Festive Family Fun in Philly on Thanksgiving

6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade – Center City

Philly’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now in its 106th year, is the longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, and it’s full of free fun for the entire family. Kicking off with pre-show activities at 8:30 am, the parade starts at 20th and JFK Blvd and continues all the way to the Art Museum. Kids will love the extravagant floats, balloon characters, and music performances, ending with an appearance from Santa himself! 

Strap on the skates and brave the cold (and crowds) at Dilworth Park. Photo by J. Fusco

Winter at Dilworth Park – Center City

There’s plenty of winter fun to be had at Dilworth Park by City Hall. At the outdoor ice skating rink, the entire family can enjoy 90 minute skate sessions. Skate rentals are available starting at kids size 9, and they also offer penguin skate helpers for kids who are new to skating. After your skate session, grab some hot cocoa in the cozy Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin or warm up by the fire pits. Shop for holiday gifts from local vendors at the Made in Philadelphia holiday market. Finally, don’t forget to check out the picturesque Wintergarden with its twinkling lights, winter foliage, and whimsical sculptures.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia – Center City

Thanksgiving is the official opening day of Philly’s beloved Christmas Village in Love Park. The village will operate from 9-5 on Thanksgiving, opening early to allow visitors to enjoy the Thanksgiving Parade. Shop for unique and handmade Christmas gifts, nosh on some pre-dinner seasonal treats, and check out the giant 30-ft authentic German Christmas pyramid at the center of the village. Across the street at City Hall, you’ll find more Christmas Village shopping stalls plus amusement rides like a grand double-tier carousel, Ferris wheel, and kiddie train. 

You can't fight the feeling of holiday cheer around the dazzling lights at Longwood Gardens. Photo by Lisa Warden

A Longwood Christmas – Kennett Square

Longwood Gardens’ seasonal exhibition, A Longwood Christmas, is a very popular winter destination, so Thanksgiving is a great time to visit and beat the crowds. From the dazzling light displays to the enchanting winter foliage to the outdoor train display, it’s sure to awaken your holiday spirit. Check out our guide to enjoying the magic of A Longwood Christmas as a family.

Holiday Light Shows Near Philadelphia to View on Thanksgiving

Shady Brook Farm – Yardley

A drive through the annual Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm is a great way to relax and digest after you’ve filled up on Thanksgiving dinner. Once the sun sets, head over to this dazzling display of over 4 million lights featuring festive scenes, whimsical characters, and glowing tunnels. While the farm itself is closed and wagon rides are unavailable, you can still get drive-through tickets from 5-9 pm on Thanksgiving evening. Don't forget to tune in to the accompanying music on your car radio.

Astra Lumina – Jenkintown

Prefer to walk it off after a big meal? Cap your Thanksgiving dinner with a visit to Astra Lumina, an immersive night walk experience that describes itself as “a cosmic journey through light and sound.” While not explicitly a holiday light show, this light-filled sensory experience is a must-see winter attraction that will enchant and mesmerize you, and it’s open on Thanksgiving evening from 5-9 pm.

Diggerland – West Berlin, NJ

Another great annual Holiday Light Show is on display at Diggerland, America’s only construction theme park. While the theme park is only open on weekends in the off-season, the Holiday Light Show is open for drive-through every evening, including Thanksgiving, from 5:30-9:30 pm. The magical display features bright lights, holiday scenes, and illuminated tunnels, and you can tune into their designated radio station for an even more immersive experience.

Other Philly-Area Attractions That Are Open Thanksgiving Day

Museum of Illusions – Old City 

This quirky museum featuring optical illusions and visual trickery is open everyday, including holidays. Discover mind-bending attractions like the reverse room, the vortex tunnel, and the tilted room. Whether learning the science behind the illusions or taking amazing head-on-a-platter selfies, people of all ages will enjoy this family-friendly experience. Check out our guide to visiting the Museum of Illusions with kids.

Play a game of mini golf and learn about the environment all in one at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Linvilla Orchards – Media

Linvilla Orchards will be open from 8-1 on Thanksgiving Day. While they are between holiday attractions right now (Pumpkinland is over and Christmasland starts the day after Thanksgiving), everyday activities like the Playland Playground and Barnyard Animals are still available. You can also pick up mums and fall plants at the Garden Center or grab a delicious pie to round out your Thanksgiving feast.

Crayola Experience – Easton

This colorful, hands-on attraction features family fun every day of the year, including 10-4 on Thanksgiving. Part art studio, part entertainment playground, the Crayola Experience is full of opportunities for creative, interactive play that will hopefully tire your kids out enough to sit through Thanksgiving dinner later that day. Prepare for your visit by reading our review of the attraction.