F Kennedy Boulevard, 19102
The Free Library returns to Christmas Village for weekly family Storytime events. Come listen to a variety of festive stories and songs. Read more about it.
Franklin Square Holiday Festival Electrical Spectacle
December 1-31
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Franklin Square – 200 N. 6th Street, 19106
Sparked by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius, this free light show is the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square. See their website for more details.
SPECIAL EVENTS
City Hall Tree Lighting Celebration
December 1, 2022
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Philadelphia City Hall north side – 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 19107
The tree lighting ceremony will feature performances by Julian King, Saleka Shyamalan, Jakeya Limitless, and the Ukrainian Children’s Choir. Read more on their website.
Succulent Christmas Tree Workshop at Glen Foerd
December 1, 2022
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Glen Foerd – 5001 Grant Ave., 19114
Plant and be merry with Terrarium Therapy. Create a beautiful arrangement of succulents in the form of a Christmas tree. Buy tickets on their website.
Caroling Night at Gorgas Park
December 2, 2022
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gorgas Park – 6300 Ridge Avenue, 19128
Hosted by Citylight Church. Come sing Christmas Carols with Citylight’s choir. Warm up with a cup of chocolate. There will be fun activities for kids. Check out the full details.
Winter Nights, Winter Lights
December 3, 2022
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bardascino Park – 1000 S. 10th Street, 19147
Bring joy and light to long winter nights by making a lantern. Pick up a free lantern-making kit from the Friends of Bardascino Park. Decorate it and bring it back to the ceremony the following weekend. Learn more on Facebook.
2022 Holiday Horses and Bazaar
December 3, 2022
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Northwestern Stable – 120 West Northwestern Avenue, 19118
Start your holiday season at Northwestern Stable’s Annual Holiday Horses and Bazaar. Check out the decorated barn. Shop for handmade crafts and gifts. Play reindeer games. Bid on fabulous silent auction items. Enjoy plenty of seasonal food and beverages throughout the day. Read more on their website.
Winter Festival at Gold Star Park
December 3, 2022
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gold Star Park – 613 Wharton Street, 19147
Bask in holiday cheer and enjoy warm drinks, snacks, and fun inflatables at the park. View the event page.
Fitler Square Holiday Tree Lighting
December 4, 2022
5 p.m.
Fitler Square – 2301-23 Pine Street, 19103
Watch the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Tell Santa what you want for the holidays. Sing Christmas carols with the MacGuffin Theatre and Film Company and watch a performance by Philadelphia Dance Academy. View additional info on their website.
Dickinson Square Holiday Lights Celebration
December 7, 2022
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dickinson Square – 1600 E. Moyamensing Avenue, 19148
The Friends of Dickinson Square invite the community to celebrate the festive season by lighting up the park. Keep an eye out for a few surprise guests. Learn more on Facebook.
Ryerss Victorian Christmas
December 10, 2022
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ryerss Museum and Library – 7370 Central Avenue, 19111
Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. Get your photo taken with Santa from noon to 2 p.m. Buy Christmas wreaths, holiday baked goods, or raffle tickets. Read more about it on Facebook.
Santa visits Campbell Square
December 10, 2022
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Campbell Square – 2525 E. Allegheny Avenue, 19134
The Friends of Campbell Square invite the community to attend their Winter Craft Fair. Attendees can get their photo taken with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.
Winter Wonderland at Smith Playground
December 10, 2022
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Smith Memorial Playground – 3500 Reservoir Drive, 19121
Welcome winter with a celebration of all things frosty and fun, including an ice carving demonstration, winter-themed crafts, and tasty treats. This event is free for adults, members, and ACCESS cardholders. Buy tickets and read more on their website.
Joy Ride: A Happy Holiday Bike Tour
December 10, 2022
Lloyd Hall – 1 Boathouse Row, 19130
Why sleigh when you can cycle? Put on your festive winter gear, get your wheels spinning, and cycle the season with a special holiday-themed bike tour of East Fairmount Park. The 6-7 mile tour stops for short mini-tours of holiday décor at Strawberry Mansion, Woodford Mansion Laurel Hill Mansion, and Ormiston Mansion. Buy your tickets now.
Movie Double Feature: “Prep & Landing” and “Jingle Jangle”
December 10, 2022
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Vogt Recreation Center – 4131 Unruh Ave., 19135
Celebrate the holiday season and stay cozy and warm! Watch “Prep & Landing” and “Jingle Jangle.” A sad toymaker finds new hope when his kind and curious granddaughter comes into his life. Rated PG. Read more on Facebook.
The Roxborough Orchestra Strings Winter Concert
December 13, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Venice Island Performing Arts Center – 7 Lock Street, 19127
The Roxborough Orchestra and the Venice Island Performing Arts Center present a free festive evening of music followed by dining and refreshments. See more details.
Candle Dipping
December 16, 2022
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center – 8600A Verree Road, 19115
Make your own candles to use or give them as a gift. Read more and buy tickets on Facebook.
Christmas Bird Count
December 17, 2022
8 a.m. to 10 am.
Pennypack Environmental Center – 8600A Verree Road, 19115
Help count birds in and around Pennypack Park as part of this annual bird count! The National Audubon Society organizes this long-standing program. Countries across the Western Hemisphere take part. If you’re interested in helping count the birds near Pennypack, call the center at 215-685-0470. View more details and sign-up to receive a reminder via Eventbrite.
Winter Solstice
December 17, 2022
7 p.m.
Dickinson Square Park – 1600 E. Moyamensing Avenue, 19148
Come celebrate and be at peace. Take a deep breath and relax during the busy holiday season. This celebration is not rooted in any particular spiritual tradition. Please bring a tapered candle and something you wish to release (let go of) into the fire. Please dress appropriately as the ceremony will take place entirely outside. Read more on Facebook.
Juniata Park’s Third Annual Holiday Festival
December 17, 2022
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Ferko Playground – 1101 E. Cayuga Street, 19124
Come celebrate the holiday at Juniata Park Civic Association’s annual holiday festival. Senator Christine “Tina” Tartaglione will light the tree at 6 p.m. This event has something for everyone: ornament making, tree decorating, Christmas caroling, games, a snowball fight, photo-ops, and hot chocolate and cookies. The Amber Owl Cheerleaders will perform. Don’t miss Santa Claus and his Elves. And of course, the Grinch will be there. See Facebook for more details.
Menorah Lighting
December 18, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Fitler Square – 2301-23 Pine Street, 19103
At sundown, gather with families, friends, neighbors, and a community rabbi to see the lighting of the Menorah. View the event page.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a sunrise hike
December 21, 2022
7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Belmont Plateau – 1800 Belmont Mansion Drive, 19131
Bundle up in winter gear and join Brad Maule to watch the sunrise. Then take a morning hike through West Park. Tickets are “Pay what you can.” Buy tickets now.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Lemon Hill
December 21, 2022
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lemon Hill – Sedgley Drive & Lemon Hill Drive,
Come celebrate the winter solstice by decorating paper lanterns. Then go on a lantern-lit night walk. Astronomy Educator Buddy Muhler will set-up his high powdered telescope. Then attendees can enjoy some hot chocolate, s’mores, and snacks at this family-friendly event. Buy tickets now.
Open House with Gnome Craft
December 29, 2022
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center – 8600 A Verree Road, 19115
Visit the environmental center and create a pinecone gnome. Register at on eventbrite.
