things to do

Free and Affordable Fun to Do in, Around and Outside Philly for Jan. 3 to 5

We have you covered for free or affordable fun this weekend from Philly to the suburbs

People around a fire at Winterfest
M. Stanley for DRWC

Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on.

It’s the last call for many of Philadelphia’s holiday light displays and activities this weekend. LumiNature at the Zoo, Longwood Gardens’ holiday light displays and Christmas at Peddler’s Village all wrap up the holiday season this weekend. So make sure to stop in for a visit.

We’ve found the top free (and affordable) choices of what to do this weekend, Jan. 3 to 5, in Philly and New Jersey.

What: Black Art First Friday

Celebrating the artwork of artists of color. all works will be for sale, refreshments will be complimentary and live music will be playing all night.

Where: Philly Art Collective, 253 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia

When: Every First Friday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Philly Live

Showcasing the food, fashion, wellness, technology and travel destinations that make the Philadelphia region great.

Actress Rachel McAdams makes Broadway debut

Leslie Odom Jr. talks latest album, return to Broadway and Philly roots

Cost: $3 or $5 donations

What: Three Kings Day

The Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Cultural Center invite you to partake in one of the most widely-celebrated holidays among Hispanics and Latinos. Bring your family and join us for a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy an evening of activities, piñatas and a piece of traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread!

Where: Commonwealth Plaza inside the Kimmel Center 300 S Broad Street, Philadelphia

When: Jan 4, 2020 4 p.m.

Cost: Free and open to the public

What: Christmas in Peddler’s Village

Enjoy festive holiday lights, food, gingerbread houses, visits with Santa and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Where: Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope, Pa.

When: through Saturday

Cost: Free admission

What: Winter at Dilworth Park

In the shadow of City Hall, families can enjoy ice skating, the Wintergarden, shopping and plenty of snacks and hot chocolate outside at Dilworth Park. Look for the light show projected onto City Hall at night, too!

Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia

When: through Feb. 23

Cost: Free to explore

What: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

When the weather gets chilly, head to rink for some ice skating, fire pits, food, drinks, an arcade and more.

Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia

When: through March 8

Cost: Free for general admission, $4 skating admission, $10 skate rentals

What: Brandywine Christmas

Check out the Christmas trees, model train displays and ornament sales.

Where: Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa.

When:  through Sunday

Cost: $18, children under 5 are free

What: Photo Pop Philly: Winter Wonderland

This pop-up art exhibit is interactive and photo friendly. There are snow-filled backdrops and more to create an Instagram-worthy winter wonderland.

Where: The Bourse Food Hall, 111 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia

When: through Sunday

Cost: $20 for adults, free for children under 5

What: LumiNature

Visit the Zoo at night for this new walk-through light and sound display. More than 600,000 lights illuminate the zoo in 12 massive light displays that include penguins, big cat eyes and a 21-foot-tall snake. 

Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia

When: through Sunday

Cost: From $19, children under 2 are free. Time tickets required, limited availability.

What: Holiday Light Show Ride

More than 3 million lights will illuminate the farm. Families can drive through the magical displays or take a ride in the open-air wagon.

Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, Pa.

When: through Sunday

Cost: $30 per car load, $15 per person wagon ride

What: A Longwood Christmas

Thousands of poinsettias, Christmas trees, flowers and lights fill the indoor garden for the holidays. Seasonal music and the fountain dance outdoors is not to be missed either!

Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Pa.

When:  through Sunday

Cost: Varies. Timed tickets required.

What: Dinosaurs Around the World

Visit with dozens of animatronic dinosaurs as you discover and learn about things like volcano activity and fossils.

Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences

When: Through Jan. 20

Cost: From $7 in addition to general admission 

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