1. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Shown on one of the world's highest resolution LED displays, the 15-minute show features Olympic-caliber ice skaters. Walnut Street Theatre performers and the music of a 64-piece orchestra. Downstairs, grab a bite at the food court, featuring Di Bruno Bros. and others.
November 27-January 1. visitphilly.com
2. A Longwood Christmas
Oooh and ahh over the brilliant display at Longwood Gardens, where hundreds of thousands of lights create a magical, twinkling wonderland indoors and out.
November 27-January 11. longwoodgardens.org
3. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™
If it just isn't the holidays without the dancing snowflakes, sword-fighting mice, princesses in tutus and an enormous tree that grows and grows, then you'll want a prime seat for the Pennsylvania Ballet's classic production—a Philadelphia tradition that's 46 years strong.
December 6-31. paballet.org
4. Franklin Square Holiday Festival featuring the Electrical Spectacle
More lights, new music, food trucks, and a cozy beer garden make the holidays sparkle at this new Philadelphia favorite.
Through December 31. historicphiladelphia.org
5. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Round up your friends for an evening of cozying around the fire pits, noshing on Jose Garces' cuisine or trying your best ice moves at this riverside wonderland—complete with a new light show and a mini forest along the Delaware River.
Through March 5. waterfrontwinterfest.com,
riverrink.com
6. Italian Market Shopping
Join the locals who pack the nation's oldest outdoor market to stock up on fresh produce, exotic cheeses, tasty pastries and other goodies to serve their hungry holiday guests.
italianmarketphilly.org
7. Rothman Institute Ice Rink
Lace up your skates and start a new holiday tradition at Dilworth Park, a recently transformed gathering spot that offers a stunning rink-side view of City Hall.
Through February 22. ccdparks.org
8. Sugarhouse Casino New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront
What's better than one fireworks extravaganza? Two of them, taking place at 6:00pm and midnight and lighting up the sky above the Delaware River waterfront.
December 31. delawareriverwaterfront.com
9. Mummers Parade & Fancy Brigade Finale
A new parade route for the Mummers, plus two Fancy Brigade Finale shows at the Pennsylvania Convention Center add up to the best way to start the new year. Strutting is optional.
January 1. phillymummers.com,
fancybrigade.com
To ensure you don't miss a minute of the festivities, book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, complete with free hotel parking at visitphilly.com/hotels.
Content provided by Visit Philadelphia.