1. Christmas Tree Lighting in Rittenhouse: Mark your calendar to watch Philly’s version of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting (minus the celeb sightings). This year’s lighting—of the largest Christmas tree in Philadelphia—takes place on December 1 at 5 p.m. in Rittenhouse Square.

  1. Go West! Craft Fest: Dying to check out the Rotunda, but unsure when they hold concerts? Here’s your chance: this craft fest takes place Sunday, December 14, featuring Philly arts–and–craftsters. For stragglers stuck until the end of finals, it will be a great break from too many hours spent in Van Prison.

  1. Christmas Village at Love Park: This traditional German Christmas Market transforms Love Park from Thanksgiving until the last Sunday in December, bringing the famed Christmas markets of Europe to Philly. You’ll find more than 60 booths selling ornaments, arts and crafts, food and unique gifts from all over the world. Hint: this is your chance to actually get your mom a present this year. Check it out here.

  1. Brauhaus Schmitz: Keep the German theme going at this South Street Beer Hall and indulge in a traditional German Christmas dinner one night before December 21. Grab a party of eight, make a reservation at least 2 days in advance, and splurge—on a ten–pound roasted goose and mulled wine, that is. $60 per person. Call (267) 909-8814. Check it out here.

  1. Franklin Square Holiday Festival: Inspired by our founder’s Penn-chant for electricity, this Center City light festival boasts more than 50,000 lights and has a lightshow every 30 minutes, every evening through December 31. Stay for the beer garden, craft market and on Fridays, a selection of local food trucks. Check it out here.

  1. Franklin Flea Holiday Market: This 50–vendor flea market at 8th and Market streets (right next to the brand new Century 21) takes place every Saturday through December 20 in the historic Strawbridges building. As an added bonus, listen to live or DJ music while you hunt for artisan goods and vintage steals. Check it out here.

  1. Chocolate: The Exhibition: Learn about chocolate’s history and role in cultures around the world at this sweet exhibit, at Drexel’s Academy of the Natural Sciences through January. Especially enticing: go for the “hot chocolate bars,” available November 28-30 and December 27-30. Check it out here.

  1. Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park: There’s little incentive to trek downtown when winter is in full force. Let Dilworth Park tempt you—after years of work on the plaza, surrounding City Hall, it’s constantly evolving to be a seasonal hot spot. Check out the new ice rink, open 7 days a week through the end of February. Tickets $4, skate rentals $8. Check it out here.

  1. Waterfront Winterfest at Penn’s Landing: Featuring a light show, an indoor heated area called “the Lodge,” and an ice skating rink, Waterfront Winterfest is the Spruce Street Harbor Park of the winter season. It’s open every day November 28 through January 5 (and weekends only after that). Check it out here.

  1. Adventure Aquarium Christmas Celebration: This one may technically be in Camden, NJ, but if you can spare some time, the trip will be worth it to see an underwater, scuba–diving Santa. Starting November 28, Santa (sans reindeer, sadly) will take the plunge as part of the daily live underwater show. Check it out here. 

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