Philadelphia After Dark: Must-Do Nighttime Holiday Activities

Oh my, isn’t Philadelphia looking especially charming this season? If you’re like us and believe the best part of the holidays is the twinkling Christmas lights, and if you love after-dark Philly just as much, check out our list of the best holiday experiences for 2024. So, grab your favorite scarf, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the holiday magic of Philadelphia. Let’s make this season unforgettable!

Walk into a Cosmic Wonderland: Astra Lumina

"Night walk among the stars…”

Location: Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046

Details: This cosmic outdoor light and sound show is an immersive experience that combines art and science. Walk through a magical space while enjoying stunning visuals of stars and galaxies.

Tickets: $27-38, must book in advance.

Astra Lumina Philadelphia is the 24th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series by Moment Factory! Astra Lumina combines light, sound, and storytelling to create an unforgettable journey through the stars. It's an immersive outdoor experience that captivates both kids and adults. Make sure to book tickets in advance—this event is expected to sell out quickly!

Visit the Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

“See the enchanting model rail cars in a festive wonderland”

Location: 1100 E Northwestern Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118

Details: A beloved tradition where visitors can enjoy miniature trains weaving through beautifully decorated landscapes. In the evening, the lights make it an extra special holiday treat.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $10 for children, free for members.

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! During evening hours, the display becomes even more magical, with twinkling lights adding to the holiday charm. Enjoy this must-see seasonal tradition.

Get Festive at LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo

“See more than a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones”

Location: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Details: Over 2 million twinkling lights, glowing animal sculptures, and interactive displays make this a holiday must-see. The event also includes seasonal food, drinks, and family-friendly activities.

Tickets: $25-35, available online.

See the zoo come to life with millions of lights, glowing animal sculptures, and stunning displays. Highlights include a 25-foot-tall flamingo tree and an illuminated penguin paradise. Kids can enjoy interactive activities, while adults can sip holiday-themed cocktails.

Ice Skate at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

“Skate the night away”

Location: 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Details: Skate under the stars along the beautiful Delaware River. Afterward, cozy up by a fire pit or explore the adjacent holiday market for seasonal treats.

Tickets: Ice skating: $12-14. Skate sharpening services are available for $13.

Glide across a beautifully decorated waterfront rink surrounded by twinkling lights. After skating, relax in cozy warming cabins or by the firepits. There’s also a holiday market and festive eats like s’mores and spiked cider to enjoy.

Take a spin at Franklin Square

“Escape the city’s hubbub and bask in an “aaaahhhh” moment…”

Location: Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA
Details: Enjoy the festive atmosphere at this iconic Philadelphia park, which features the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, a free light display set to holiday music. Visitors can also take a ride on the holiday carousel or enjoy miniature golf in a festive setting.
Tickets: Light show is free; carousel rides are $3-6.

In Franklin Square during the holidays, you’ll find an incredible light show with more than 150,000 lights! The show is every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 pm. Plus there’s tons of food, drinks, fire pits, heated tents and mini-golf and a carousel. Under that technicolor glow, you can explore the park’s other wintery activities. Take a spin around the Parx Liberty Carousel, putt a few rounds on the Chilly Philly Mini Golf course, or try your hand at street curling (no ice or experience required!).

Visit Longwood Gardens Holiday Display

“Made even more spectacular with the opening of Longwood Reimagined”

Location: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Details: Longwood Gardens is unveiling a brand-new experience this holiday season, featuring a stunning blend of nature and technology. The gardens will showcase festive flowers, elaborate light displays, and interactive experiences like the "Winter Wonder" exhibit.
Tickets: from $25 for adults, from $15 for children.

After more than three years in the making, Longwood Reimagined opened November 22, 2024! This holiday season, experience A Longwood Christmas like never before, with exciting new spaces and stunning holiday displays. From the new West Conservatory to enchanting outdoor landscapes, the festive lights, amazing plants, and creative designs will leave you in awe.

Sip Drinks at Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Various pop-ups open from late November through January

If you're looking for some festive fun this holiday season in Philadelphia, the city’s pop-up winter holiday bars are the perfect spots to get into the spirit. These seasonal venues offer themed cocktails, elaborate decorations, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Tinsel (116 S. 12th St.): Known as “Philly's favorite Christmas bar,” Tinsel transforms into a winter wonderland with over-the-top decor and craft cocktails. This pop-up bar has been a favorite for holiday revelers for years and promises a truly immersive experience.

Craftsman Row Saloon (112 S. 8th St.): With 60,000 ornaments and 20,000 lights, this spot has been reimagined as a dazzling "Holiday Wonderland." Enjoy festive milkshakes like the "All I Want for Christmas" or cocktails such as the "Gingerbread Margarita."

The Prime Rib at Live! Casino & Hotel (900 Packer Ave.): Their "Drinks in Toyland" pop-up brings a vintage toy store vibe, with themed cocktails like "Toy Shop Sangria" and the "Chocolate Peppermint Martini."

Butcher Bar (2034 Chestnut St.): The Yule Lodge holiday pop-up serves up drinks in festive moose-eared mugs and offers sweet and savory bites, all set to a soundtrack of Christmas music.

Taqueria Amor (4410 Main St.): In Manayunk, Taqueria Amor is hosting the Señor Grinch pop-up with themed margaritas like the "Grinch A Rita" and nostalgic Christmas movie clips projected each night.

Other great pop-up spots include McGillin's Olde Ale House, Uptown Beer Garden, and The Elephant, each offering unique holiday-themed drinks and decor. Whether you're craving a cozy atmosphere or an over-the-top Christmas experience, there's something for everyone in Philly this season.

Wishing you a joyful and warm holiday season! This is the perfect time to cherish the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for the people and moments that truly matter. At Venture Philly Group, we are deeply thankful for our amazing clients, friends, and families who have been integral to our growth in the vibrant Philly community. If you’re seeking real estate advice or support, know that we’re always here to help. Here’s to a season filled with joy, reflection, and new beginnings!