Top Holiday Events & Attractions in Philadelphia’s Countryside
Celebrate the season with annual traditions, festive parades, bright lights and more…
Travel Responsibly: As the region recovers from COVID-19, safety guidelines have evolved at attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels. Philadelphia requires masks or proof of vaccination at all indoor public spaces. Advance tickets or reservations remain recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Note: This article is no longer being updated.
Looking for fun things to do in Philadelphia for the holidays? Visit our guide to Philadelphia’s must-see holiday attractions!
With more than 70 specialty stores and restaurants, Peddler’s Village in beautiful Bucks County is perfect for holiday shopping. The village glimmers with thousands of lights, starting with the Grand Illumination Celebration on Friday, November 15. Visitors can also check out the whimsical entries created for the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display. And on the weekends, Peddler’s Village hosts visits with Santa at Giggleberry Fair and other special events.
All aboard the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad! This festive excursion invites guests to sip hot chocolate and enjoy fresh-baked cookies as Santa and Mrs. Claus deliver a special gift to all the kids. Christmas carol sing-alongs sweeten the ride as the train transports passengers to the “North Pole.” On select nights from November 29 to December 24, visitors can also take a ride on Santa’s Steam Spectacular on a carol-filled locomotive alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Stop by the Bucks County Visitor Center in Bensalem to see a stunning display of adorned trees. While there, be sure to pick up a coupon book with discounts and special offers for local holiday attractions.
Millions of lights set the 16-acre Elmwood Park Zoo aglow as the popular Wild Lights display returns to the Montgomery County attraction. Guests can encounter animals, enjoy live music and meet characters every night of the exhibit, which features installations like Snowflake Central, Rainbow Runway and a giant video show.
During A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform the heated four-acre Conservatory, where guests can enjoy holiday performances and sing-alongs. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music.
November 23 – December 22, 2019 (select dates)
Take a scenic, 90-minute holiday train ride through the Chester Creek Valley on Santa’s Express on the West Chester Railroad. Families can celebrate with Santa himself, pose for pictures, enjoy live music and more.
