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All the Philly holiday events kicking off this weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, which means Christmas is right around the corner. Here are all the biggest, most festive events and market openings kicking off this weekend.

Christmas at Longwood Gardens.
Christmas at Longwood Gardens.Read moreDANIEL TRAUB

The arrival of Thanksgiving weekend means that Christmas is right around the corner in Philly, and you can get your fill of twinkling lights, ice skating, hot chocolate, and other festivities. Here are holiday-themed events happening in the city this weekend.

Thursday

The Christmas Village at LOVE Park

The beloved German-style Christmas market returns on Thanksgiving this year, and will feature more than 70 vendors. Purchase glass ornaments from Europe for your tree and artisan crafts for your loved ones before stopping for a cup of hot mulled wine and a tasty bratwurst to keep you warm. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, then  from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 1500 Arch St.; philachristmas.com

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular

The video wall at the Comcast Center will be lighting up with the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, a 15-minute show blending singalongs, the Pennsylvania Ballet's The Nutcracker, and a sleigh ride through the Pennsylvania countryside. Featuring one of the largest high-resolution video displays in the world, the festive display starts at the top of the hour daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., excluding 5 p.m. on weekdays, through Dec. 31. 1701 JFK Blvd.

A Longwood Christmas

Longwood Gardens decks out its Conservatory each year with crystal ornaments, holiday-themed topiaries, poinsettias, mirrors, and wreaths to evoke the magnificence of France's Versailles. The fountains outdoors are paired with holiday music, and half a million lights twinkle enchantingly around the garden. "A Longwood Christmas" opens this year at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until Jan. 7. Timed ticket reservations are needed to visit. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square; longwoodgardens.org

Friday

City of Philadelphia Tree Lighting Celebration

Mayor Kenney will light the 50-foot-tall Philly Holiday Tree between 5 and 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. There will be free hot chocolate, live entertainment, and plenty of holiday spirit to go around. 1401 JFK Blvd.; phillyholidayfestival.com

Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad

Each year, Reading Terminal Market sets up an ornate model-train display celebrating the history of Philly's favorite food spot, and it's definitely one worth seeing. Reading Terminal Market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. 51 N. 12th St.; readingterminalmarket.org

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Lace up your ice skates, because Philly's largest outdoor ice rink is about to open! This seasonal favorite also includes warming cabins, a ski chalet-inspired restaurant and bar, and arcade games for the kids. The Franklin Fountain Confectionery will also be returning with hot chocolate, ice cream sandwiches, and s'more kits for grilling at the fire pits. The park will open its doors at 11 a.m. Friday. 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.; delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/blue-cross-riverrink-winterfest

Saturday

Christmas Light Show at Macy’s 

The Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert has been a tradition at Macy's for more than 50 years. During the light show, more than 100,000 LED lights sparkle in the shapes of ballerinas, reindeer and snowmen above the Grand Court atrium. Shows happen every two hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  For the show at noon, the finale is accompanied live by the Wanamaker Grand Organ. 1300 Market St.

Manayunk Tree Lighting

The official Manayunk tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 5:30 p.m. at Canal View Park. There will be musical performances, photo-ops with Santa, and plenty of shopping deals from local businesses. 4430 Main St.; manayunk.com

And don’t miss

Dilworth Park Wintergarden

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink next to City Hall is now open (and will be on Thanksgiving Day). Drop by the Rothman Institute Cabin for seasonal cocktails or hot cocoa after an afternoon on the ice, and don't forget to explore the holiday-themed garden maze. This year, the park has added a light show that will be projected onto City Hall every hour on the half hour starting at 5:30 p.m. 1 S. 15th St.; centercityphila.org/parks/dilworth-park/wintergarden

Franklin Square Holiday Festival

More than 50,000 lights light up the square to a holiday soundtrack every 30 minutes, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There's also a holiday train, a heated tent where you can enjoy festive treats, and a winter beer garden. Plus, Santa himself arrives at 5 p.m. Friday. 200 N. Sixth St.; historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/holidays-in-franklin-square

Gingerbread Display at Peddler’s Village

Peddler's Village is exhibiting more than 50 elaborate gingerbread creations — from iconic Philadelphia buildings to reproductions of movie sets — in the Village Gazebo until Jan. 6. Admission is free and you can view the display from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska; peddlersvillage.com

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

More than 40 local designers and artisans transform Dilworth Park into the perfect spot to pick up uniquely Philadelphian presents for your loved ones. You'll be able to find everything from handmade pottery to art prints to Philly-themed books. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 1 S. 15th St.; madeinphila.com/holiday-market