By Molly Given

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

Holiday Tea at Carpenters’ Hall

Dolley Madison will be hosting one more session of her Holiday Tea at Carpenters’ Hall this season. Tea-time this weekend is set for Dec 21 (3:30 to 5 p.m.) and will feature an assortment of tea, sweets, and savory treats by The Hart of Catering. Highlights span cranberry-orange scones, crudite in truffled cream cheese, egg salad tea sandwiches, potato pancakes with apple creme fraiche, and four mini desserts.

As a release notes, the event will also feature hot cocoa made with American Heritage Chocolate, an authentic historic recipe from the 18th century. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available. Tickets come out to be $85 per person.

320 Chestnut St., carpentershall.org

LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo

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

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market (open daily now through Jan. 1, sans Christmas Day) is set up at Dilworth Park to showcase dozens of local vendors from the Philadelphia region. The decorated stalls sell everything from home goods to jewelry to skincare to artwork to artisan treats and everything in between.

While at Dilworth, locals can also suit up for the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin (admission is $7 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults, skate rentals run for $10  per person), or, at the southern end of Dilworth Park, the Wintergarden on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn has been transformed into “an open-air oasis featuring hundreds of twinkling and colored lights, illuminated overhead sculptures and seasonal foliage.” A Chaddsford Winery kiosk will also be housed in the space to sell warm mulled wine.

1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org

Craftsman Row Saloon

Craftsman Row Saloon has pulled out all the stops for the holidays once again with this year’s theme dubbed Miracle on 8th Street. Specialty cocktails include the Peppermint-Ini (vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint, cream and a candy cane), the Fireside Chat (Screwball, marshmallow simple, cream and cinnamon sugar), the Gingerbread Man Whiskey Sour (whiskey, amaretto and gingerbread syrup in a keepsake gingerbread cup) and many more spirited options.

Food-wise, locals can find bites like the white Christmas pizza-calzone mashup, candy cane caprese, buffalo chicken seasonal wreath, Christmas dinner burger, shepherd’s sleigh pie, their signature over-the-top milkshakes and more.  

112 S 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com

Winterfest at the Delaware River Waterfront

Open seven days a week, including holidays (unless otherwise noted), Winterfest admission is free with pay-as-you-go amenities. Some favorites returning to the venue this year include a Ferris wheel, an indoor arcade, and a giant holiday tree. Skating tickets, cabins, firepits, and Rinkside Lounge packages are also available to reserve for any holiday party or festive gathering.

The rinkside Lodge at Winterfest will keep guests satisfied with options like hot chocolate, spirited cocktails, and local brews. Otherwise, on-site food and beverage partners include Chickie’s & Pete’s, Skelly’s Amusements, Skelly’s Pizza Port, Philly Taco, and—new this year—Philadelphia’s historic spirits supplier, Jacquin’s, which will take over the outdoor Porch Bar with a lineup of winter-themed cocktails from their brands. Overall, the menu throughout the venue will feature bites like Crabfries, birria tacos, pizza, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and more.

101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., delawareriverwaterfront.com