Philadelphia, PA
- From November 30 through December 31, the merrymaking spans museums, restaurants and shops throughout the city. Listed below are a few local museums with events celebrating the holiday season.
- Museum of the American Revolution – The District’s newest addition inaugurates its first holiday season with Illuminating Liberty. Colorful illuminations based on those by eminent Revolutionary-era Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale will fill the Museum’s sidewalk-level windows. On November 30, the Museum will officially kick off holiday season in the Museum’s Cross Keys Café by offering seasonal treats such as Shane’s Hot Cocoa and hot cocktails. In addition, the gift shop will remain open for holiday shopping, and visitors will be able to try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing and design their own decorative window illuminations. November 23-January 1. 101 S. 3rd Street, (215) 253-6731, amrevmuseum.org
- Independence Seaport Museum – Penn’s Landing’s maritime museum puts on a Saturday of nautical holiday fun—sailboat ornament-making, gingerbread boat-building, snow lessons and Santa—followed by the Parade of Lights, an early-evening parade of illuminated working vessels (tugboats included) along the Delaware River. December 9. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard,(215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
- Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent – This city-centric museum hosts the Golden Age of Retail, a cocktail party and pop-up exhibition of artifacts from classic department stores John Wanamaker, Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothier, along with vintage ornaments and 19th-century cards. December 9. During winter break, the museum offers the gift of pay-what-you-wish admission. December 26-January 2. 15 S. 7th Street, (215) 685-4830, philadelphiahistory.org
- National Museum of American Jewish History – Each year on Christmas, the museum opens its doors and galleries to families of all backgrounds for Being __________at Christmas, a day of games, dancing, crafts, storytelling and live music with Emmy Award-winning Alex & the Kaleidoscope.Tickets required. December 25. 101 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.org
- National Constitution Center – Winter break means loads of student programming at the world’s only museum dedicated to U.S. Constitution. Visitors can enjoy special family-friendly programs and activities, including arts and crafts, games and interactive shows. Featured activities include colonial dress-up and photo opportunities, military muster demonstrations and the Growing Up, American Style show. December 26-30. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
- African American Museum in Philadelphia –The museum’s Kwanzaa Celebration includes four family-friendly days of celebrating the First Fruits of the Harvest. Workshops, discussions, film screenings and performances demonstrate the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and each day’s craft activity is dedicated to a single principle: self-determination (Day 1), working together (Day 2) and supporting each other (Day 3). On the final day, a candle-lighting ceremony demonstrates the principle of purpose—and acclaimed magician Ran’D Shine puts on a show. December 27-30. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
Philadelphia's Historic Holiday Nights Participating Shops - Around every corner of Old City, find one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade goods for your family and friends. Twenty shops, boutiques, art galleries, design showrooms, spas and barbershops will offer extended shopping hours, sales, and promotions every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm through December 28th.
