What’s Open on Christmas Day in Philly?
Whether you celebrate or not, here’s what’s happening around Philly on December 25th.
“Being _____ at Christmas” event at the Weitzman / Photograph by Mario Manzoni
Whether you need something to do after the presents are opened or you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s hard to find something to do on December 25th. Movies and Chinese food (or these festive meals) will always be there for you, but if you want a change of pace this year, we’ve got you covered. So clean up that wrapping paper some other time: Here’s what’s open on Christmas in Philly.
“Being ___ at Christmas” at the Weitzman
The Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History is open on Christmas Day and goes all out with family-friendly performances and activities. Kids can do make-and-take crafts, enjoy high-energy musical performances and workshops, watch movies (Shrek and Frozen), go on a museum scavenger hunt, and much more. On the concourse, there’ll be kids’ music with Lolly Hopwood and a drumming workshop led by Joseph Tayoun. If the little ones need a break, head to the sensory-friendly play zone, which has a foam floor, blocks and puzzles.
$15-$20 in advance, $25 at the door, free for museum members; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East.
Adventure Aquarium
Yes, the aquarium is open on Christmas! / Photograph via Visit Philly
Stop by to wish all the sea life a merry “Fishmas.” The aquarium has reduced hours on December 25th, so plan to be out of there by 3 p.m.
$25-$48; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 1 Riverside Drive, Camden.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is open on Christmas Day / Photograph courtesy of Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
Head to Old City for some mind-bending fun (and selfies) at the Museum of Illusions. It’s open till 5 on Christmas Day.
$20-$25 (free for kids age four and under); 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 401 Market Street.
Skating
Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink/ Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Both the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing and Rothman Rink at Dilworth Park are open on Christmas Day. While the hours are shortened (check their websites), there’s plenty of time for afternoon skating that (hopefully) won’t be too crowded. Both spots are also highly photogenic and have cozy après-skate cabins with warm drinks and comfort food, too. So stick around and make some memories.
Holiday Lights
A stretch of lighted rowhouses on the 1700 block of South 13th Street is affectionately known as the “Miracle on 13th Street.” / Photograph by K.Kelly for Visit Philadelphia
While lots of holiday attractions are closed, others stay merry and bright on Christmas. Open-air wagon rides and other attractions aren’t running at Shady Brook Farm, but if you want to drive through the two-mile stretch of light displays in Yardley, tickets are available for Christmas. Or head to an elaborately decorated stretch of the city like Smedley Street or Miracle on South 13th Street — if you haven’t seen it yet, December 25th is as good a day as any.
Longwood Gardens
See the gardens lit up, or catch the festive displays and stroll the gorgeous grounds during the day. Get tickets in advance, because Longwood’s holiday experience sells out every year.
$23-$42; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.
