By Molly Given

Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Delaware River Waterfront’s Winterfest

The Delaware River Waterfront’s Winterfest is open now and offers Philadelphians an array of food and entertainment.  Open seven days a week,  Winterfest admission is free with pay-as-you-go amenities. Some favorites returning to the venue this year include a Ferris wheel, indoor arcade, and a slew of family-friendly activities. Skating tickets, cabins, firepits, and Rinkside Lounge packages are also available to reserve for any winter-time gathering.

The rinkside Lodge at Winterfest will keep guests satisfied with options like hot chocolate, spirited cocktails, and local brews. Otherwise, on-site food and beverage partners include Chickie’s & Pete’s, Skelly’s Amusements, Skelly’s Pizza Port, Philly Taco, and—new this year—Philadelphia’s historic spirits supplier, Jacquin’s, which will take over the outdoor Porch Bar with a lineup of winter-themed cocktails from their brands. Overall, the menu throughout the venue will feature bites like Crabfries, birria tacos, pizza, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and more.

101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., delawareriverwaterfront.com

Ebba Sparre Sauna Collective pop-ups at FDR Park

This health-focused pop-up experience comes from the local space-making design and development practice, Scout. Open now through March 29, three saunas have once again been installed on the terrace of the American Swedish Historical Museum to offer a heated way to unwind this winter. An ode to Nordic sauna culture, Philadelphians can book sessions for up to 4 people in a sauna for 45 minutes ($120) or 30 minutes ($100).

Guests are provided with complimentary towels, compostable swimsuit bags, and storage lockers, but some extra goodies like sauna hats, socks, long-sleeve t-shirts, and sheet masks are also available for purchase. The best part? Each reservation comes with free admission to the museum.  Scout is donating 10% of all revenue back to the ASHM, and bookings can be made on Ebba Sparre’s official site.

1900 Pattison Ave., ebbasparresauna.com

Philly Goat Project’s Tree Cycle

Every year, the Philly Goat Project turns local folks’ holiday trees into goat snacks and sustainable additions to city parks, and the final date is set for this weekend on Jan. 24 (rain date Jan. 25.) at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum. From noon to 3 p.m., the family-friendly festival will feature an afternoon packed with activities, all of which benefit the nonprofit.

The Christmas Tree-Cycle will feature farm tours, a goat petting zoo, a fire pit with free s’mores and hot cocoa, games, a goat photobooth, a quiet visiting area for guests with special needs, and a way to visit the Goat Project’s Grief Garden and Storybook Walk. The event also features Swag Tables—which will hold the PGP’s 2026 calendar showcasing goats at Philadelphia landmarks. More information on how and where to donate your trees that day can be found online.

6336 Ardleigh St., phillygoatproject.org

Astra Lumina

Created to be an immersive, family-friendly experience, this one-mile pathway features cosmic lights, sound, and projections, and puts on a show where “nature and technology merge to tell the story of visiting stars descending to Earth before rising again to the night sky.”

Housed at the Abington Art Center, Astra Lumina will be open through March. Tickets start at $27 (there are also discounts for large groups) and can be bought online.

515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, feverup.com

New Hope and Lambertville Restaurant Week

New Hope and Lambertville Restaurant Week is back after launching in 2025, and for its sophomore session (running through Jan. 25), visitors can expect more than two dozen acclaimed restaurants from both sides of the Delaware River offering prix fixe three-course lunch and/or dinner menus ranging from $25 to $55 each.

Restaurant Week settings range from indoor to outdoor, fine dining to casual, steakhouses to BYO, and everything in between. It’s all meant to showcase both areas as points of not just cuisine, but also history.

Some restaurants will offer upgrades to their meals for those seeking a higher-end experience, a release notes. Both New Hope and Lambertville have long been known as sister river towns — walkable, artistic, and deeply connected by culture, commerce, and cuisine. This culinary initiative is meant to showcase everything the areas have to offer, and diners are encouraged to explore and shop before or after their meal.

visitnewhope.com and  lambertvillechamber.com