When the rush of preparation has passed and you find yourself wondering what to do with extra famiily and friend time – here are some suggestions!
Family Book Club – Pick a book that feels doable for everyone, read it aloud together or everyone at their own pace throughout the week. On the weekend, gather with snacks and drinks and chat about the parts you loved most.
Turn the Living Room Into a Restaurant – Kids pretend to be little chefs and servers, come up with a silly name for the restaurant, design menus, and plan a simple meal to serve you.
Make a DIY Time Capsule – Grab a shoebox and let each family member add a few things that represent their year. Seal it, decorate it, and hide it for the big reveal next year.
Design a Vision Board – Family members cut out pictures and words from magazines that speak to what they’re hoping to achieve in the following year. It’ll get everyone excited for 2026.
Throw a Karaoke Dance Party – Does anything feel better than belting out your favorite tunes and jumping around the living room? Find videos on YouTube to help guide you, and create a playlist as a fun memory.
Host a Neighborhood Game Night – Grab one of your favorite board games and invite your neighbors over for a night of friendly competition. Set up one table for kids and one for adults, or have all-play games. Make the hosting easy by asking everyone to bring a snack.
Family Talent Show – Plan, produce, and star in a family talent show! Clear out room for a “stage” in your living room, invite friends and neighbors, and make it a night.
Don’t forget about Philadelphia Holiday ‘Faves’!
- Miracle on 13th Street – Stroll along the 1600 block of South 13th Street amidst amazing displays of lights, garlands, inflatable snowmen, and other fun decorations.
- Visit Christmas Village Market at City Hall and try ice skating.
- See the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square.
- Stop by Morris Arboretum for the quarter mile Holiday Garden Railway.
- Go to the Zoo for LumiNature to see larger-than-life illuminated animals. Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown also hosts Wild Lights – a light show of animal sculptures, light tunnels, and decorated trees.