By Molly Given
Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The Original BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley
If you ever wanted to tour the city and check out charming neighborhood lights while sipping on some spirits, this trolley tour is the pick for you. While on the Jolly Trolley, the roving vehicle will be decked out with holiday decorations while making stops at the city’s most popular holiday light displays, including Christmas Village, Miracle on South 13th Street, the Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle, Winter at Dilworth Park and Winterfest along the Delaware River Waterfront.
Plus, the Lights Tour will once again feature live local musicians performing festive sets on board (the schedule will rotate.) This year, guests are also invited to bring a holiday ornament marked with their Instagram handle. Each week, one ornament will be selected, and its creator will win special prizes throughout the season, a release notes. The light tour will kick off Nov. 28 and run on select dates through Dec. 30. Tickets cost $60+ and are available online.
‘This Is The Week That Is’
It’s been two decades since 1812 Productions debuted its beloved political humor show, ‘This Is The Week That Is.’ Back again in 2025 with an opening night set for Nov. 28, this year is extra special for the group, with the show’s run honoring its 20th anniversary.
The production always aims to be a celebration of satire, song, and civic spirit, with current events acting as the centerpiece to it all. ‘This Is The Week That Is’ takes whatever has happened in politics that week and turns it into comedic sketches, character bits, songs, and rapid-fire commentary. The production also utilizes costumes, big musical arrangements, staging tricks, and audience interaction to drive home its point.
Shows in 2025 will all hold the theme of “moviestar glamour” — which 1812 says is the “perfect way to celebrate the milestone anniversary of this Philadelphia tradition.” Tickets ($39-$60) are available online.
1714 Delancey Place, 1812productions.org
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual light show is back in 2025 and 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 envelopes guests into the world of 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
Assembly Rooftop Lounge’s new menu
When the temperature drops, Assembly kicks the heat up when it comes to bites and sips, and this sky-high locale has just debuted its winter menu. The seasonal offerings span Raclette & Gruyère Fondue ($17) served with toasted sourdough and honeycrisp apples; Mushroom Toast ($16); an Alpine Burger ($20) fashioned with house-ground beef, caramelized onions, Alpine cheese, pickles and garlic aioli served on a brioche bun; and a series of flatbreads.
Drinks and dessert-wise, the former features picks like the Autumn Affair ($18) crafted with Rittenhouse Rye, pumpkin, lemon, brown sugar, vanilla, and Fee Foam, and the Golden Hour Toddy ($16) with Jim Beam Black, chai tea, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, among other sippers. The latter feature indulgences like Dark Chocolate Fondue ($15) and Caramel Beignets ($14). Reservations are currently available online.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, assemblyrooftop.com
Holiday Artisan Market at Grounds For Sculpture
There’s a fun and artistic way to shop till you drop this weekend. As a release notes, on Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, guests can explore a curated indoor marketplace showcasing more than 50 artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art, skincare, gourmet treats, and more. Between browsing, visitors can enjoy food and drink offerings by Constellation Culinary Group in the Auditorium.
While at the venue, locals can also stroll through 42 acres of art-filled gardens, visit the indoor galleries, or head to Rat’s Restaurant for lunch or dinner.
The Market (free with admission) will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (members get an extra hour beginning at 9 a.m.), more information can be found online.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, groundsforsculpture.org