Fun things to do in Philly over Thanksgiving weekend

Looking for some fun things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered. 

Tinseltown

Tinseltown is back in 2023, but this time at FDR Park with some new activations like the ice trail, where guests can glide through a “breathtaking display of lights”, aka, go ice skating through a 13,000-square-foot trail of lit-up winter-themed decorations. The team at Tinseltown has also brought back all the favorite attractions of previous years, like the ice slide, the light-up dance floor, Union Forge Tinsel Lodge, Reading Room with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, Gritty appearances and much more. 

As a release states, as guests stroll the brand-new layout of this illuminated wonderland in the park, they will find larger-than-life sculptures, including a 60-foot light tunnel, glowing baubles, and even Santa’s sleigh. Tinseltown will also showcase some of Philadelphia’s most beloved landmarks and personalities in lights, and along the way you’ll find a massive, walk-through Liberty Bell, illuminations representing Philly sports teams, and a few more holiday-inspired jawns.

1900 Pattison Ave., tinseltownholiday.com

Christmas Village

Now in its 16th year, there will be over 120 vendors selling their crafts from around the world.

New on the docket this year are later hours for the venue—through 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and through 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. But Christmas Village still includes plenty of old favorites: A delicious variety of vendors (including the return of the Raclette cheese sandwiches and traditional German food like Käsespätzle), an assortment of shopping opportunities, the double-decker carousel and a variety of special activations that will happen weekly.

Between Christmas Village, and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market across the street, shoppers this season in Philadelphia will have quite the pick to sift through with one-of-a-kind ornaments, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, home goods, artwork, sweets, and more being offered.

1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, philachristmas.com

‘Black Founders’ exhibit at the MoAR

It’s the final weekend for the MoAR’s exhibit, so if you haven’t yet gotten the chance to see it for yourself, this is the perfect opportunity. As a release states, throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy immersive exhibits and activities for the whole family. Plus, Philadelphians can also share a note of gratitude on the Musuem’s “Wall of Thanks” in the rotunda.

‘Black Founders’ features over 100 different artifacts meant to tell the story of free Black Philadelphian James Forten from the Revolutionary era through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Forten family played roles in the Revolutionary War, business in Philadelphia, and the abolitionist movement from 1776 to 1876, and Philadelphians will get to see just how far their reach went through the showcase. 

101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org

Academy of Natural Sciences Exhibit

Opening now for the winter season, ‘Life Onto Land: The Devonian’, centers around the Devonian Period to showcase what the “crucial period of the Earth’s evolution” was like—more than 350 million years ago. The exhibit, which is made up of animation, giant murals and models, CT scans, rare fossils, specimens, and maps sharing key elements and discoveries of the Devonian will also feature a centerpiece: ‘Tiktaalik Roseae’. 

As a release states, known as one of the most “important paleontological discoveries of recent decades” (and it was made by the Academy’s own research team in collaboration with colleagues from The University of Chicago and Harvard University), ‘Tiktaalik’ will return to Philadelphia for the exhibition, and visitors will be able to see discovery for themselves up close. 

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., ansp.org