Local Happenings
Check out some of the upcoming happenings SEPTA can take you to.
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Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular
Twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and icy activities land in South Philly’s FDR Park for the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular. Now thru 1/1 - take in the sights as you skate along a winding ice trail or glide down a 160-foot-long ice slide. In between “ooohs” and “ahhhs,” pop into the Mistletoe Marketplace to find that perfect gift, or grab a bite to eat and an adult beverage inside the Union Forge Lodge. Timed tickets are required, with optional add-ons available for the Ice Trail and Independence Blue Cross ice slide. Get there on SEPTA. Hop the Broad Street Line to NRG Station or Routes 4 or 17.
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Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Experience a waterfront winter wonderland at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Glide around an enormous ice skating rink, snap a photo by the festive holiday tree, play games on the boardwalk and warm up with pay-as-you-go seasonal treats next to a toasty fire pit (or inside a cozy cabin). Entry into Winterfest is free, tickets are required to ice skate, and cabins and fire pits must be reserved in advance. Get there on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street or Bus Routes 12, 21, 25, 42, 17, or 33.
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Manayunk Gets Lit
While shopping and dining around town, get in the holiday spirit by going to one of the many holiday events and take a tour of the wonderful holiday light displays on the FREE Jolly Trolley rides Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the season. Take SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown Line or Norristown High Speed Line to Norristown Transportation Center. From there, Bus Routes 90, 96, and 98 get you within walking distance.
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The BFG
Roald Dahl’s beloved book comes to the stage in a vibrant new production - now thru 12/21. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) follows the story of 8-year-old Sophie as she learns about the lives of giants, dreams, and friendship. You just never know where you might find unexpected kindness and a little bit of bravery! Before you go - check out this Perk - it will save you $10!
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Free At Noon 🎶
WXPN's Free At Noon is held every Friday at World Cafe Live and always features fabulous music. Heading to the show? Get there on SEPTA. Take Regional Rail to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, the Market-Frankford Line to 30th, Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36 to 30th Street, or Bus Routes 21, 42, or 49.
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Macy’s Christmas Light Show
The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted the brilliant Christmas Light Show since 1956. Macy’s keeps the free holiday tradition going this year with thousands of twinkling lights (accompanied by tunes from the famed Wanamaker Organ), animated holiday windows and the fully immersive Dickens Village, which captures scenes from the age-old tale A Christmas Carol. Free light show performances occur daily and advanced registration is required for Dickens Village. Take the Market-Frankford Line to 13th, the Broad Street Line to City Hall, Regional Rail to Jefferson, Trolley Routes to 13th, or Bus Routes 17, 23, 33, 28, 44, 45, 47, 61, 78, 124, or 125.
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The Gardens After Dark
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens adorns its glittery corridors with hundreds of colorful lights for its weekly Gardens After Dark series - every Friday. Tickets are required, which get you special nighttime admission to the Gardens and entry to the attraction’s mosaicked basement, featuring folk art and other rarely seen displays. Get there on SEPTA! Short walk from the Lombard-South stop on the Broad Street Line or hop Routes 40, 45, or 47.
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Candlelight Shopping
Spend the Winter Holidays in Historic Downtown Haddonfield as the business district transforms into a sparkling wonderland. Every Friday night, now thru 12/22, carolers and live musicians will fill the night air will classic holiday music. To get there, take SEPTA to PATCO to get over the bridge. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 8th Street or the Broad Street Line to the PATCO stop at 15th & Locust. Tunnels connect the systems underground - just follow the signs. From there ride PATCO EB to Haddonfield.
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George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
See The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music from 12/9 thru 12/30! Get there on SEPTA. Take Regional Rail to Suburban Station, the Broad Street Line to Walnut-Locust, the Market-Frankford Line to 15th Street, or Routes 4, 9, 12, 21, 27, 32 or 42.
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Christmas Village
Visit Philly’s most beloved holiday attraction as gorgeous LOVE Park transforms into an open-air European marketplace during the annual Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Over 100 vendors set up shop in wooden stalls offering local and international gifts, ornaments, accessories, and wintry apparel. After shopping up an appetite, indulge in tasty treats like raclette sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels and more. Across the street on the north apron of City Hall and in the courtyard, a double-decker Christmas Village carousel, Ferris wheel and the kids train where you can enjoy $1 off and a hot cocoa if you show your SEPTA Key Card M-F. As a special treat for SEPTA seniors enjoy a cup of hot cocoa during the shopping experience during the week when you flash your Senior Fare Card at the welcome center booth. Stay a bit longer and visit the Festival of Trees located in LOVE Park Welcome Center where you can view over 17 custom-decorated trees from local Philadelphia companies! Hop the Market-Frankford Line or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36 to 15th Street, the Broad Street Line to City Hall, Bus Routes 2, 17, 33, 38, 44, 48, 124 or 125 or Regional Rail to Suburban Station.
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Clark Park Farmers Market
Clark Park is home to one of the largest and most well-populated farmers markets in Philadelphia, and boasts over a dozen vendors manning tables piled high with organic fruits, heirloom vegetables, milk, eggs, cheeses, meats and more. It's open year-round on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM. Get there on SEPTA. Routes 13, 30 & 34 drop you right there!
Northern Liberties Farmers Market
A collaboration with The Piazza and the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, this weekly yearlong farmers market - open every Saturday from 10AM to 2PM - will feature over a dozen vendors including fruit and vegetable farmers, dairy purveyors, chocolate makers, hyper-locally brewed beer and more.
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Wintergarden
This open-air wonderland brings a festive touch of greenery, featuring holiday lights, reindeer topiaries, rustic woodland décor and an on-site Chaddsford Winery kiosk selling warm mulled wine. Open now thru 3/17. Get here on SEPTA! Hop the Market-Frankford Line or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36 to 15th Street, the Broad Street Line to City Hall, Bus Routes 2, 17, 33, 38, 44, 48, 124 or 125 or Regional Rail to Suburban Station.
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Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Shop local and support more than 40 small businesses selling handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, treats and so much more - open from 11/10 thru 1/1. So easy to get here on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36 to 15th Street, the Broad Street Line to City Hall, Bus Routes 2, 17, 33, 38, 44, 48, 124 or 125 or Regional Rail to Suburban Station.
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LumiNature
Lights, mammals, action. This immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia spectacle. After the animals are tucked away for the evening, the zoo lights up with more than 1 million holiday lights in 16 distinct zones. Seasonal snacks, live performances, hot chocolate and adult beverages round out the feelings of winter spirit. Timed tickets are required. Get there on SEPTA Routes 15 or 38.
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The No Name POPS: A Very Philly Christmas
Several Philadelphia choirs join musicians from The No Name Pops for a very festive (and very Philly) Christmas concert. Expect an upbeat program of holiday classics and pop favorites. Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañe leads the instrumental action, which is complemented by Broadway singers and dancers. Shows from 12/1 thru 12/23. Hop Routes 4, 12, 27, 32 or the Broad Street Line to Walnut-Locust.
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FESTIBUS Displays
The SEPTA Holiday Vehicles are decorated by our Frontline workers who show their skills and talent every year by transforming their bus or trolley to spectacular display. Who can forget the “Grinch”, “The Smurfs” and “Lion King” themes from recent years? The decorated trolleys and regional rail trains can be seen daily on varies routes. Our bus static displays are scheduled to be on exhibit at Love Park on 12/9 and 12/10 from 10AM to 6PM. Get there on SEPTA! Hop the Market-Frankford Line or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36 to 15th Street, the Broad Street Line to City Hall, Bus Routes 2, 17, 33, 38, 44, 48, 124 or 125 or Regional Rail to Suburban Station.
Fishtown Freeze
Returning for its fifth year on 12/9 and 12/10, the annual Fishtown Freeze expands with two full days of frigid fun in Fishtown. Expect live ice sculpting from the talented folks at Ice Sculpture Philly, free photos with Santa at Frankford Hall, pop-up gifts markets outside of Johnny Brenda’s, Mural City Cellars, and The International Bar, and discounts at more than 20 retailers in the neighborhood. Get there on SEPTA! Hop the Market-Frankford Line and ride it right to Girard Station!
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Headhouse Farmers Market
On Sundays - stop by the Headhouse Farmers Market from 10AM to 2PM for fresh produce, baked goods, local meats, cheeses and wines. It's so easy to get here on SEPTA. Hop Route 12, 40, 47 or 57.
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Holidays On The Hill
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Chestnut Hill! During Holidays on the Hill, visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of the season by strolling through one of Philadelphia’s most historic villages now thru 12/31! It's so easy to SEPTA there. Ride Routes 23, 94 or L, or take the Chestnut Hill East or Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail Lines to the last stop.
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East Passyunk Holiday Concert
Catch the 15-piece City Rhythm Orchestra for a free community holiday show on 12/10, as they cook up exciting and innovative versions of seasonal classics. In addition to their renowned big band sound, the group features vocalists Steve Ritrovato, Rich Cox and Gil Morrow, plus many fine soloists. Enjoy shopping and dining on the Avenue, then top it off with a performance that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
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Travis Scott
Have tickets to see Travis Scott at the Wells Fargo Center on 12/10? Take SEPTA there! Hop the Broad Street Line to NRG Station - last stop!
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Ashley McBryde
Catch the country music sensation - Ashley McBryde - at the Keswick Theatre on 12/10. Doors open at 7PM. Get there on SEPTA! Catch the Lansdale/Doylestown Line or Warminster Line to Glenside Station, or Bus Routes 22 or 77.
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Winter
Franklin Square celebrates the winter season with free nightly light shows inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s legendary kite and key experiment - from 11/16 thru 2/25. Free light shows — set to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes — illuminate the square every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until close. Before or after the show, grab a burger or beverage fireside from the on-site Square Burger, play a round of festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf or hop aboard the classic Parx Liberty Carousel. Get there on SEPTA: it's a short walk from 5th Street/Independence Hall Station on the Market-Frankford Line!
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Beauty and the Beast
See Beauty and the Beast at the Walnut Street Theater now thru 12/31. Get there on SEPTA. Take Regional Rail to Jefferson Station or Bus Routes 9, 12, 21, 38, 42, 47, 47M, or 61.
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Let's Go Sixers! 🏀
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Wizards on Monday 12/11 at 7PM! Skip traffic and parking because SEPTA IS THE SIXERS WAY TO GO! Hop the Broad Street Line to NRG Station (last stop).
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Transit Tuesday ☕️
Celebrate Transit Tuesday with SEPTA and Dunkin'. Flash your SEPTA Key card to receive a MEDIUM Hot or Iced Coffee for only $1 (+ appl. tax) every Tuesday at any participating Greater Philadelphia-area Dunkin' location. To find your nearest Dunkin' click here. Offer valid on Tuesdays only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Participation may vary. Limited-time offer - ends 12/26/23.
Company
The Forrest Theatre stage welcomes Company 11/28 thru 12/10. Get there on SEPTA. Take the Market-Frankford Line to 11th Street or hop Routes 42, 21, or 12.
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The Santa 101 Trolley
Welcome aboard the Santa 101 Trolley experience, presented by The Media Business Authority, a magical ride through Media on the historic rails of State Street. Take in the beautifully lit shops and sights while visiting with the Head Elf in this exclusive and fun experience - every Wednesday thru 12/21 Tickets required. Get there on SEPTA - the Route 101 is the starting point!
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What the Constitution Means To Me
What the Constitution Means To Me is on stage at the Arden Theatre Company now thru 12/3. So easy to get here on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street or Routes 5, 17, 33, 48 or 57. Before you go - check out this Perk - it will save you $10!
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