Things to Do in Philly

December in Philadelphia has a way of turning an ordinary walk into a little scene: the City Hall tower comes into view between strings of lights, a market stall sends out the smell of something warm, and suddenly you’re moving much more slowly than you planned. If you’re here this month, leave room for that kind of detour. The best days mix one big seasonal outing with a neighborhood meal, a bit of history, and enough time to enjoy the city at its own pace.

1. See Old City after the lights come on

Start with Philly Crawling’s Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl if you want your evening to include stories as well as stops. A local guide leads guests through Old City, linking tavern visits with the messier, funnier side of Philadelphia’s colonial and Revolutionary past. Public tours run daily at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and last 2 hours and 15 minutes. The route visits four bars a few blocks apart and meets at 203 Market Street, at Market and North 2nd streets. Everyone must be 21 or older with valid ID. Drinks are bought separately and ordering one is optional. December weather can be changeable, so bring a coat you can manage indoors and outdoors. See current schedule and tickets.

2. Watch Franklin Square glow

Holidays in Franklin Square pairs the park’s familiar paths with a seasonal light show, a carousel and festive food. It runs into early January, which makes it an easy choice for a December evening when you want something cheerful without building a whole day around it. The Electrical Spectacle light show repeats throughout the evening; check the official calendar for that night’s hours and closures before you go. Walk the square, find a place to watch a full show, then warm up with a snack instead of trying to see everything at once.

3. Skate or settle in at RiverRink Winterfest

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest turns the Delaware River waterfront into a winter hangout, with skating, seasonal food and a fire-pit-lined lodge atmosphere. You can skate if that’s your thing, or simply come for the river views and a warm drink. The 2026–27 season is scheduled to run from November 27 through February 28, so December visitors have plenty of chances to fit it in. Check the waterfront’s live page for the day’s hours, skating sessions and holiday schedule. Weekends and school breaks tend to feel livelier, while a weekday visit may be easier if you prefer a little more breathing room.

4. Take an after-dark walk through LumiNature

At the Philadelphia Zoo, LumiNature brings illuminated scenes and interactive displays to the grounds after dark. The 2026 show opens November 19 and runs most nights through January 9, generally from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; dates and ticket availability vary, and advance reservations are required. It’s a destination outing rather than a quick stop, so plan for the walk, check the calendar for blackout dates and choose a time that works for your group. The zoo is in Fairmount Park, a short ride from Center City.

5. Browse Christmas Village before it closes

LOVE Park and the City Hall area host Christmas Village through December 27. Wooden stalls, international snacks and gift vendors make it a pleasant place to wander even if you’re not arriving with a shopping list. Go with one or two things in mind—an edible gift, a small ornament, or a warm snack—and let the rest be a browse. Look up the current daily hours before heading over, especially around the December holidays, when the schedule can differ.

6. Find a gift from a Philadelphia maker

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park is another downtown option for locally made gifts and seasonal food. Because this market and Christmas Village sit near each other, you can combine them in one walk and decide which one suits your mood. The first leans into local makers; the second has a broader European-market feel. Check the official market page for current dates and operating hours before you go, and don’t be surprised if your ‘quick look’ turns into a bag of treats for the ride home.

Give your December plans a little breathing room

Philadelphia’s holiday calendar is generous, but you don’t need to race through it. Pick one evening attraction, one daytime stop, and a meal you can enjoy without watching the clock. If Old City is on your list, the history tour fits naturally before or after time at Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley or the waterfront. For the crawl, choose the 4:00 p.m. departure for an early evening finish or the 7:00 p.m. one after dinner; both last 2 hours and 15 minutes. Confirm current hours and ticket availability with each attraction, then let the city supply the small surprises. Plan an Old City evening with Philly Crawling.