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November is that magical month when the fall season meets the holiday season, the festive time between Halloween and Thanksgiving Weekend… which means there’s a ton going on in Philadelphia.
Some of the city’s can’t-miss November events include the AACR Philadelphia Marathon (one of the most historic races in the nation), high-profile concerts (including Tool, Lil Uzi Vert and The 1975 — separately — at Wells Fargo Center), and high-end performing arts venues kicking off runs of Wicked at the Academy of Music and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Walnut Street Theater.
November sees two cultural film festivals return to Philadelphia with the Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Fall Fest and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, not to mention big games hosted by the Eagles, Flyers and 76ers at the South Philly Sports Complex.
Veterans Day weekend (November 10 – 12, 2023) offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a three-day stay in Philly while the city’s military history is on display during Siege Weekend at historic Fort Mifflin and heroes are honored at the Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival.
Speaking of parades, the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to kick off the holidays with hundreds of performers and dozens of giant floats (and Santa, of course) making their way past crowds along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
And get your holiday festivities rolling with can’t-miss celebrations like LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, the Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler’s Village and A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens.
Read on for the top things to do in Philadelphia in November 2023.
Through Sunday, November 5, 2023
The name tells the story at Linvilla Orchards’ annual Pumpkinland fall festival. Visit the waning days of the gourd gala that features a slew of daytime activities like harvest hayrides, corn and (slightly more difficult) straw bale mazes, apple blaster target shooting, pick-your-own crops, fishing in Orchard Lake, and pony and train rides. Things get slightly spookier after dark with moonlight hayrides around the farm or to the nearby Witch’s House that end at a campfire with cider and marshmallows.
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
An exciting new jukebox musical charting Elvis’ meteoric rise to fame, Elvis: A Musical Revolution — still running a few more days at historic Walnut Street Theater — showcases the life of The King of Rock and Roll through the perspective of the people who knew him best, like his parents, his wife, Colonel Tom Parker, Ann-Margret and the R&B legends from whom he crafted his sound.
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
Through Saturday, November 11, 2023 (select dates)
The turn of the calendar doesn’t mean you have to give up fall frights just yet. There is still time to get your scare on at the popular Halloween Nights (formerly Terror Behind The Walls) at historic Eastern State Penitentiary. The abandoned prison — which once housed infamous criminals from Willie Sutton to Al Capone — keeps its cell blocks open long after dark, transforming into America’s largest haunted house with 15 different attractions across 11 acres, including five haunted houses, two walking tours and five themed bars — plus the Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
Through Sunday, November 12, 2023
’Mums the word at the annual Chrysanthemum Festival, with a few remaining days to honor fall’s favorite flower. Thirteen classifications of the complex, colorful flower transform the conservancy at Longwood Gardens into a living work of art. Outdoors, the family-favorite Garden Railway adds a whimsical touch to the season with dozens of miniature locomotives making their way through a multi-level display.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Through Sunday, November 26, 2023
James Forten, born a free man of African descent, fought in the War for American Independence in 1781, then returned to Philadelphia and became a successful businessman, philanthropist and stalwart abolitionist. Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, a new exhibition at the Museum of the American Revolution, chronicles Forten and his descendants’ story from the Revolution through the lead up to the Civil War and the women’s suffrage movement (1776 to 1876).
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
Long before that girl from Kansas arrived, the future Wicked Witches of the East and West shared a childhood together, and that unique musical friendship between beautiful Glinda and green-hued Elphaba comes alive in this Broadway hit.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street
Get your shellfish fix on and explore one of the nation’s oldest public markets after hours at the annual Oysterfest at Reading Terminal Market. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Oysterfest features a dozen varieties of locally harvested oysters and a dozen locally sourced craft beers. This year’s selection comes from farm-to-table shellfish aquaculture organization Barnegat Oyster Collective and is prepared by the market’s own Pearl’s Oyster Bar and Molly Malloy’s, among others.
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street
Among the largest festivals of its type, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival celebrates and showcases the stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders in film, performance art, music and other creative expressions during its multi-day run. The hybrid fest, held at the Asian Arts Initiative in Chinatown, features the best in Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora filmmaking and storytelling, presented through panel discussions, in-person cinema screenings and online showings.
Where: Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street
Presented by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (be sure you head to the right location!), the 47th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show features museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles and mixed media displayed and for sale. The juried show includes nearly 200 of the finest craft artists in the nation working in over a dozen diverse categories of handcrafted art, plus special displays from local student artists.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
Several of Philadelphia’s most respected art education institutions come together for a night of art, drinks, music and lots of dancing during Paint the Dance Floor: Glitz and Glam on a funky Friday night at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). See and be seen among the opulence and glamor as DJ Delish spins tunes inspired by everything from Studio 54 to Beyoncé. Don’t forget to take a moment off the dance floor to explore the exhibitions (open late) all around you at ICA.
Where: Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th Street
November 3, 2023 – February 25, 2024 (Dates vary by attraction)
Dilworth Park — right next to Philadelphia’s City Hall — kicks off the winter months with plenty of free events and cool attractions. This year, the popular winter destination includes:
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
Opening Saturday, November 4, 2023
The venerable Franklin Institute dives back into the world of space exploration with the opening of their newest exhibit, Wondrous Space, a two-story, 7,500-square-foot interactive learning display planned to take the museum into its bicentennial celebration in 2024. Visitors can immerse themselves in simulations of black holes, take virtual firsthand looks at incredible space phenomena and learn how future technology will make permanent life (and work) in space possible. Real-world objects on view include two lunar rovers, a 10-foot rocket engine direct from the Kennedy Space Center and even space bread (yum?).
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
If you’re looking to shop small and local this holiday season, find your way to Markers Market, the relatively new annual tradition at Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. During the third annual holiday market, artists, crafters, makers and vintage vendors from around the region set up shop right along Philadelphia’s most historic street offering artwork, plants, candles, jewelry, homegoods, vintage wares and more among the cobblestones and bricks.
Where: Elfreth's Alley, 124 Elfreth's Alley
Now that the pumpkins have had their day, it’s time to celebrate the beloved apple at the Apple Festival, one of the most popular annual events at the Peddler’s Village shopping haven in Bucks County. Now in its 48th year, the fest invites visitors to sip warm apple cider, catch some live entertainment, enjoy apple-themed eats and treats, and grab fresh-picked apples by the bushel. Admission to the rain-or-shine event is free (as is parking) with pay-as-you-go food and drink, with shops open until 8 p.m.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska
Nearly 70,000 veterans live in the Philadelphia region, so chances are you know (or are) one. Celebrate their service at the 9th annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival. The parade — featuring marching bands, honorarium brigades, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, local celebrities, and over 250 motorcyclists — runs along Market Street, kicking off at Juniper and ending at North 5th. That’s where the Veterans Festival takes place (starting at 12:30 p.m.), where veterans, families and supporters can visit a bevy of food trucks, craft vendors and boutique giftsellers. And for the kiddos: stilt walkers, face painting and giant lawn games.
Where: Market Street from Juniper Street to N. 5th Street
Sometimes, you’re your own “Best Of.” Local institution Philadelphia magazine returns to host the annual Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival, where fest-goers can enjoy more than 250 premium whiskies, scotches, vodkas, gins, rums, tequilas, cordials and handcrafted cocktails under the chandeliers and backlights of The Fillmore Philadelphia. Accompanying the spirited drinks are savory bites from a selection of the city’s best eateries, interactive “spirit lounges” and — this is a fantastic music venue, after all — live entertainment.
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen Street
Matty Healy might not be dating Taylor Swift, but the frontman and his band light up their Still… At Their Very Best era on their largest North American tour ever as it rolls through Philly.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
The annual Siege Weekend at Fort Mifflin commemorates the 246th anniversary of the British bombardment of the site — one of the oldest active bases on the continent — during the Revolutionary War. Watch on as reenactors recreate historic battles, view musket and cannon demonstrations (bring earplugs for the young ones), play with 18th-century toys, enjoy guided tours and even take a one-hour sail aboard the Schooner Northwind (for an additional charge). Come early on Saturday for a special Veterans Day commemoration during a flag-raising ceremony at 10:15 a.m.
Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road
Returning for its 43rd year, the PJFM Fall Fest film and cultural festival is hosted by the Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media organization. The annual cinema showcase presents programs that appeal to diverse communities and encourage understanding across divides. The festival opens with a screening of Remembering Gene Wilder, a documentary on the famed comedian that’s been headlining festivals across the nation, and closes with the comedic drama The Other Widow. Both films screen at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (just one of multiple venues with festival screenings).
Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East
Tang Ao-Qing and Lu Jiaxi — late Chinese scientists and pioneers of physical and theoretical chemistry — received critical training in the U.S. before returning to China after World War II. Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann, who knew the two colleagues personally, hosts A Story of China & America, an intimate lecture defining the lives of the two chemists against a backdrop of science, immigration and politics as part of the Science History Institute’s Science & Society speaker series. After the lecture, Institute Director David Caruso joins Hoffmann for a deeper conversation.
Where: Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street
It’s always an event when Tool comes to town as Maynard James Keenan and thousands of Toolheads pack Wells Fargo Center for the fifth time.
November 16, 2023 – February 25, 2024 (Dates vary by attraction)
Franklin Square celebrates the winter months with seasonal attractions and special events all season long. 2023 highlights include:
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
One of the country’s premier — and most scenic — running events, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon sends thousands of athletes through historic Center City, Fairmount Park, University City, Manayunk and past iconic landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row while spectators (and their memorable signs) cheer them on. The marathon is just a part of a full weekend that also includes an 8k race, a half-marathon, a children’s run and a full health and fitness expo.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
November 17 – December 31, 2023 (select dates)
The immersive display known as LumiNature transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a multimedia spectacular with 16 zones illuminated with a million twinkling lights, including the brand-new Shimmer River and LumiNature Lane. While the animals sleep, humans can ride the SEPTA PZ Express train under a canopy of lights, go on a scavenger hunt or walk through a 100-foot long lighted jungle tunnel. Don’t pass up that perfect Instagram shot in front of a 22-foot tall butterfly tree, a 40-foot tall glowing penguin or the new sparkling waterfall of lights. Top off your night with seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages. Timed tickets are required.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (select dates)
Twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and icy activities abound in South Philly’s sprawling FDR Park for the festive Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular. Take in the sparkling sights while skating a winding ice trail or gliding down a 160-foot-long ice slide. Pop into the Mistletoe Marketplace to find that perfect holiday gift, or grab a bite to eat and an adult beverage inside the Union Forge Lodge. Timed tickets are required, with optional add-ons for the Ice Trail and Independence Blue Cross Ice Slide.
Where: FDR Park, South Broad Street
Half a million twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas — named the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights for four years by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Visitors can stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens to marvel at miles of lights glowing in the trees, seasonal plants decorated with ornaments, a festive outdoor railway, cozy fire pits and colorful fountains dancing to holiday music.
There are only two Sesame Street theme parks in the world, and one of them is in Langhorne, Bucks County. With its sister park in sunny San Diego, the Philly area spot is the best crisp location to enjoy the annual A Very Furry Christmas celebration, which transforms the park with millions of lights, themed rides, festive holiday decorations, a special Christmas Parade, gifts and visits with Santa in the Furry Workshop, and the spectacular 1-2-3 Christmas Tree music and lights show.
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
November 17, 2023 – January 14, 2024
With more than 60 specialty shops perfect for holiday shopping, Peddler’s Village’s charm and beautiful, festive decorations help ring in the season — as do the attraction’s 1 million twinkling lights, set to cover its buildings and trees beginning November 17, 2023. The holiday season is also full of family-friendly events, including the Gingerbread Competition & Display, featuring over 100 handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free and Holly Jolly Weekend, two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades (December 2-3, 2023).
November 17, 2023 – January 15, 2024 (select dates)
One of the nation’s top traveling holiday spectaculars comes to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, which plays host to the LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival. Celebrating a new “Golden Holiday” theme for 2023, the Immersive Wonderland of Lights is a sprawling display of magical light installations. The state-of-the-art production features bright, colorful, large-scale displays including an iconic 50-foot, fully-decorated Christmas tree.
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks
Gorgeous LOVE Park transforms into an open-air European marketplace during the annual Christmas Village in Philadelphia. More than 100 vendors set up shop in wooden stalls offering local and international gifts, ornaments, accessories, and wintry apparel. After shopping up an appetite, indulge in tasty treats like raclette sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels and more. Across the street on the north apron of City Hall and in the courtyard, a double-decker Christmas Village carousel, Ferris wheel and kids train await.
Where: LOVE Park, 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Be our guest along with Belle, LeFou, Gaston and the whole gang for this musical stage adaptation of the timeless Disney story from Alan Menken, Tim Rice and Howard Ashman.
Expect a ton of hometown love as North Philly’s Symere Bysil Woods — aka Lil Uzi Vert — brings his latest tour back home behind his sprawling 26-track Pink Tape album, the first rap album this year to debut at number one.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street
There are few local traditions like the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country, dating back 123 years. Join the masses along the parade route from 20th & JFK Boulevard, around City Hall, down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with massive floats, TV and film stars, musical choirs, dance groups, marching bands, and — of course — Santa himself.
The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted the iconic Christmas Light Show since 1956. Macy’s continues this quintessential holiday tradition in 2023 with daily displays featuring thousands of twinkling lights in the shapes of snowflakes, candy canes and dancing snowmen — accompanied by seasonal sounds from the famed Wanamaker Organ. Five free shows take place Mondays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. On Sundays, three shows run at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Wanamaker Organ is played live during the noon and 6 p.m. showings each day (except Sundays). Recorded music accompanies all other shows. Families can also book a visit to see Philly’s vintage retelling of A Christmas Carol in the Dickens Village and snap pics with Santa.
Where: Macy's, 1300 Market Street
A European Christmas market, a live music festival, a community carnival or a gourmet farm-to-table dining experience… which do you choose? You don’t have to pick just one thanks to the gorgeous Yuletide at Devon celebration at the Devon Horse Show grounds. Experience free fair rides, including a 65-foot Ferris wheel, lots of live music, craft drinks (hot chocolate, cocktails and more), locally-sourced eats, and over 35 high-end holiday fair vendors.
Where: Devon Horse Show and Country Fairgrounds, 23 Dorset Road, Devon
Dates vary by performance
A fall chill is in the air, and big name concerts in Philly have moved indoors, but that doesn’t stop the music, the fans or the fun. Top performers playing sports arenas, local heroes fronting homecomings and Hall of Fame icons dropping by intimate venues highlight Philly’s live music scene in November, including these great shows.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (3)
Parx Casino, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem
The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen Street
Franklin Music Hall, 421 N. 7th Street
Soak up all these great live comedy, musical, talk and classical performances at venues across Greater Philadelphia in November. Looking for an encore? Check out our guide to 30-plus shows coming to Philly stages this fall and winter.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (6)
The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street
Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street
Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street
FringeArts, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
Dates vary by game
Fall is the best time of year in the greatest sports city in America. The Phillies are hot off another long postseason run, the Eagles are building up playoff momentum yet again (“Go Birds”) and new seasons of Flyers hockey, 76ers hoops and Big 5 college basketball are just beginning. Here are a few of the biggest matchups to watch for:
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad Street
Finneran Pavilion, 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova
The Palestra, 223 S. 33rd Street
Hagan Arena, 2450 N. 54th Street
Tom Gola Arena, 1900 W. Olney Avenue
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
Fall for Philly all over again...