Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel Philadelphia

Why tune into that "other parade" on TV when you can venture outside on Thanksgiving morning and see...

Why tune into that "other parade" on TV when you can venture outside on Thanksgiving morning and see Philadelphia's very own official kickoff to the holiday season? The show stars Santa Claus and his reindeer, of course, but also includes colorful floats, marching bands, celebrities, cheerleaders, pageant winners and even a few Disney characters. A fun, free time for all!

Hours: Thu, Nov 22, 2012: 8:30am - 12:30pm

This much-anticipated weeklong flower show draws gardeners from all over the US and is one of Philly's most popular...

This much-anticipated weeklong flower show draws gardeners from all over the US and is one of Philly's most popular events. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, it's the largest indoor flower show in the country. Flowers and plants from all over the world are showcased in acres of exhibits created by professionals and amateurs alike. Special categories are included, such as bonsai, African violets, topiary, orchids, and flowering bulbs. Vendors offer plants, cut flowers, and horticulture-related furniture, gifts, and books.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details March 2013

In November, about 195 artists from around the country are invited to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a juried...

In November, about 195 artists from around the country are invited to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a juried crafts show. From basketry to woodworking, fiber arts to furniture, this show has got it all. Most items are for sale, so if you see something you absolutely can't live without, chances are you won't have to. This is the Philadelphia Museum of Arts primary fundraiser, and some 24,000 people visit each year, making it one of Philly's most popular annual events.

Hours: November 2012

Philadelphia celebrates the nation's birth for an entire week. From the parade to the reading of the Declaration of...

Philadelphia celebrates the nation's birth for an entire week. From the parade to the reading of the Declaration of Independence and free concerts, spirits run high during this annual event. On the Fourth itself, things begin when the mayor awards the city's highest honor, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, to this year's worthy recipient and conclude later that night with a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River. Events take place at various locations, including Penn's Landing, Avenue of the Arts, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as parks and squares throughout town.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Mon, Jun 25, 2012: 10am - Noon, 10am - 3pm, 9pm Tue, Jun 26, 2012: 10am - Noon, 9pm Wed, Jun 27, 2012: 10am - Noon, 9pm Thu, Jun 28, 2012: 10am - Noon, 10am - 3pm, 9pm Fri, Jun 29, 2012: 10am - Noon, 5pm - 9pm Sat, Jun 30, 2012: 10am - 11pm, Noon - 5pm, 6pm - 9pm Sun, Jul 1, 2012: 11am - 7pm, Noon - 5pm, 9pm Mon, Jul 2, 2012: 9pm Tue, Jul 3, 2012: 8pm Wed, Jul 4, 2012: 10am - 11pm, 11am - 12:30pm, Noon - 7pm, 7pm - 10pm, 9pm

Feathers and sequins are the decorations of choice for the thousands of people that take to the streets during this...

Feathers and sequins are the decorations of choice for the thousands of people that take to the streets during this annual New Year's Day event. Costumed and masked string musicians, mostly banjo players, strut down Broad Street during a daylong parade. The gaiety and music that rings in the new year is something to see. String bands start at Oregon Street, the Fancies start at Snyder, and the Comics start at Washington. To see all three, you'll need to park yourself somewhere along Broad between Washington and City Hall (Market Street). The Fancy Brigades follow up with an indoor performance at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

Hours: Tue, Jan 1, 2013

Take a stroll through the country's oldest residential street and celebrate the holiday season. During the second...

Take a stroll through the country's oldest residential street and celebrate the holiday season. During the second weekend of December, Elfreth's Alley residents host tours of their homes. Decorations, refreshments, and caroling ensure that the atmosphere is suitably festive. A Philly favorite for years, tickets for Deck the Alley go on sale in September, and they sell out fast.

Hours: Sat, Dec 1, 2012: 3pm - 7pm

Held in the early fall, the Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe is one of the region's most well-attended -- and most...

Held in the early fall, the Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe is one of the region's most well-attended -- and most unique -- events of its kind. From live dance and late night cabaret productions (some which border on the avant-garde) to poetry readings, tricycle races and shows by the Spiral Q Puppet Theatre, you can bet there's something that'll appeal to everyone during this two-week celebration of the arts. Performances are held in venues all over the city, with many of the Live Arts shows taking place in the streets of Old City.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Sep 7, 2012 Sat, Sep 8, 2012 Sun, Sep 9, 2012 Mon, Sep 10, 2012 Tue, Sep 11, 2012 Wed, Sep 12, 2012 Thu, Sep 13, 2012 Fri, Sep 14, 2012 Sat, Sep 15, 2012 Sun, Sep 16, 2012 Mon, Sep 17, 2012 Tue, Sep 18, 2012 Wed, Sep 19, 2012 Thu, Sep 20, 2012 Fri, Sep 21, 2012 Sat, Sep 22, 2012

The galleries of the Old City Cultural District keep their doors open late the first Friday of each month for this...

The galleries of the Old City Cultural District keep their doors open late the first Friday of each month for this neighborhood-wide "open house." The crowds include both interested browsers and seasoned collectors.

Hours: Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Nov 2, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Dec 7, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Jan 4, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Feb 1, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Mar 1, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Apr 5, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, May 3, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Jun 7, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Jul 5, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Aug 2, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Sep 6, 2013: 5pm - 9pm

The country's oldest festival just for kids, the Philadelphia International Children's Festival welcomes some 17,000...

The country's oldest festival just for kids, the Philadelphia International Children's Festival welcomes some 17,000 kids and families each year. The celebration focuses on world cultures and features everything from free outdoor performances by bands, dancers and jugglers to puppetry theatre, a circus and live stage productions.

Hours: Thu, May 3, 2012: 10am Fri, May 4, 2012: 10am Sat, May 5, 2012: 10am

Take a walk back in time during Philly's annual Fête Day celebration, which is held on historic Elfreth Alley, the...

Take a walk back in time during Philly's annual Fête Day celebration, which is held on historic Elfreth Alley, the nation's oldest residential street. During the Sunday event, folks in traditional Colonial garb stroll the cobble stones and conduct their affairs like they would have done in 1702. In addition, many of the Alley's historic, 300-year-old homes are open for public touring, making Fête Day a rare occasion, indeed. Fête proceeds go to benefit Elfreth's Alley Museum and its many educational programs.

Hours: Sat, Oct 6, 2012 June 2013