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Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo, The Clover Market Holiday Market, Preview Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

With lights, treats, and live entertainment, Wild Lights has something festive for everyone! Photo courtesy of the Elmwood Park Zoo
With lights, treats, and live entertainment, Wild Lights has something festive for everyone! Photo courtesy of the Elmwood Park Zoo
11/19/25 - By Nicole O'Donnell

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

The holiday events are underway in the Philadelphia area. Check out the opening weekend of events such as the Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square or the Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo. Ready to shop for some unique gifts? Don't miss the The Clover Market Holiday Market or the Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market. Head to center city for the Preview Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia to kick off the holidays right.


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Best Things To Do in Philly this Weekend with Kids

Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square

OPENING WEEKEND
Thursday to Sunday, November 20 to 23, 2025
Philadelphia
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity, the Electrical Spectacle makes Franklin Square sparkle with its musical light show, recurring every 30 minutes. Enjoy 200,000 lights dancing to five festive songs that fill the square. Nightly through January 5th and Thursdays-Sundays January 9 - February 23. READ MORE

LuLu Shriners FEZtival of Trees & Lights

OPENING WEEKEND
Thursday to Sunday, November 20 to 23, 2025
Plymouth Meeting
Get ready for an unforgettable family experienceYo. u don’t want to miss this most enchanting public holiday event. Walk through a beautiful indoor forest of exceptionally decorated trees. Get crafty with children’s activities and face painting. Take home a FREE, 4K-digital photo with family, friends, and Santa.   READ MORE

PAX Unplugged 2025

Friday to Sunday, November 21 to 23, 2025
Philadelphia
Celebrate all things tabletop gaming at the show, featuring an expansive expo hall with over 300 of tabletop gaming’s biggest developers and publishers. READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium

OPENING WEEKEND
Friday to Sunday, November 21 to 23, 2025
Camden
One of New Jersey's most unique holiday traditions, Christmas Underwater, is set to return to Adventure Aquarium. Guests can surf the yuletide and explore a winter waterland filled with holiday d-eel-ights like Scuba Santa, indoor snow flurries, the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree, and many more. READ MORE

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

OPENING WEEKEND
Friday to Sunday, November 21 to 23, 2025
Norristown
Elmwood Park Zoo's Wild Lights is back with dazzling new displays covering the zoo's 16 acres. Santa will be in attendance for photos, and kids can make cards and crafts outside of his workshop. Enjoy holiday music while sipping hot chocolate and munching on seasonal treats as your family takes in live performances and animal encounters. READ MORE

The Clover Market Holiday Market

Saturday & Sunday, November 22 & 23, 2025
West Chester
The Holiday Market (vendor list below) returns to kick off the holiday season indoors at the Westtown School Athletic Center in West Chester PA on Nov. 22 & 23 from 10-4 pm. READ MORE

Wicked Night at Franklin Square Park

FREE
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Philadelphia
Get ready for the second Wicked movie at this great event. Dress in your pink or green best and meet Elphaba and Glinda in Franklin Square. A photographer will take free photos for visitors with the witches. READ MORE

Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Philadelphia
Mark your calendars. The Fourth Annual Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market, bigger and better than ever, is coming to NextFab on Saturday, November 23rd from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. READ MORE

Preview Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Saturday & Sunday, November 22 & 23, 2025
Philadelphia
Step into Christmas Village before its official debut on November 27th, 2025. On Preview Weekend on November 22nd and 23rd you’ll wander through a winter wonderland, meet our first vendors, and sip a warm beverage as you shop for festive gifts and décor. READ MORE

Metropolitan Ballet Company's Family Concert Series - Cinderella

Saturday, November 22, 2025
Jenkintown
Jenkintown, PA – Metropolitan Ballet Company will open its 2025-2026 season on Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23, 2025, with an enchanting production of the classic children’s storybook ballet, Cinderella. 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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