Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s a holiday house tour, ice skating, light show or breakfast with Santa, this area is full of holiday fun every weekend. We’ve found the top (affordable) choices of what to do this weekend, Dec. 14-16, in Philly and down the shore.
What: Philly Holiday Festival
The holiday season fun kicks off this weekend with classic holiday attractions held throughout the city.
Where: Various locations
When: through Jan. 1
Cost: Varies
The Scene
What: 45th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour
Take this self-guided walking tour through Cape May’s featured homes, inns, churches and hotels superbly decorated for the holidays.
Where: Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey
When: Saturday, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $35
What: Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Experience this authentic open-air European Christmas Market right in Center City. There are more than 80 vendors selling crafts, clothing, food and more.
Where: Love Park, 15th and JFK, Philadelphia
When: through Dec. 24
Cost: Free to attend
What: Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast and story time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Cape May Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May, New Jersey
When: Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: $23 for adults, $13 for children, children under 2 are free
What: Christmas in Peddler’s Village
This holiday fest kicks off when Santa turns on the holiday lights to officially begin the holiday season. Enjoy festive holiday lights, food, visits with Santa and plenty of shopping opportunities throughout the season.
Where: Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania
When: through Jan. 5
Cost: Free
What: Comcast Holiday Spectacular
This holiday tradition continues in the lobby of the Comcast Center with the super high-resolution LED holiday display. Watch the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a sleigh ride through the city and enjoy a sing-along.
Where: Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia
When: through Jan. 1
Cost: Free
What: A Longwood Christmas
Thousands of poinsettias, Christmas trees, flowers and lights fill the indoor garden for the holidays. Plus, seasonal music and the fountain dance outdoors.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
When: Through Jan. 6
Cost: Varies
What: Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
This model train set offers 12 rail lines, seven loops and tunnels, two cable cars and nine bridges, all lit up for the holidays.
Where: Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia
When: through Dec. 31
Cost: Free with admission
What: Macy’s Christmas Light Show
This free show of dancing lights and music in the Grand Court of the historic Wanamaker building (now Macy’s) has been a holiday favorite for years.
Where: Macy’s, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia
When: through Dec. 31
Cost: Free
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 3, from 1 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday
Cost: Free for general admission, $4 skating admission, $10 skate rentals