As we transition from pumpkin picking, drinking fresh apple cider, and observing the fall foliage transition into a wintery December, there’s no shortage of festive activities nearby! Twinkling lights and glowing decorations help us forget the chill of winter and remind us to appreciate our friends and family. So grab a mug of hot chocolate, slip on your gloves, and embrace the joy of the season locally. Here’s a spotlight on five special wintertime celebrations.
Christmas Village
Philadelphia’s annual Christmas Village turns Love Park into a lively holiday market that features 120 vendors and live entertainment. The market, inspired by authentic German open-air exchanges, is open from December 1st until December 24th. The vendors offer seasonal goods that range from handmade toys to antique jewelry to delicious treats. 2025 is also the first year the village features a four-level German Christmas tower, an Ugly Sweater Contest, churros, and the best part–admission is completely free! It’s the perfect spot to share joy with loved ones.
Narberth Dickens Festival
This free family event is held on December 7th in downtown Narberth, and transforms the cozy streets into 1840’s Dicken’s London. Characters from A Christmas Carol, carolers, hot chocolate, and outdoor dance and musical performances brighten up the winter for one of the area’s most awaited traditions. Last year, the event featured select performances of The Nutcracker from the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, a free screening of A Muppet Christmas Carol, and Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School’s choir. Who knows what magical lineup will be revealed for this year?
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Open on certain nights until January 3rd, LumiNature is a dazzling light show at the Philadelphia Zoo. Inspired by nature, the light show contains scenes of zoo creatures, a 40 ft tall shining penguin, and an iconic pink flamingo tree. The zoo contains many separate light exhibits, ranging from an Enchanted Fairy Forest to an Arctic Trek, and even contains a cozy indoor space called Santa’s Lodge!
Ardmore Holiday Market
The first ever Ardmore Holiday Market is open this year, from December 6th to December 13th! Located in Schauffele Plaza, the marketplace is an ideal area to shop and enjoy live music. 20+ vendors from the Philadelphia area offer unique, handcrafted gifts, perfect for holiday gift shopping! The market promises a cozy atmosphere with something for everyone to enjoy, and hopefully we’ll see it again next year as well.
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
The Morris Arboretum is a popular spot for seeing the Garden Railway, a working miniature train track, among 92 acres of nature and a lush rose garden. In the holiday season, it gets an upgrade and is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. On select nights in December, laser lights are positioned in trees and the railway is adorned with even more stunning illuminations. As you marvel at the lights–hot chocolate, coffee, and candy are also available for purchase.
