Thanksgiving is only a few days away and cities all over are starting the decorating process for winter holidays. Starbucks has their holiday cups out, Santa is appearing at malls all across the country and fall is slowly turning to winter as the ads are appearing for holiday tours and Christmas parades. In the Philadelphia region, there is no shortage of ideas on how to get in the spirit. Below, we look at four of the top holiday activities around Philadelphia.

Longwood Gardens

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I’m starting with Longwood Gardens as my favorite holiday activity. When I first started dating my husband, I told him I had never been here and now, here we are six years later and members. Nothing truly kicks off the holiday season for me until a trip here. Another reason this is my favorite is because this is where A proposed to me. On our first trip I mentioned a spot that I absolutely loved and he stored that little note away for a few years later.

Longwood Garden’s “A Longwood Christmas” is a tradition not to be missed. You will be amazed as you walk through the gardens lit with over 500,000 lights. As the lights are best enjoyed after the sun goes down, don’t be afraid to pop into Exhibition Hall in the main Conservatory to see even more trees, see the organ, or even a live performance. Once you are warmed up, head back outside to the fountain and be mesmerized by the music show.

Located in Kennett Square, 30 miles south of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is open year round, and there is really no wrong time to visit.

Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village is another holiday activity located outside of Philadelphia in Lahaska, Pa. Even though there are not as many lights as Longwood Gardens, Peddler’s Village is a great place to walk around with hot chocolate in hand. You can visit with Santa, enter a gingerbread house competition or enjoy a murder mystery dinner.

If you prefer warmer weather, Peddler’s Village is another activity that can be enjoyed year round.

Christmas in the City

Now it’s time to turn our attention to Center City, Philadelphia, home to one of my favorite traditions growing up. Nothing says Christmas in Philadelphia more than seeing the light show at Macy’s with the Wanamaker Organ. This has been a Philadelphia holiday activity since 1956, and it’s not to be missed!

If you are looking to take your activities outdoors, make sure you visit Christmas Village, located at Love Park. With over 80 vendors, you will be sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. If shopping is not your thing, new for 2019 is a ferris wheel. Take to the ride and enjoy the views of the city. Additionally, if you are up for it, go ice skating!

One final Philadelphia holiday activity is The Miracle on South 13th Street. Located on the 1600 block of South 13th Street between Morris and Tasker Streets, there is no definitive history on how this tradition got started. However, t his one block is home to more decorations than you see in most neighborhoods.

Walking Tours

Venturing across the bridge to South Jersey, you will find many towns offer walking or candlelight tours of historic homes. Two (semi) local favorite tours include Haddonfield and Cape May. If you venture to Cape May, enjoy a trolley ride featuring a guide giving you all the details while you sit back a relax!

While these are just a few favorite holiday activities in the region, there are so many more that I will feature next year. Two activities that will be discussed are Krozier’s and Christmas in Hersey, both of which I am hoping to experience one year. What are your favorite holiday activities in the Philadelphia region?