Be merry this December!
This holiday season, Parks & Rec and our partners are offering fun and festive events for all. Check out this month’s highlights below.
Please note: events may be canceled or postponed due to bad weather. Be sure to check the links below to confirm date, time, and location.
Winter in Franklin Square
November 21, 2024 to February 23, 2025
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Franklin Square–200 N. 6th Street, 19106.
Enjoy one of Philadelphia’s premier winter light shows for FREE! The Electrical Light Show presented by PECO is Winter in Franklin Square’s main attraction. Themed to Ben Franklin’s electric discovery with a giant kite and key, enjoy light shows running nightly from 5pm to closing, every 30 minutes. Learn more and register online.
Holiday Bazaar at Northwestern Stables
December 7, 2024
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Northwestern Stables–120 Northwestern Avenue, 19118.
On December 7th come to Northwestern Stables with your holiday spirit. We will have rides on our horses, treats, fabulous raffle items to bid on, holiday items to purchase and an opportunity to have your picture taken with Santa and his horse. Entrance to the event is free. Holiday photos with Santa and horse rides are limited so we ask that you reserve your tickets prior to coming. See more details and register on Eventbrite.
Handmade Holidays
December 7, 2024
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bartram’s Garden–5400 Lindbergh Blvd, 19143.
Join us in the Garden for our annual celebration of winter, local artists and makers, and community! This free public event is for the whole family, rain or shine, and will feature live performances, a vendor marketplace, gingerbread competitions, and much more. Read more details on their website.
Holiday Open House & Green Sale
December 8, 2024
Noon to 4 p.m.
Awbury Arboretum–1 Awbury Road, 19138.
Join us at the Cope House Sunday, December 8th for our annual Holiday Open House & Greens Sale! We’ll be celebrating the closing of another year at Awbury Arboretum from 12pm – 4pm. Come hangout, purchase some greens, participate in some festive arts and crafts fun for the whole family! Read more details on their website.
Holiday Tree Lighting
December 9, 2024
Event opens at 5 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square–1800 Walnut Street, 19103.
Friends of Rittenhouse Square invite you to their tree lighting ceremony. Get into the holiday spirit with this sponsored event by CBS Philadelphia. See more details on their website.
Nature Tots (Winter Gifts)
December 10, 2024
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center–8600a Verree Road, 19115.
Join us for a story, simple craft, short walk & more. In preparation for the winter season, we will create winter gifts for nature. Ages 2-5 years with an adult. $5.00 per child per lesson. Cash Only. Adults are Free. Contact pec@phila.gov or 215.685.0470 with questions. Learn more and register online.
Carol Sing at Gorgas Parks
December 13, 2024
Event starts at 6 p.m.
Gorgas Park–6300 Ridge Ave., 19128.
Citylight Manayunk’s Carol Sing will feature a live choir, your favorite Christmas Carols, a hot chocolate bar, and other activities for kids! Invite your friends and neighbors and RSVP to get updates about the Carol Sing! The rain date for this event is Saturday, December 14. See more details and RSVP on Facebook.
Winter Festival
December 14, 2024
Event starts at 11 a.m.
Smith Recreation Center–2100 S 24th Street, 19145.
Thomas B. Smith Recreation Center is hosting a Winter Festival with live music, food, and toy giveaways. Parents and students under 17 are required to attend for toy giveaway. For more information, contact smithplayground@phila.gov.
Winter Solstice Bird Walk
December 20, 2024
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Woodlands–4000 Woodland Ave, 19104.
Toribird is back for a Winter Solstice Bird Walk Friday, December 20 from 3:00pm – 4:30pm. Join her for a walk to seek out year-round residents and special cold-weather visitors. We will also discuss the winter finches and other irruptive species making an appearance in the area this year and cover potential strategies for finding these frosty feathered friends. Read more on their website.
Winter Solstice Celebration
December 21, 2024
2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Glen Foerd–5001 Grant Ave, 19114.
Join us in celebrating the shortest day of the year. We’ll supply hot drinks, light refreshments, and, of course, a bonfire by the river! If you’ve ever wondered how other cultures celebrate the solstice, take a guided walk with naturalist Mike Weilbacher. Or if you’re feeling crafty, visit our Lily P.A.D.S. station. There will be plenty of winter activities for all ages. Learn more about this free event.
Kwanzaa Celebration
December 26 and 27, 2024
Noon to 3 p.m.
Parkway Central Library–1901 Vine Street, 19103.
Join the Kwanzaa Cooperative in this FREE Annual KWANZAA Celebration for all ages.Multicultural groups from around greater Philadelphia will perform dance, music, and share the history of the Kwanzaa holiday. Children and teens under 18 will receive a bagged lunch and gifts following the program. Learn more about this two-day celebration.
