Looking for something holiday related to do around the Haverford/Philadelphia area this season? The Fordian brings you the top 11 local holiday activities this year.

1. Christmas Village and the Holidays at City Hall
   1. At the heart of Center City, the Christmas Village is perhaps the most popular holiday-related activity in all of Philadelphia. From year to year, various pop-up Christmas shops and vendors create a winter wonderland around Dilworth Park. Along with the shops, great food and ice skating is also available. The holiday season in Philadelphia is not the same without this famous event. The village runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve and is located at 1500 Arch Street in Philadelphia. 
2. Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City
   1. If you looking for a classic way to bask in the holiday spirit, the Christmas Light Show at the Macy’s in Center City is the perfect fit. Free performances, great food, and incredible decorations fill the entire room as thousands of people from around the surrounding neighborhoods come to experience this Philadelphia classic. Performances take place from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve and show times are 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. While you are there, the Dickens Village on Macy’s third floor is also a great site to visit. 
3. Neighborhood Lights in South Philadelphia
   1. If the lights on the streets of Havertown are just not enough for you, consider visiting South Philadelphia for a spectacular light show. Titled “Miracle on South 13th Street,” this block will definitely not disappoint.
4. Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
   1. If you’re looking for something you probably haven’t done before, look no further than the aquarium! Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey is home to the world’s largest underwater Christmas tree. Come and check out this amazing spectacle. The event runs from December 2 to December 30. 
5. Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
   1. The beautiful waterfront at the Blue Cross RiverRink serves as the perfect landscape for their annual lighting of a Christmas tree and lights. Along with the lighting, bonfires, live performances, and great food are offered. If you are looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve, there is also a spectacular fireworks show on the river on December 31. 
6. Holidays at the Philadelphia Art Museum
   1. The Philadelphia Art Museum is home to more than just one Christmas activity this season. From DIY card making to live Friday night performances, there is something for everyone.
7. Menorah Lighting in Rittenhouse Square
   1. The annual festival of lights in Rittenhouse Square celebrates the start of Hanukkah by lighting a large menorah in the middle of the park. Set for December 17th at 5 pm, all are welcome to celebrate in prayer, song, and feast! There are also many other Hanukkah events throughout the city including Latkepalozza as well as many other lighting ceremonies. 
8. Parade of Lights at Penn’s Landing
   1. If you’re looking for that perfect holiday-themed Instagram post, look no further than the beautiful Parade of Lights at Penn’s Landing. Huge boats covered in festive holiday lights and do-it-yourself gingerbread boat making round out the night!
9. Illuminating Liberty at the Museum of the American Revolution
   1. Who doesn’t love a little history lesson along with their holiday night out? Illuminating Liberty at the Museum of the American Revolution features colorful illuminations based on those by eminent Revolutionary-era Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale fill the museum’s sidewalk-level windows.
10. Being __________ at Christmas at the National Museum of American Jewish History
    1. If you are someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, the National Museum of American Jewish History is open all day to families of all (not just Jewish) backgrounds for fun storytelling, crafts, and food!
11. The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
    1. Enjoy the Holiday Garden Railway all lit up and decorated for the entire season. On select Friday evenings, the arboretum is decked out in white lights and covered in beautiful winter greens, replicating the beautiful city of Philadelphia in a fun way!