Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington · PA / NJ / DE / MD
Things to do with kids in Philadelphia — December 2026
119 family events in December 2026. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page. Dates are in Eastern Time.
What’s on now in Philadelphia →Events
Nov20FriOutdoorsThrough Jan 10
A Longwood Christmas 2026: Cosmic Christmas
Longwood Gardens
PaidAll ages
Nov14SatCommunityThrough Jan 3
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
Sesame Place Philadelphia
- Arts & crafts
Through Dec 12
Art Kids Classes Fall 2026 — registration closed
Philadelphia Museum of Art — Education Classrooms
From $270Ages 3–10
Nov27FriCommunityThrough Jan 3
Christmas in the Castle Tour at Glencairn Museum
Glencairn Museum
From $12All ages
- Markets and festivals
Through Dec 27
Christmas Village in Philadelphia 2026
Christmas Village at LOVE Park & City Hall
FreeAll ages
Nov18WedArts & craftsThrough Jan 3
Cinderella: A Musical Panto at People's Light
People's Light — Leonard C. Haas Stage
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Through Jan 3
Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical at Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre
Paid
Nov20FriOutdoor rinksThrough Jan 31
Flight On Ice at Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink
Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink
PaidAll ages
Nov20FriMarkets and festivalsThrough Jan 9
Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler's Village
Visitor & Event Center (Shop #25), Peddler's Village
Free
Nov21SatOutdoorsThrough Dec 30
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Morris Arboretum & Gardens — Garden Railway
With admissionAll ages
Dec1TueCommunityTue, Dec 1 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Open House at the Mercer Museum
Mercer Museum and Historic Log House Quad
Free
- Community
Through Jan 3
Holiday Tours at Pennypacker Mills
Pennypacker Mills
Nov14SatTrain ridesThrough Jan 10
Holidays at Brandywine: Brandywine Railroad and Greeting Seasons
Brandywine Museum of Art
PaidAll ages
Nov27FriCrafts and cookiesThrough Jan 3
Holidays at Hagley: Historic Crafts and Decorated Home
Hagley Museum and Library
With admission
Nov27FriMarkets and festivalsThrough Feb 28
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
From $5All ages
Oct22ThuSports & playThrough Jan 3
PAW Patrol: Adventure Play exhibition
Please Touch Museum
Paid
Nov13FriOutdoor rinksThrough Feb 21
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park
From $7All ages
Nov21SatSanta visitsThrough Jan 31
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show and Santa's Village
Shady Brook Farm
Paid
Nov7SatArts & craftsThrough Dec 12
Sprouts II: The World of Frozen — Hedgerow Theatre School
Hedgerow Theatre
From $400Ages 5–7
- Outdoors
Thu, Oct 22 · 9:30 AM
Sprouts nature class for toddlers and grown-ups
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
From $25
- Arts & crafts
Through Jan 17
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — Arden Children's Theatre
Arden Theatre Company
Paid
Nov28SatCommunitySat, Nov 28
Twelfth Night Holiday Tours at Pottsgrove Manor
Pottsgrove Manor
With admission
Nov21SatCommunityThrough Jan 3
Yuletide at Winterthur
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
With admission
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Nov 27
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Media Theatre
The Media Theatre
PaidAll ages
- Cooking
Wed, Nov 4 · 10:00 AM
Knee High in the Kitchen at Coverdale Farm Preserve
Coverdale Farm Preserve
From $25
- Outdoors
Wed, Dec 2 · 11:30 AM
Lunch Time With the Animals at Ashland Nature Center
Ashland Nature Center
Free
- Nutcracker and shows
Wed, Dec 2 · 6:00 PM
Saving Christmas Show at Mullica Hill Library
Gloucester County Library System — Mullica Hill Branch
All ages
- Tree lightings
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 PM
City of Philadelphia Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration 2026
Philadelphia City Hall
All ages
Dec3ThuLight displaysThu, Dec 3 · 7:00 PM
Holiday Hustle 2- and 1-mile run/walk under the lights
Peddler's Village
PaidAll ages
- Community
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 PM
Holly Nights 50th Anniversary at Pennsbury Manor
Pennsbury Manor
Paid
- Santa visits
Thu, Dec 3
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. — Media Theatre Youth Ensemble
The Media Theatre
Paid
Dec4FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 4
A Christmas Carol at Winterthur
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
From $10
- Community
Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM
Celebrate the Season at Coverdale Farm Preserve
Coverdale Farm Preserve
FreeAll ages
Dec4FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 4 · 7:00 PM
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker — Philadelphia Ballet
Academy of Music
Paid
Dec4FriHanukkahThrough Dec 12
Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place
Sesame Place Philadelphia
- Outdoors
Fri, Nov 13 · 10:00 AM
Knee High Naturalists at Coverdale Farm Preserve: Winter Sessions
Coverdale Farm Preserve
From $15Ages 3–5
- Festivals and parties
Fri, Oct 23 · 7:00 PM
Movies in the Park at the Dell — Halloween and Grinch nights
McLaughlin Norcross Memorial Dell
FreeAll ages
Dec4FriTree lightingsFri, Dec 4 · 6:30 PM
West Chester Tree Lighting and Hometown Christmas Parade
Downtown West Chester
Nov20FriLight displaysFri, Nov 20 · 5:00 PM
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo
From $24.95All ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Through Dec 20
A Christmas Carol — Walnut Street Theatre for Kids
Walnut Street Theatre
Paid
- Santa visits
Sat, Nov 21
Breakfast with Santa at Johnson's Corner Farm
Johnson's Corner Farm
Paid
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo — Canopy Gardens Pavilion
Paid
Dec5SatLight displaysSat, Dec 5 · 4:00 PM
Candlelight Tours at Peter Wentz Farmstead
Peter Wentz Farmstead
FreeAll ages
- Parades
Sat, Dec 5
Cecil County Christmas Parade in North East
Downtown North East
Dec5SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 5 · 11:30 AM
Children's Holiday Spectacular — The Philadelphia Orchestra
Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center
From $40All ages
- Markets and festivals
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Christmas Village at Sonetta Community Market
Sonetta Community Market
Dec5SatCommunitySat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Deck the Alley at Elfreth's Alley
Elfreth's Alley Museum
Paid
Dec5SatSTEM & discoverySat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
First Saturday Open House: Minerals!
Wagner Free Institute of Science
FreeAll ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Gingerbread House for Birds at Ashland Nature Center
Ashland Nature Center
From $40
Dec5SatCommunitySat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
Handmade Holidays 2026
Bartram’s Garden
FreeAll ages
Nov27FriLight displaysFri, Nov 27 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Lights Meander at Fonthill Castle
Fonthill Castle
From $5All ages
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Holly Jolly Weekend with Santa Parades and Gingerbread Display
Peddler's Village
Free
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 5 · 2:00 PM
MATINEE NEWART - A Very Retro Christmas
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
Dec5SatMarkets and festivalsSat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Mount Harmon Yuletide Festival
Mount Harmon Plantation
From $10
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 11:00 AM
Santa at Hagley
Hagley Museum and Library — Visitor Center
With admission
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Santa at the Zoo — Brandywine Zoo
Brandywine Zoo
From $8
Nov21SatSanta visitsSat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
Santa's Express — West Chester Railroad
Market Street Station
Paid
Oct24SatSTEM & discoverySat, Oct 24
Star Lab: Autumn and Winter Planetarium Series
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
From $5All ages
Nov8SunOutdoorsSun, Nov 8
Teen and Scout Conservation Volunteer Days
Rancocas Nature Center
Ages 13–17
Dec5SatTree lightingsSat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Tredyffrin Township Tree Lighting Celebration
Wilson Farm Park
Free
Nov28SatSanta visitsSat, Nov 28 · 11:00 AM
Visit with Santa at Linvilla Orchards Christmasland
Linvilla Orchards
Free
Dec5SatMarkets and festivalsSat, Dec 5 · 12:30 PM
Winter Wonderland — Brandywine Zoo
Brandywine Zoo
From $5
Dec6SunSanta visitsSun, Dec 6 · 2:00 PM
*BOGO 50% OFF!* MATINEE - Jolly Christmas Santa
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
Nov29SunTrain ridesSun, Nov 29 · 8:00 AM
Christmas Tree Train — West Chester Railroad
Market Street Station
Paid
- Santa visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 4:00 PM
Deck the Heights holiday cheer fest with Santa carriage rides
Downtown Haddon Heights (Station Avenue)
Dec6SunSanta visitsSun, Dec 6 · 8:40 AM
Elf 'N' Cocoa 8K/5K and 1 Mile Kids Run
RiverWinds Community Center
From $30
Dec6SunCommunitySun, Dec 6 · 3:00 PM
Holiday on the Homefront: A Candlelit Evening at Pottsgrove Manor
Pottsgrove Manor
With admission
- Markets and festivals
Sun, Dec 6 · 1:00 PM
Holiday Pajama Guided Hike — Fair Hill Nature Center
Fair Hill Nature Center
Dec6SunArts & craftsSun, Dec 6 · 10:00 AM
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Universal Expression
Barnes Foundation
Free
- Dec6SunOutdoors
Sun, Dec 6
SantaQuest 2026
Rancocas Nature Center
Nov1SunArts & craftsSun, Nov 1 · 11:00 AM
Sunday Family Art & Storytelling — November and December
Woodmere — Charles Knox Smith Hall
FreeAges 3–5
- Arts & crafts
Mon, Dec 7 · 10:30 AM
Sensory Snow for Little Ones — Cinnaminson Library
Burlington County Library System — Cinnaminson Library
- Crafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 10 · 4:00 PM
Gingerbread House Craft — Bordentown Library
Burlington County Library System — Bordentown Library
Dec11FriArts & craftsFri, Dec 11 · 5:00 PM
2xPAINT POINTS - Philadelphia from the Water
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
Dec11FriLight displaysFri, Dec 11 · 3:00 PM
Candlelight Tours of the Manor House — Pennsbury Manor
Pennsbury Manor — Manor House
From $5All ages
Dec11FriCrafts and cookiesFri, Dec 11 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating at Sweet Occasions
Sweet Occasions (Shop #74), Peddler's Village
From $45All ages
- Outdoors
Fri, Oct 23 · 10:00 AM
Knee High Naturalists at Ashland Nature Center
Ashland Nature Center
From $15Ages 3–5
- Santa visits
Fri, Dec 11 · 10:30 AM
Santa Visit at Swedesboro Library
Gloucester County Library System — Swedesboro Branch
Nov2MonSTEM & discoveryMon, Nov 2 · 8:00 AM
School Day Off Camps: Fall and December Sessions
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
From $105Ages 5–14
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 9:30 AM
Brunch with Santa at Winterthur
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
From $70
Dec12SatLight displaysSat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Candlelight Concert with OperaDelaware at Winterthur
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
From $14
- Parades
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Christmas in the Park and Parade — Town of Perryville
Lower Ferry Park
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Dec 12 · 5:30 PM
Constellations at the Station — Green Lane
Stone Lodge
FreeAges 12+
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12 · 1:00 PM
Eco-Family Programs: Natural Wreath Making — Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo
From $15
Dec12SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
From Fall to Frost — Family Nature Program at Briar Bush
Briar Bush Nature Center
From $15All ages
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 9:00 AM
Holiday Hustle 5K and Elf Dash — Swedesboro
Swedesboro park course (race address 58 Locke Ave)
From $20
- Sports & play
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Jingle Bell Run Philadelphia with Kids Run
4747 South Broad Street (race site)
From $25
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 12 · 3:00 PM
Kids Night Out at Coverdale Farm Preserve
Coverdale Farm Preserve
From $80
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Make & Take: Pinecone Palooza
Camden County Office of Sustainability
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
MATINEE Stealin' Christmas "Add DIY Candle"
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
Natural Holiday Crafts at the DuPont Environmental Education Center
DuPont Environmental Education Center
From $20All ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 3:00 PM
Phoenixville Firebird Festival
Reservoir Park
Dec12SatSTEM & discoverySat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Science Saturday: Frosty Forces
Hagley Museum and Library
With admissionAll ages
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12
Sound All Around: Horn — toddler concerts at the Kimmel Center
Commonwealth Plaza, Kimmel Center
Paid
Dec12SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 12
The Nutcracker — First State Ballet Theatre at The Grand
The Grand — Copeland Hall
Paid
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Victorian Christmas Open House at Pennypacker Mills
Pennypacker Mills
FreeAll ages
- Markets and festivals
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Winterfest and Holiday Artisan Market — City of Newark
Old Paper Mill Road Park
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Dec 13 · 2:00 PM
*BOGO 50% OFF!* MATINEE - NEW ART - Merry & Bright
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
- Markets and festivals
Sun, Dec 13 · 3:00 PM
The Merriest Night: Run and Holiday Festival at Timber Creek Park
Timber Creek Park
From $25
Oct29ThuCommunityThu, Oct 29
Quiet Mornings — sensory-friendly zoo visits at Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo
From $15.95
Dec17ThuCommunityThu, Dec 17 · 5:00 PM
Tinsel on the Town — Kennett Square
State Street, downtown Kennett Square
All ages
- Markets and festivals
Thu, Dec 17 · 5:00 PM
Winter Wonderland at Camden County Police Department
Camden County Police Department, Police Administration Building
Free
Oct24SatOutdoorsSat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Beyond the Fence Trail Hike — Tyler Arboretum
Tyler Arboretum — Visitor Center
From $10All ages
Dec19SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 19 · 2:00 PM
Christmastime is Here: The Music of Vince Guaraldi at Winterthur
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
From $10
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 19 · 2:00 PM
MATINEE - NEW ART - Jolly Ole St Nick
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
Dec19SatSports & playThrough Dec 20
Winterthur Toy Train Display
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
With admission
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Dec 20 · 2:00 PM
*BOGO 50% OFF!* MATINEE - Stealin' Christmas
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
Dec20SunNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 26
A Christmas Carol Comedy — Hedgerow Theatre
Hedgerow Theatre
From $15
Dec21MonCrafts and cookiesMon, Dec 21 · 6:00 PM
Kids Holiday Cookie Night at Sweet Occasions
Sweet Occasions (Shop #74), Peddler's Village
From $65Ages 6+
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Dec 23 · 7:00 PM
'Twas the Night Before the Night Before Christmas Storytime
Burlington County Library System — Burlington County Library
- Dec26SatCommunity
Through Jan 1
Kwanzaa Celebration at Sesame Place
Sesame Place Philadelphia
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 26 · 2:00 PM
MATINEE - Japanese Blossoms "Add DIY Candle"
Painting with a Twist - Philadelphia, PA - Center City
From $39.99All ages
- Sports & play
Sat, Dec 26 · 8:40 AM
Pineland Striders Boxing Day 5K and Kids' Fun Run
Signal Hill Elementary School area
With admission
Nov21SatSTEM & discoverySat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
Science Sparks: Holiday Engineering Challenges
Hagley Museum and Library
With admission
Dec28MonCookingThrough Dec 31
Holidays Around the World — Four-morning Cooking Camp
Flour Power Valley Forge
From $350Ages 5–8
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 6:00 PM
New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront
Delaware River Waterfront (Race Street Pier, Penn's Landing, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Pier 68, Washington Avenue Pier)
Free
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 9:30 AM
Roaring Into the New Year at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
From $5.50
- Community
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:30 AM
Rockin' Noon-Year's Eve — Burlington County Library
Burlington County Library System — Burlington County Library
Dec31ThuLight displaysThu, Dec 31 · 6:00 PM
Scoogie's New Year's Eve Glow Run and Kid's Ball Drop Dash
Gwynedd Mercy University stadium
From $15.99