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Christmas Weekend 2024 in Philly Top Things To Do: Jolly Trolley, Selfies with Santa, Menorah Parade, and more.

Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Holiday Light Nights. Photo courtesy of Manayunk
Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Holiday Light Nights. Photo courtesy of Manayunk
12/20/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Snap a Selfie with Santa for a good cause before the big night. Don't miss the Jolly Trolley in Manayunk for your last chance to shop on Main Street before the holiday. Drive on over to Cherry Hill for the annual Car Menorah Parade. If you love history, We love to take is slow at the Fairmount Park House Holiday Tour and take in the beauty and history of the houses. For more history during the holidays, Washington Crossing the Delaware is the place to be on Christmas day. 

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Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Philly with Kids

Holiday Light Nights & Jolly Trolley

FINAL WEEKEND
Friday & Saturday, December 20 & 21, 2024
Manayunk
Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Holiday Light Nights. This event series features food and drink deals, shopping specials, festive live entertainment, and Santa himself. Take a ride on the FREE Jolly Trolley, running up and down Main Street, and stopping at your favorite businesses. It's the most magical way to take in all of Main Street’s dazzling holiday lights.  READ MORE

Selfies for a Cause with Santa & The Grinch

Saturday, December 21, 2024
Philadelphia
Selfies for a Cause with Santa & The Grinch returns to The Shops at Liberty Place this season! Cost is only $10 to participate, and ALL proceeds benefit Morris Animal Refuge. READ MORE

A Bit of the Arts

FREE
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Lansdowne
A Bit of the Arts is a community art event with art vendors and featured student art at the Twentieth Century Club in Landsdowne. READ MORE

Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular

FREE
Saturday & Sunday. December 21 & 22, 2024
Drexel Hill
The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars are set to bring holiday cheer with their annual Holiday Spectacular, a fun-filled performance showcasing talented students from 18 local high schools. Audiences of all ages will enjoy festive songs and dazzling choreography designed to capture the magic of the season. READ MORE

Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat and Other Nonsense

Saturday & Sunday, December 21 & 22, 2024
Philadelphia
Quintessence Theatre Group presents the Owl and the Pussycat and Other Nonsense at the Sedgwick Theater. READ MORE

Breakfast With Santa!

FINAL WEEKEND
Saturday & Sunday, December 21 & 22, 2024
Yardley
Shady Brook Farm's Breakfast with Santa is a holiday tradition featuring a delicious breakfast buffet with an omelette bar, cash blody mary and mimosa bar, and a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.    READ MORE

Fairmount Park House Holiday Tours

FREE
Saturday & Sunday, December 21 & 22, 2024
Philadelphia
Four of Fairmount Park’s historic homes are decked out for the holiday season and offer special December tours. This year's houses include Woodford Mansion, Strawberry Mansion, Laurel Hill, and Ormiston Mansion.  READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade in Cherry Hill

FREE
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Cherry Hill
Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties hosts this unique South Jersey celebration of the Festival of Lights. Fire and police department vehicles are on hand to lead the parade of menorah-adorned cars.  READ MORE

Being ______ at Christmas: Family Day at the Weitzman

Monday, Dec 25, 2024
Philadelphia
Fill in the blank on Christmas day at the Weitzman Museum with live performances by Lolly Hopwood, a traditional Chinese lion dance by the Philadelphia Suns Lion Dancers, a drumming workshop with Joseph Tayoun, and hip-hop dance with Movemakers Philly. Get creative with make-and-take crafts including paper lanterns and charm bracelets, plus enjoy a sensory-friendly play zone and family-friendly film screenings. READ MORE

Washington Crossing the Delaware

December 25, 2024
Bucks County
Hundreds of reenactors dress in Continental military uniforms as they make their way across the Delaware River in three replica Durham boats. The actual crossing ceremony begins at approximately 1 pm. READ MORE

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About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
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