Special Events
Parades, festivals and fireworks are frequent in Philadelphia, where every season brings something special. You will find something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. The following are some of Philadelphia's largest annual events.
Philadelphia International Flower Show
Early to mid-MarchEleven acres of lush gardens, lavish floral settings and inspirational displays by top landscape designers and educational organisations make this the largest, most prestigious indoor flower show in the world.
Wawa Welcome America!
End of June through July 4One of the grandest Independence Day celebrations in the U.S. features more than a week of 50 free events, including fireworks, concerts, neighborhood festivals, historic reenactments, and parades. Celebrate the U.S.A.'s birthday where the U.S.A. began!
Philadelphia’s Holiday Festival
Thanksgiving through New Year's DayBy the time America's oldest parade proceeds down Benjamin Franklin Parkway on November 27, the City is already in the full swing of the holiday season. In Center City, the celebrations range from a four-story light and organ show at Macy's to the Pennsylvania Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker. Venturing out to the countryside, merrymakers of all ages love the Longwood Gardens Christmas lights and fountain shows, as well as the gingerbread displays and competition in Peddler's Village.
New Year’s Day Mummers Parade
January 1
A Philadelphia tradition dating back to 1901, the Mummers Parade
features an array of intricate and elaborate costumes worn by four
divisions: the Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades. In
the afternoon, the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) hosts the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale,
with a show at noon and a judged competition at 5:00 p.m. The
festivities go on all day, from the parade to street festivities
throughout South Philadelphia, making it one of the longest
celebrations in the United States.
