Where to enjoy the holiday festivities in Philadelphia

The Thanksgiving dinner dishes are clean, the leftovers are packed in the fridge and the Thursday night football clock has run out. It is officially the holiday season. For anyone looking to dive headfirst into the spirit of the season, here is a list of festive activities in and around Philadelphia starting this weekend.

This weekend

Ensemble Arts’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• What: Coming off of their recent run of “Hamilton,” Ensemble Arts’ continues their season with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a family-friendly Christmas musical based on Dr. Seuss’ famous children’s book. The show has a limited run, but tickets for this weekend’s shows can be found online on Ensemble Arts’ website.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Where: Miller Theater, 250 S Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Community Menorah Lighting

• What: Working alongside the Old City Jewish Arts Center, the Betsy Ross House in Old City will host a traditional menorah lighting ceremony this weekend to honor the beginning of Hanukkah. Admission is free.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.
• Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade

• What: To kick off the holiday season, Kennett Square is hosting its annual holiday light parade this Saturday. Additionally, shops on the town’s main street are participating in Small Business Saturday, so be sure to swing by before the parade begins.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
• Where: Starts at the intersection of S. Broad Street and W. Cypress Street and ends at Mill Road, Kennett Square, Pa.

Santa’s Parade in Media

• What: Santa Claus is coming to Delaware County. On Saturday, Media’s Main Street will become a winter wonderland featuring activities throughout the day, with a visit from Santa rounding out the festivities. Prior to Santa’s Parade, the town is hosting a Block Party and Fun Run/Walk along the parade route.
• When: Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
• Where: Starts and ends on State St., Media, Pa.

Upcoming

Fishtown Freeze and Winter Wonderland

• What: Join Ice Sculpture Philly as they showcase their work and perform live ice carving, along with holiday shopping, pop-up markets, and holiday food and beverages. The event also marks the return of the area’s free hop-on-hop-off trolley, which will carry guests throughout the main retail blocks of Fishtown during the celebration.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Where: Starts at Delaware Ave. and ends at Huntingdon St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Philadelphia Ballet’s Nutcracker

• What: The Philadelphia Ballet will host the “quintessential celebration of the season” this year for a limited run beginning next week. Tickets are available on their website.
• When: Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 29
• Where: Philadelphia Ballet, 323 N. Broadway, Philadelphia, Pa.

A Twisted Christmas

• What: For anyone still longing for the Halloween spirit, Lincoln Mill is hosting a limited-time Christmas-themed haunted house. The attraction’s familiar icon, Victor Kane, returns to the mill for the holidays, looking to turn guests into his own “little helpers” at the defunct Manayunk textile mill. You can buy tickets on Lincoln Mill’s website.
• When: Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14, from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
• Where: Lincoln Mills, 4100 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Ongoing

Christmas Underwater

• What: Did you know that the world’s tallest underwater Christmas tree is just across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge? Join Santa Clause at the Adventure Aquarium as he scuba dives with sharks, turtles and sting rays while decorating the record-breaking tree. While the aquarium is open through the holiday season, Santa only swims once daily, so be sure to reserve your tickets online.
• When: Now through Dec. 24
• Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, N.J.

Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place

• What: Starting Sunday, Sesame Place will host a daily menorah lighting ceremony with special local cantor Baby Bear. After the ceremony, families can enjoy a Hanukkah storytime with Baby Bear and other Sesame Street characters. The ceremony is free with Sesame Place admission.
• When: Sunday, Dec. 1 through Jan. 2
• Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, Pa.

Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights

• What: Now through the end of the holiday season, wander through Elmwood Park Zoo’s indoor exhibits while enjoying the zoo’s yearly lights exhibit. With live entertainment, animal meet and greets, and the Zoo Brew beer garden, there is something for all ages at the ongoing celebration. Reserve your tickets for the event online.
• When: Now through Dec. 30
• Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa.

A Longwood Christmas

• What: Philadelphia’s iconic gardens received a new addition this month with their Longwood Reimagined experience, just in time for their annual Christmas celebration. Featuring thousands of lights, festive decorations, and a fountain show, this year is set to be the “biggest and most magical” version of A Longwood Christmas. Reserve your tickets online on Longwood Gardens’ website.
• When: Now through Jan. 12, 2025
• Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa.