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Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
10/31/25 - By Nicole O'Donnell

November brings plenty of things to do, as Philadelphia gears up for the holidays, from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Philadelphia this month.

November begins the holiday season with bright lights as LumiNature opens at the Philadelphia Zoo. Not long after Election Day (don't forget to vote!) is Veteran's Day, so head to the Museum of the American Revolution where families can honor those who have served our country during a weekend of special programs. The month rounds out with Philly's beloved 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, so tune in or bundle up and hit the Parkway before you stuff yourself with all the trimmings.

Before the falling leaves turn to snowflakes, make sure to check our Fall Bucket List and browse our Fall Activities Guide. And don't forget to book tickets now for these Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides!

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

 

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Enjoy the holidays under the lights at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Enjoy the holidays under the lights at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Philly, November 2025

Apple Weekend

Lahaska - Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2, 2025
Families can celebrate apple season with moonbounces, gem mining, axe throwing, and mural painting during Apple Weekend at Peddler's Village. Once you've worked up a good appetite, enjoy apple ciders, pies, and butters, all available for purchase. There will be an apple pie eating contest and live music to entertain all ages. READ MORE

CultureFest!: Día de los Muertos at Penn Museum

University City - Saturday, November 1, 2025
This full-day festival offers fun for the whole family, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional ofrenda (altar) installation by the Mexican Cultural Center. READ MORE

CraftNOW Create

Fairmount Park - Saturday, November 1, 2025
Kids can take part in group sculpture making, recycled paper weaving, bottle cap mosaic magnets, and more at this arts and crafts day at Smith! Demonstrations and activities will be set up on Smith Memorial's wrap-around porch and immediately in front of the Playhouse. READ MORE

Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1775

Old City - Saturday & Sunday, November 1 & 2, 2025
250 years ago, Philadelphia was on the road to Revolution. Visit the Museum on Nov. 1-2 to experience a living history event that will immerse you in the fall of 1775. Enjoy walking tours, dramatic vignettes, and hands-on activities as you meet the diverse residents of British Philadelphia. READ MORE

Fall Foliage Express

West Chester - Sundays, November 2 & 9, 2025
All Aboard the West Chester Railroad for a ride through the picturesque Chester Creek Valley to view the beautiful foliage on a heated train. This 90-minute journey takes visitors back in time to the village of Glen Mills, then returns back to the station. READ MORE

World Jellyfish Day at Adventure Aquarium

Camden - Monday, November 3, 2025
Monday, November 3 is World Jellyfish Day, and Adventure Aquarium is home to a wall of glowing jellyfish in its newest exhibit, Kaleidoscope Cove. READ MORE

Veterans Day Weekend 2025 at the Museum of the American Revolution

Old City - Saturday, November 8 to Monday, November 10, 2025
This Veterans Day and Veterans Day weekend, join the Museum in honoring America’s first veterans as well as those who have served and continue to serve the nation today. Throughout the weekend, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal. READ MORE

Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day

Center City - Sunday, November 2, 2025
On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors with a full day of family-friendly activities. Themes change monthly, with new art activities, performers, and guest artists each month. READ MORE

Manayunk Gets Lit

Manayunk - Thursday, November 20 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The 4th Annual Manayunk Gets LIT Decorating Competition is back, and you get to help decide who will win. Get ready to take in more than eighty thousand dazzling lights as Manayunk businesses decorate their storefronts, windows, roofs, and really anything that can be lit. READ MORE

The National Dog Show

Oaks - Saturday & Sunday, November 15 & 16, 2025
Every year, The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center hosts The National Dog Show. Visitors can expect to see 2,000 show dogs representing over 150 breeds. Besides watching the dogs, family-friendly activities are available to keep children entertained. READ MORE

FEZtival of Trees & Lights with Santa

Plymouth Meeting - Thursday, November 20 to Sunday, November 23, 2025
LuLu Shriners hosts the FEZtival of Trees and Lights with Santa. This annual family-friendly event features a forest of uniquely decorated trees, children's activities, shopping, raffles, and free digital photos with Santa.   READ MORE

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Center City - Friday, November 14 through Thursday, January 1, 2026
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is back for the 2025 holiday season. From November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, featuring over 50 local vendors from the Philadelphia area and the tri-state area.  READ MORE

LumiNature at The Philadelphia Zoo

Fairmount Park - Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. LumiNature takes guests on a magical journey featuring 200+ illuminated penguins, a 100 ft-long jungle tunnel, and special surprises each night. Kids can also enjoy s'mores over a campfire, watch strolling performers, and sip hot chocolate. READ MORE

The Nutcracker presented by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

Drexel Hill - Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, 2025
Presented by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, this beloved holiday tradition has been captivating audiences for over 30 years, offering a magical experience for families. With professional guest artists and talented local dancers, it’s a chance to enjoy world-class ballet at an affordable price. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise

Philadelphia - Thursday, November 27, 2025
City Cruises Philadelphia will be hosting their Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise once again. Step aboard for a wonderful evening of delicious food, lively entertainment, and breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline. Guests can expect games, live DJ entertainment, and a delicious Thanksgiving buffet while enjoying quality time with family and friends. READ MORE

6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade

Fairmount - Thursday, November 27, 2025
Head to the Art Museum for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade and officially kick off the holiday season amid grand performances, marching bands, special guests, and of course...Santa Claus himself. Be a part of the action downtown or watch from home.  READ MORE

Carnival of Lights

Pottstown - Friday, November 29 through Wednesday, January 1, 2o25
Holiday lights, amusement rides, and games await families at the Carnival of Lights in Pottstown. This year's carnival will be held at the Norco Fire Department. Guests can expect more food, vendors, and visits with Santa. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Penn's Landing - Friday, November 29 through Saturday, February 23, 2025
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.  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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