Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo with LumiNature as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo by Georgi Anastasov

Holiday Markets, Elf the Musical, Nutcracker, FEZtival of Lights, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo

Best of November: LumiNature, Thanksgiving Cruise, and More Fun Things to Do in Philly

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

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Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

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Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill

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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

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Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center

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Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND

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Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author

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Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air

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Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.

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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum

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In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop

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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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GUIDE

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Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins

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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.

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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC

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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin

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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.

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Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.

GUIDE

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The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows for Philly Families

The Philadelphia Ballet performs George Balanchine's holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia.

11/10/24 - By Kristen Sullivan

Catching a performance of The Nutcracker ballet is a seasonal tradition for many Philly families, who have plenty of options to watch the Sugar Plum Fairy and company dance across the stage. This time of year brings lots of familiar and festive shows to the theater, and taking the kids to see these stories brought to life is one of the best holiday and Christmas events to enjoy.

Aside from The Nutcracker, family favorites like A Christmas Carol and Elf the Musical return to delight audiences. Families will find different variations of classic shows that appeal to both younger generations and shorter attention spans. Peruse our comprehensive list of performances and choose one that will add some theatrical magic to your holiday season.

For more holiday fun, check out our list of 30 Must-Do Christmas Activities or our Holiday Guide.