Depending on your holiday vacation schedule and if you have family or friends visiting you this week you may want to come up with some activities to keep everyone happy. In other words, to keep you happy! There are the usual choices to go shopping at the King of Prussia Mall on Black Friday, go to the movies (buy your tickets in advance if you wish to get in), or go bowling (which can be fun if family groups become teams and compete.) For additional ideas in the Philadelphia, PA and surrounding areas:
Holiday shopping pop-ups:
- Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market runs Nov 17 through Jan 1.
- Christmas Village in renovated LOVE Park is labeled a German Christmas market offering arts, crafts, and food. Opening day is Nov 22.
- The Comcast Holiday Spectacular runs Nov 22-Jan 1 at the Comcast Center.
- Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Light Show runs Nov 15-Dec 31.
Take in a show:
- People’s Light in Paoli, PA is offering Cinderella: Â A Musical Panto Nov 14-Jan 6.
- Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 15th Anniversary Christmas Rocks Tour, Nov 24, 8 pm.
Holiday activities:
Tip:Â Take the train into the city and use the PHLASH bus to visit all of the fun holiday spots in Philly, click here for a map.
- Philly Holiday Tree, Rothman Ice Rink or Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing, Macy’s Christmas Light Show for details on these activities and other ideas, click here.
- A Very Philadelphia Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck exhibit opens November 21st and runs through January 1st.
Fun with Art, History, and Museums:
- Weather permitting, take a walking tour of the historical sites in Philly, click here for tips. Or tour some of the many stunning murals that decorate the city in a Mural Arts sponsored tour, click here to view.
- Visit the new American Revolution Museum.
- Independence Hall – if you have guests that have never been to Philly this is a must-see along with the National Constitution Center.
Tips:Â If you are looking for a bite to eat in this area, visit the newly renovated Food Hall at The Bourse for a variety of options at 111 S. Independence Mall in Old City.Â
Another food option by the Convention Center and shopping is the Reading Terminal Market, check out the website for tips on discount parking if you plan to drive.
- Visit The Franklin Institute if you have a mixed group of ages as there is something to appeal to all.
- PAFA – Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts list of current events.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation.
- Please Touch Museum which is great for small children.
- The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and check out the dinosaurs.
- The Mutter Museum the College of Physicians of Philadelphia which is for an older group as this is a medical science museum.
- Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology a fascinating place to visit.
- Near the city – a must-see in the Delaware Valley, it never gets boring though I would get your tickets in advance. A Longwood Gardens Christmas Light and Gardens Display Nov 22-Jan 6.
I hope this list offers ideas to help you out with entertaining your guests. Have a relaxing and peaceful holiday!