What To Do: Paying tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

This is the weekend that America pays tribute to Civil Rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Weekend will be celebrated from January 18-20 at the Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-236-3300, www.easternstate.org) from 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Visitors will be able to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by attending one of the “Finding Justice Weekend” events.

Visitors can explore the enduring struggle to hold America accountable to the promises set forth in the Declaration of Independence — that all people are created equal and endowed with fundamental rights.

Through storytelling, historical interpretation, and creative engagement, these programs highlight the voices and actions of those who fought for civil rights and challenged the nation to live up to its founding ideals.

Participants can reflect on the connections between past and present struggles for justice, considering how the pursuit of freedom and equality continues today.

Events include “Finding Justice Self-Guided Tour,” “Finding Justice: Guide-Led Tour & Discussion,” “Finding Justice: Hands-On Activities” and “Drop-In Art Activity with Mark Loughney.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama on April 12, 1963, for demonstrating without a permit.

On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 19) at noon, there will be an immersive two-hour experience exploring the ongoing struggle to hold America accountable to its founding promise — that all people are created equal and entitled to fundamental rights.

Admission is $17 for adults and kids 12 and under admitted free.

Other special Martin Luther King, Jr. events in Philadelphia this weekend are “Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Celebration” at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, “Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend at the Museum” at the Museum of the American Revolution, and “Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Festival” at Woodmere Art Museum.

This weekend, Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) starts its new year with one of its annual special events “Winter Wonder,” which begins on January 16.

“Winter Wonder,” which runs now through March 22, celebrates the beauty of winter. It’s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.

Outside, visitors can find a sense of peace and tranquility as they walk past textural grasses, seed heads and the dramatic silhouettes of trees that stretch up into the sky.

Inside, they can bask in a world of warmth that features an overhead garden of hanging baskets adorned with such vibrant beauties as jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plant.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a paradise of flowers and foliage, bursting with color — all in a beautiful indoor winter wonderland with a tropical twist.

Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site’s Orchid House.

On January 18 at 1 and 3 p.m., there will be live performances by organist Gabe Benton.

Making his Longwood debut, Director of Music and Organist at the historic Grace United Methodist Church (Wilmington, DE) Gabriel Benton enjoys a multifaceted career as a recitalist, church musician, early music specialist, accompanist, and teacher.

Other special events this weekend are “Orchid Propagation” on January 17 at 9 a.m., “Floral Design with Floating Flowers” on January 17 at 10 a.m. and “Spotlight Tours” each day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m.

The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 22. Hours change in the spring.

As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.

You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $32 for adults, $28 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $23 for active military and veterans and $17 for youth (ages 5-18).

Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings –Festive Faves” on select Saturdays and Sundays in January.

Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio. The selections will be paired alongside seasonal local cheeses and other accoutrements to enhance your tasting experience.

The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.

The following is the 2026 Pairing Line Up –

Tickets cost $35 per person and reservations are required.

The “Wine, Cheese & Honey Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.

Penns Woods Winery is joining forces with local cheese makers and local honey artisans to present exclusive pairings of wine, cheese and honey.

The tastings will feature four premium Penns Woods wines, each paired with four local cheeses and four local accoutrements.

The palate-pleasing tastings will be held every weekend in January from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets cost $38 per person and reservations are required.

Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, www.harvestridgewinery.com) will present a “PA Soup Pairing” on January 18.

Visitors can warm up from the cold with the winery’s “Sunday Soup Pairing.”

The winery offers two curated tasting flights to pair — Sweet or Dry. Visitors can choose their favorite when they arrive.

The event is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Tickets are $25.

How would you like to get rid of your Christmas tree in a sustainable and extremely adorable way?

A great way is to gift it to a goat.

The Philly Goat Project’s annual Christmas Tree-Cycle festival/fundraiser (www.phillygoatproject.org) returns with two events this month where you can donate your tree to local goats to enjoy.

The family-friendly events, which start this weekend, run from noon-3 p.m. all three days.

On January 17, the event will be held at the Conservatory at Laurel Hill West Cemetery (225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd) and on January 24 at the Farm at Awbury Arboretum (6336 Ardleigh Street, Philadelphia.

The event features free s’mores, hot cocoa and all the goat cuddles you want. There is a suggested donation of $20 per Christmas tree which helps support community programs. And you don’t need a tree to join in the fun.

“Third Saturday Birding Tour at the John James Audubon Center” will be held on January 17 at 8 a.m. at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove (1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, pa.audubon.org).

Visitors can join volunteers from the Valley Forge Audubon Society and staff from the John James Audubon Center for a free guided birding tour around the woods and meadows of historic Mill Grove on the third Saturday of every month.

Outing leaders will help them learn about the seasonal and month-to-month fluctuations in bird life in a friendly and relaxed setting — perfect for beginning and experienced birders alike.

Please bring binoculars if you have them. Children are always welcome although they must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour will travel along both paved and earthen paths with some slopes to navigate.  This outing will last approximately two hours. There is a public restroom available on site.

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) will present “Bird Walk” with Mary Ellen Krober on January 17 from 9-11 a.m. and “Bird Walk” with Cliff and Nancy Hence on January 18 from 9-11 a.m.

Participants will take an educational walk with one of the site’s knowledgeable volunteers.

They’ll be able to discover the 300+ species of birds that use the Refuge during their migration routes – each week guarantees different species.

The walk will meet at the Visitor Center and be at a relaxed paced on flat surfaces.

This month, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum (500 Museum Road, Reading, www.readingpublicmuseum.org) will host “James Hood’s Beautifica.”

“Beautifica 360 – A Celebration of Life” was created by visionary composer James Hood and acclaimed immersive artists.

Celebrated as a versatile musical pioneer, Grammy-nominated artist James Hood is known for his groundbreaking work, and multi-sensory projects blending music and art.

His extensive musical résumé includes drumming for The Pretenders, more than two decades as the creative force behind the visionary ambient act Moodswings, and a wide array of production and soundtrack projects.

Before “Beautifica,” Hood transformed the world of immersive artistic experiences with “Mesmerica 360,” the record-breaking experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

With “Beautifica 360,” breathtaking worlds of light and sound come alive in this 360° dome experience.

Audiences can lose themselves in mesmerizing constellations and ethereal landscapes.

Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a captivating destination that transports visitors into the depths of space. It is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading.

Show will be presented on January 17, 18, 24 and 25.

Tickets are $39.50.

For the second year in a row, Philadelphia is one of the host cities of Astra Lumina.

Astra Lumina Philadelphia, which is the 24th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, will be held now through March 8 at the Abington Art Center (515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, astralumina.com).

Astra Lumina Philadelphia welcomes visitors to an extraordinary place — a garden right here on earth that shares a special connection with the sky above. Come nightfall, the garden sets the stage for a phenomenal event — a visit from the stars.

Astra Lumina Philadelphia is a one-mile-long enchanted night walk through a wooded sculpture park of varying terrain that guides visitors on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars.

Through the magic of projections, lighting, and music, astral energy transforms the garden into a celestial pathway, connecting visitors to the stars and the vast world around them.

The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song.

Participants can immerse themselves in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.

Located on a historic 27-acre campus, just 10 miles from Center City Philadelphia, Abington Art Center is a beautiful setting for the enchanting Astra Lumina. The campus has been transformed to create a magical journey.

Weapons (including off duty officers), flash photography, outside food or alcohol, light-up accessories that distract from the experience, or anything that may disturb other patrons are prohibited.

All guests must pass through handheld metal detector wands and bag check before entering the experience.

Video link for Astra Lumina — https://youtu.be/2mPra01OgCM.

The event will run now through March 8. Ticket prices start at $29.

This weekend is a special time at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, www.ansp.org).

The museum is presenting “Science Storytime” on January 17 and 18 and 12 starting at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day.

Each week will feature a science story and a hands-on craft to try.

This weekend’s feature is “Bumpus Jumpus Dinosaurumpus” by Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees.

Other upcoming “Science Storytime” dates are January 24-25 and January 31-February 1.

Museum admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for children (ages 2-12).

The “Winter Farm Festival” will be held every Saturday in January at Rose Bride Farm (1314 North Limekiln Pike, Maple Glen, www.rosebridgefarmsanctuary.com).

The Farm invites visitors to join the staff every weekend this winter for a variety of festive activities and cozy experiences on the site.

Activities Include:
– Baby cuddle areas to snuggle with adorable animals
– An outdoor fire lounge to relax and unwind
– Candle making to create your own custom-scented candles in heated barn

– Succulent & orchid planting to bring a bit of greenery home in the heated barn
– heated Kitten Kafe, where guests can enjoy hot organic tea, coffee, and cocoa while spending time with playful kittens in heated barn.

There are sessions each Saturday at 4 and 6:30 p.m.

The Philadelphia Comic-Con, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on January 18 at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center (76 Industrial Highway, Essington, 856-217-5737, www.philadelphiacomic-con.com), features comic books, trading cards and other collectibles — both modern and vintage.

The event, which has an admission fee of $4, also features a number of special autograph guests.

The popular collectibles event, which is the area’s longest running comic convention, will host dealers from all over the Northeast with sales booths featuring Gold & Silver Age comics, action figures and non-sport cards.

Also featured will be Japanese Manga, gaming cards such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, original artwork and all the latest issues of today’s popular comic book series.

The roster of top-flight vendors includes veteran dealers and relative newcomers. As an added attraction, there will be hourly door prizes beginning at 11 a.m. with $100 in show cash to be given away.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Avenue, Oaks, www.phillyexpocenter.com) will be the site of the Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo this weekend.

The event, which runs now through January 18, will have nearly 100 Special Industry Guests, including Frank Mentzer, Zeb Cook, Professor Dungeon Master, Kelsey Dionne, Kevin Siembieda, Harold Johnson, Mike Shea, Luke Stratton, Jeff Dee and Justin Alexander.

There will be an expanded vendor area with 30,000 square feet of space for visitors and vendors.

The vendor area features gaming industry giants such as WizKids, Dwarven Forge, Troll Lord Games, The Arcane Library, Goodman Games, Pacesetter Games, Palladium Books and Black Oak Workshop.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on January 16 and 17 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on January 18.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, www.choochoobarn.com) presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains.

The majority of trains that are running in the display, which is open until 20, are “O Gauge” trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.

Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia (500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, Https://philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/) is open all winter with its family-oriented rides and play.

Popular attractions are “Imagination Express,” “4-D Cinema,” “The Great LEGO® Race Virtual Reality Experience,” “LEGO® NINJAGO® Training Camp,” “Duplo Park” and “Pirate Adventure Island Spoftplay.”

Admission is $21.99.

The 2025/2026 Winter in Franklin Square Holiday Festival (200 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, http://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/holidays-in-franklin-square/) opens its season this weekend and it will run until February 25.

It will be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show will be open from 4-8 p.m. daily and 4-9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Visitors are invited to experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions new and old at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival.

Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius, the free Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square.

Attendees can marvel at more than 50,000 lights as they shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes. Every evening, one lucky audience member will be selected to “ignite” the 4:30 p.m. show.

A popular annual Philly holiday tradition can be found at the Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park).

Back in November, some of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions return to Dilworth Park. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn.

In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is featured, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.

Dilworth Park’s winter season began in November with the opening of the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn and the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin.

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.

Winter has arrived and the Blue Cross RiverRink (Delaware Avenue at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com) has come back to life.

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks, RiverRink features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of the ice. This winter, RiverRink takes the ice-skating experience on the Delaware River waterfront to another level by once again transforming the annual rink into a bona fide winter wonderland.

For 29 seasons, Winterfest has been Philadelphia’s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under thousands of sparkling lights in a winter wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River.

Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, firepit stations, boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, the signature holiday tree, and, of course, ice skating on our NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.

The Winterfest site is free to enter and open to the public. Amenities such as ice skating and cabin and firepit experiences can be reserved in advance. Winterfest is open seven days a week including holidays through March.

There are also a lot of ongoing non-holiday events in the area this weekend.

“TreeTrails Adventures Trevose” (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com/trevose-pa) is an adventure park full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.

Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park. They will be able to discover the excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.

The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing – TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.

General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $69; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4–7), $23.

Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the winter.

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers.

The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way.

This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.

Ticket prices start at $38.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.

The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $28.

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $28.

The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $28.