Faces of Resilience at City Hall
Recognizing November as Restorative Justice Month, Creative Philadelphia’s Art In City Hall program, in partnership with Councilmember Jim Harrity, presents Faces of Resilience, an exhibition organized by the Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia. First presented at the Barnes Foundation in 2022, this new iteration features artwork by currently and formerly incarcerated artists from SCI Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men.
This display is complemented by contemporary masks and mixed-media printmaking created by emerging artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Guild and Rec Crew — paid apprenticeship programs for justice-impacted or formerly incarcerated young adults — exploring themes of identity and place. Overall, this presentation showcases the work of 46 artists, ages 18 to 80.
When: Monday, Nov. 17 – Jan. 23, 2026
Where: Room 116, Creative Philadelphia Art Gallery at City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
CBS Philadelphia Joy of Sharing Holiday Toy Drive
Partner with CBS Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Ensemble Arts to brighten the holidays for area children. Benefiting the Salvation Army and Mothers In Charge, visitors are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to donation boxes located at the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater.
When: Monday, Nov. 17 – Dec. 18
Where: The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St.
Magic Mart
Get a jump on holiday shopping at Magic Mart — a makers’ market in a magical space. Explore a beautiful selection of handmade items, including jewelry, art, ceramics, and more. Featured artists include Caroline Oddo, Chloe Tai, Skullduggery Studio, Yay Diff!, Salma Garcia-Nolasco, Aster Santiago, From Line to Line, Osso Ceramics, JFOX Jewelry, Lavish-Li Made, and others.
Guests can enjoy a glass of wine from Pray Tell Winery accompanied by lively background music throughout the event.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5–8 p.m.
Where: Magic Gardens Studio, 1002 Watkins St.
Gunna Comes to Philly
Rapper Gunna brings his Wun World Tour to Philadelphia, supporting his sixth studio album, The Last Wun, released in August. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #3 on the Billboard 200, maintaining six consecutive weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five weeks at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St.
Back to the Future: The Musical
Follow Marty McFly, a rock ‘n’ roll teenager accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. Marty must ensure his parents fall in love to preserve his existence before returning to 1985.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 18–30
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
Leon Thomas in Philadelphia
Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Thomas brings his MUTTS DON’T HEEL World Tour, supporting the deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed album MUTT, with a bold blend of psychedelic R&B, rock textures, soul, and boundary-pushing production. New collaborations include Kehlani, Big Sean, and Halle.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E Allen St.
Opera Philadelphia Presents Nathalie Joachim in Concert
Grammy-nominated performer and composer Nathalie Joachim, Opera Philadelphia’s Composer in Residence for the 2025-2026 Season, curates a concert featuring her own compositions and works that inspire her. She’ll perform selections from her opera-in-progress Le présent éternel and her album Fanm d’Ayiti, which celebrates her Haitian heritage and earned a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album. Tickets required.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Wanamaker Building, 1300 Market St.
Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance
Celebrate the holidays with Quintessence Theatre Company’s production of The Pirates of Penzance, a modern major comedic opera. Follow the story of a young pirate apprentice facing adulthood, surrounded by witty characters and ingenious paradoxes.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19 – Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Quintessence at Sedgwick Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave.
Holidays in Franklin Square
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. presents Holidays in Franklin Square featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. Enjoy hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to seasonal music, cozy fire pits with beverages, street curling, mini golf, and family events including Wicked Night, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa celebrations, and more.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Jan. 4, 2026, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Manayunk Tree Lighting Ceremony
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s largest tree lighting celebration returns! Join over 10,000 attendees from last year for live performances, festive music, glow giveaways, crafts, and photo ops with Santa. Enjoy activities including letters to Santa, ornament decorating, hot cocoa, North Pole Elves, and magical snow flurries.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Canal View Park, 4418 Main St.
Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature
Returning with over one million dazzling holiday lights, LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo features the debut of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel — an observation Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the lights and city skyline. This is the city’s most celebrated holiday light show.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2026
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.
Young Professionals Night: A Painter’s Secrets
Join #BarnesYP for an evening of art, music, and connection featuring emerging artists and tastemakers. Explore galleries, network with fellow art lovers, and enjoy dynamic cultural experiences.
When: Friday, Nov. 21 from 7–11 p.m.
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
NextFab’s Miracle on American Street
Celebrate the holidays at NextFab’s fifth annual Miracle on American Street holiday gift market. Shop unique, handmade gifts from over 80 local makers, enjoy live demonstrations, make-and-take activities, giveaways, and delicious food and drinks.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: NextFab, 1800 N. American St.
Circle of Trees
Families and neighbors are invited to the free annual Circle of Trees celebration featuring hot chocolate, cider, cookies, festive music, and goodie bags for children.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
Ana Gasteyer’s Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular
Ana Gasteyer, best known from Saturday Night Live, performs her festive album of seasonal favorites and originals, celebrated as a top holiday music release. She combines her comedic talent with accomplished singing and songwriting.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
The beloved Holiday Garden Railway returns with trains traveling more than a third of a mile of track set amidst twinkling lights and delightful sounds.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 – Dec. 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
The Snow Queen at The Wilma Theater
Directed by Co-Artistic Director Yury Urnov, this adaptation of Evgeny Schwartz’s play reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s classic as a political parable where love and loyalty challenge greed and control. It is the Wilma’s first-ever family production.
When: Through Sunday, Nov. 23
Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.
Wishing to Grow Up Brightly
This bold new musical, inspired by Amanda Morton’s real story, explores loss, identity, and belonging through her journey after her father’s death as she uncovers preserved memories created by a tech company. A surreal and intimate exploration of finding home.
When: Through Sunday, Nov. 23
Where: Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb St., Norristown, PA 19401
WE ARE ALL FADING at Morton Contemporary
Former NBA player Neil Anthony Edwards transitions from basketball to art, creating luminous, large-scale portraits exploring identity, fashion, and the passage of time. His exhibition meditates on memory and legacy with striking, vibrant works.
When: Through Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Morton Contemporary Art Gallery, 115 S. 13th St.
20th Annual Juried Art Exhibition
The largest LGBTQ+ art exhibition in the Philadelphia region features 46 emerging and established artists displaying a variety of styles and mediums. Profits support local artists and the Center’s cultural programs. This year marks the exhibition’s 20th anniversary.
When: Through Thursday, Dec. 11
Where: William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The Mountaintop at Arden Theatre Company
A reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night, this 90-minute play reveals the man behind the iconic figure through his encounter with a mysterious maid at the Lorraine Motel. Powerful and intimate storytelling.
When: Through Sunday, Dec. 14
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
Clay as Care at The Clay Studio
This exhibition investigates the connection between ceramic art and health, showcasing artists who address healing, rest, and resilience. The project includes supporting scientific research, publications, and public programs.
When: Through Wednesday, Dec. 31
Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American St.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
The largest outdoor holiday market celebrating local vendors and locally made products returns to Dilworth Park. Explore 40+ vendors offering fashion, décor, home goods, candles, jewelry, foodie gifts, and more amidst twinkling lights and festive decorations.
When: Through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Stories My Father Told Me at Al-Bustan
Helen Zughaib’s solo exhibition of 25 paintings evokes the stories her father shared growing up in Lebanon. The works explore storytelling’s power to bridge generations and preserve identity, inviting viewers to reflect on their own narratives.
When: Through Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
Where: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Gallery, 310 W. Master St.
To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775 – 1958
This exhibition at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania traces the evolution of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the American Revolution to the early Cold War. The show highlights Philadelphia’s significant role and diverse stories from sailors and workers.
When: Through Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Enjoy Philadelphia’s premier winter skating destination, open seven days a week. Reservations are encouraged for 90-minute sessions. Visit centercityphila.org for scheduling and tickets.
When: Through Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets at the Barnes
This landmark exhibition features 18 paintings by self-taught artist Henri Rousseau, bringing together the Barnes Foundation’s world-largest Rousseau collection and the Musée de l’Orangerie’s works from Paris. Some paintings reunite after more than 100 years, offering a unique viewing experience.
When: Through Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin at Dilworth Park
The cabin is reimagined with a full bar, banquet seating, and winter-inspired décor. The new menu includes comfort dishes like tomato soup and grilled cheese, jumbo pretzel charcuterie, and chicken & waffle nachos. Craft cocktails feature Basil Hayden® bourbon, along with beer, wine, and canned vodka seltzers.
When: Through Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade at Brandywine Museum
This first solo museum exhibition surveys Baltimore artist Jerrell Gibbs’s first decade, featuring 30 large-scale figurative paintings depicting Black life with themes of identity, reflection, and belonging. The show includes works from both museum and private collections internationally.
When: Through Sunday, March 1
Where: Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Wintergarden on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn
An open-air oasis adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights, illuminated sculptures, and seasonal foliage. Adults 21+ can enjoy warm mulled wine available at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk.
When: Through Sunday, March 15, 2026
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia presents a cultural milestone showcasing nearly 80 original costumes from films that have shaped global culture, including Black Panther, Selma, and more. Celebrating the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, this exhibition honors art, identity, and imagination.
When: Through Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
