What’s Open on Christmas Day in Philly?

Whether you celebrate or not, here’s what’s happening around Philly on December 25th.

open on christmas day philadelphia weitzman museum

“Being _____ at Christmas” event at the Weitzman / Photograph by Mario Manzoni

Whether you need something to do after the presents are opened or you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s hard to find something to do on December 25th. Movies and Chinese food will always be there for you (never a bad option, especially with the Foobooz Chinatown guide), but if you want a change of pace this year, we’ve got you covered. So clean up that wrapping paper some other time: Here’s what’s open on Christmas in Philly.

“Being ___ at Christmas” at the Weitzman

After years of pandemic hiatus, this annual celebration is back in person! The Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History is open on Christmas Day and goes all out with family-friendly performances and activities. Kids can do make-and-take crafts, and then head to the fifth floor for high-energy musical performances and workshops. There’ll be kids’ music with Lolly Hopwood, a Chinese lion dance demonstration by the Philadelphia Suns, a drumming workshop led by Joseph Tayoun, and hip-hop dance workshop by Movemakers Philly. If the little ones need a break, head to the sensory-friendly play zone, which has a foam floor, Legos, blocks and puzzles. Kids’ activities last from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. But the entire museum will be open until 5 p.m., so you can also use this day as an opportunity to visit.
$10-$15 in advance, $20 at the door, free for museum members; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East.

Go Birds!

The Eagles play on Christmas Day! / Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Oh, that’s right: The Eagles play on Christmas Day. In Philly, no less! They’ll be taking on the Giants at the Linc at 4:30 p.m.

And if Santa doesn’t leave you Birds tickets under the tree, Live! Casino will be open and showing the game. Might we suggest Sports & Social, with a massive 52-foot screen (and 24 additional TVs)? The sports bar will be giving away swag (think foam fingers and rally towels), photo ops with an Eagles-themed locker room display, a halftime wing-eating contest, face-painting and more fun.

Adventure Aquarium

open on Christmas

Yes, the aquarium is open on Christmas! / Photograph via Visit Philly

Stop by to wish all the sea life a merry “Fishmas.” The aquarium has reduced hours on December 25th, so plan to be out of there by 3 p.m.
$25-$35; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 1 Riverside Drive, Camden.

Museum of Illusions

open on christmas

The Museum of Illusions is open on Christmas Day / Photograph courtesy of Museum of Illusions Philadelphia

Head to Old City for some mind-bending fun (and selfies). They’ve even decorated their Infinity Room with a “winter light spectacle” for some extra holiday cheer.
$20-$25 (free for kids age four and under); 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 401 Market Street.

 Skating

Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink/ Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Both the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing and Rothman Rink at Dilworth Park are open on Christmas Day. While the hours are shortened (check their websites), there’s plenty of time for afternoon skating that (hopefully) won’t be too crowded. Both spots are also highly photogenic and have cozy après-skate cabins with warm drinks and comfort food, too. So stick around and make some memories.

Holiday Lights

holidays christmas lights philadelphia

A stretch of lighted rowhouses on the 1700 block of South 13th Street is affectionately known as the “Miracle on 13th Street.” / Photograph by K.Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

While lots of holiday attractions are closed, others stay merry and bright on Christmas. Open-air wagon rides and other attractions aren’t running at Shady Brook Farm, but if you want to drive through the two-mile stretch of light displays in Yardley, tickets are available for Christmas. Or head to an elaborately decorated stretch of the city like Smedley Street or Miracle on South 13th Street — if you haven’t seen it yet, December 25th is as good a day as any.

Longwood Gardens

See the gardens lit up, or catch the festive displays and stroll the gorgeous grounds during the day. Get tickets in advance, because Longwood’s holiday experience sells out every year.
$16-$30; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.