Weekend Phillyfun Picks: Nov. 29th – Dec. 1st

Now that we’ve eaten the turkey and pies, the Christmas season is officially here! Time to enjoy all the fun festive events that Philadelphia has to offer for families this time of year. Enjoy this holiday weekend with your little ones creating new family traditions and celebrating the season in Philly!

Blue Cross River Rink’s Opening Day
Friday November 29th
Blue Cross River Rink
Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

It’s opening day of Blue Cross River Rink this Friday November 29th and to celebrate there is plenty of fun for the whole family. Enjoy live performances by Midnight Red at 11:30am and Zendaya at 1:30pm. The Blue Cross River Rink is transformed into Waterfront Winterfest with ice skating; food and beverages at the pop-up restaurant, The Lodge; holiday shopping at the holiday market, a light show and so much more. Admission $3, skate rental $10.

Thanksgiving Weekend 
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the National Constitution Center all weekend long by learning about the origins and evolution of Thanksgiving and the role of the presidents in shaping the traditions around this national holiday. Plus, families can participate in a costume runway show, make dolls made of corn husks and play traditional games from the 18th century. $8-$14.50. Free for ages 3 and under.

Photos with Anya the Reindeer
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd.
Norristown, PA

Bring the kiddos out to the Elmwood Park Zoo this weekend to meet Anya the Reindeer in training. Kids can meet Anya and get their photo taken too. $5.

A Very Furry Christmas 
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne PA

Sesame Place is transformed into a magical wonderland at the seasonal A Very Furry Christmas running Friday Nov. 29th through Sunday December 1st from 1-8pm. This one-of-a-kind family holiday experience is guaranteed to get you and your kids in the holiday spirit with dazzling light displays, holiday themed parades and shows and of course all your favorite furry characters, too. Plus kids get to visit with Santa too! Tickets $24.99. (Buy online to save $3 and get a free 2nd Day visit!)

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
Comcast Center
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd. 
Philadelphia, PA

The 2013 Comcast Holiday Spectacular debuts this weekend with its 15 minute LED display projection on the Comcast Experience video wall featuring holiday scenes set to the accompaniment of a 64 piece orchestra. Shows begin every hour at the top of the hour (except weekdays at 5pm). Free.

Opening Weekend of Christmas Village 
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
Love Park (JFK Plaza)
1500 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the opening weekend of Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s Love Park this season. Christmas Village, the authentic German Christmas Market, runs now through January 1st and features unique shopping with over 60 wooden booths selling traditional European food, sweets and drinks and international vendors. Free.

Ice Skating at the Piazza 
Saturday Nov. 30th – Sunday Dec. 1st
11am – 11pm
The Piazza at Schmidt’s
1001 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA

The new Pop-Up Skating Rink in Philly at the Piazza at Schmidt’s opens for its soft opening this Saturday November 30th and Sunday December 1st running from 11am – 11pm. $5 per adult, $3 per child, $1 skate rental.

Nativity Festival 
Friday Nov. 29th
Glencairn Museum
1001 Cathedral Road
Bryn Athyn, PA

The Nativity Festival opens Friday November 29th at the beautiful Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn and features a Follow the Star: World Nativities exhibition as well as a 45 minute holiday tour, Christmas in the Castle. Free.

Holiday Garden Railway
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
Morris Arboretum
100 E. Norristown Ave
Philadelphia, PA

The Holiday Garden Railway continues at Morris Arboretum this Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st from 10am – 4pm. See the Holiday Garden Railway decked out in its wintery finest and enjoy wonder of the winter gardens. Free with admission. $16/adults, $7 children 3-17, children 3 and under free.

Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle 
Friday Nov. 29th – Sunday Dec. 1st
4-8pm
Franklin Square
6th & Race Streets
Philadelphia, PA

Check out the newest holiday light show in Philly – the Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square this weekend Friday November 29th through Sunday December 1st. This new tradition is inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s imagination and will delight kids of all ages with over 50,000 dazzling lights on display with shows every half hour from 4:30-8pm. The new Electrical Spectacle is sure to be a new family tradition this holiday! Free.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings 
Sunday December 1st
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road & Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings this including Sunday December 1st between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Hooray For Hanukkah
Sunday December 1st
12pm
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ

Celebrate Hanukkah at the Garden State Discovery Museum this Sunday December 1st starting at 12pm with Hanukkah stories, hands-on Hanukkah crafts, holiday snacks and more. And at 3pm wrap-up the day with a lively interactive concert with Cantor Scott Borsky. $10.95

18th Annual Peace Around the World: Passport to Cultures 
Sunday Dec. 1st
1-4pm
Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

The 18th Annual Peace Around the World holiday celebration takes place at the Penn Museum this Sunday December 1st from 1-4pm. Bring the whole family out for this FREE holiday event where guests receive a “Passport to Cultures” featuring special “Itineraries” to visit Brazilian, Cameroonian, Indian, Kenyan and Pakistani cultures and more. The celebration also features dance, storytelling, sari-wrapping, yoga sessions, Middle Eastern drumming workshops, facepainting, balloon art, kids crafts promoting peace and unity and free treats for children, too. Free.

Chanukah Extravaganza
Sunday Dec. 1st
4pm
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 West Germantown Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA  

Come out for this Chanukah Extravaganza celebration at the Plymouth Meeting Mall this Sunday December 1st at 4pm featuring a show by family entertainer, Sideshow Dave, performing his stunts and juggling act followed by the lighting of a giant Menorah built from cans of food to be donated to local food pantries. Bring canned goods to contribute and help make the Menorah. Plus enjoy Chanukah crafts, activities, music, latkes, and donuts. Free.