By Molly Given
Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Young Professionals Night at The Barnes
The Barnes Foundation’s recurring series is returning this Friday with the theme: A Painter’s Secrets. The evening will explore the “lush, hypnotic world” of Henri Rousseau’s showcase of the same name, which happens to be the venue’s newest exhibit. The evening will feature music by DJ Jewelessa and DJ Yolo Ono, a pop-up polaroid photo booth, a film screening of short films by Kristal Sotomayor, a scavenger hunt in the Barnes collection, cocktails, bites, and access to Rosseau’s modern art.
To embrace his artistic style, attendees are asked to stick with the theme of jewels and jewel tones. The Barnes is once again partnering with The Wardrobe for the event, so guests are invited to bring any new or gently used clothing they’d like to donate as well. Tickets ($35 for GA, $18 for members and students, free for Contemporaries) are available online.
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, barnesfoundation.org
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual light show is back in 2025, with an opening date set for Thursday, Nov. 20. This dazzling showcase features over a million holiday lights sprinkled throughout the venue, with different themed activations, food and drink options, plus new additions taking over the line-up for this year.
Fresh updates include a spot to snap pics with Kris Kringle (dubbed Santa’s Lodge), a massive, 110-foot “Pherris Wheel”, and individual igloos available to rent for your family. As for the light fixtures, highlights include “The Penguin Prismatic Show”, which features a 40-foot-tall penguin glimmering to different winter tunes; “Beary Sweet”, where you can walk through a world of gummy bears and candy; and “Flutter Flair”, which dazzles guests with thousands of illuminated butterflies.
LumiNature will be on-site at the venue through Jan. 3, 2026. Timed entrance tickets are available every half hour from 5 to 8 p.m., with the experience closing at 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the visit date.
3400 W Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
Museum of the American Revolution’s Tavern Night
The Museum will also host its first spirited Tavern Night this weekend on Friday, Nov. 21. From 5:15 to 8:30 p.m, the evening will feature a cocktail reception, full access to ‘The Declaration’s Journey’ exhibit, and live talks with Dan Wheeler, owner of the Revolutionary-era bar, A Man Full of Trouble, and historian Dr. Brooke Barbier, who also authored the book ‘King Hancock’ and co-founded Ye Olde Tavern Tours.
Tickets for the 21+ Tavern Night run for $35 for general admission and $30 for Museum members, and can be purchased online. All tickets include the themed happy hour with light refreshments prior to the program and the special exhibition access.
101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
I Saw Santa at The Bakery
The Bakery’s second-annual “I Saw Santa at The Bakery” will be in full swing this Sunday, Nov. 23. This free event will feature activities both inside the venue and outside through a block party on 3rd Street between Wolf and Durfor streets. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., locals can find Christmas cookies, ornament making and professional photos with Santa Claus (all-ages and pet-friendly).
The event is also a great way to check out The Bakery’s holiday menu, which spans a S’mores Latte (mocha milk, espresso, toasted marshmallow cold foam, burnt marshmallow and a graham cracker stick), Frosty Candy Cane Mocha Latte (peppermint, mocha milk, espresso and frosty fluff); Grinch Matcha (sugar cookie milk, ceremonial matcha, vanilla cold foam and heart jimmies); and Dirty Eggnog.
2300 S. Third St., @thebakery.phl
Woodmere Art Museum’s Circle of Trees
Taking place Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m., this festive evening in Chestnut Hill will feature treats (think cider, hot chocolate and cookies), goodie bags for kids and an appearance from Santa Claus, who will ride in on an antique fire truck.
The main pull of the event, the lighting of the Woodmere Art Museum and surrounding trees, will top off the evening. Families in attendance are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or a new, gently used book to donate to a school-aged child.
201 Germantown Ave., chestnuthill.org