Fall is when the Benjamin Franklin Parkway earns its reputation. The trees turn, museum season kicks in, and some of the city's biggest events of the year happen within walking distance of our front door at 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Here's what our team recommends from October through the holidays, with 2026 dates for the events worth planning a trip around.
Fall in Philly
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway foliage. Walk out the front door and head up the Parkway toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the trees go red, orange and gold. Finish at the top of the Rocky Steps or stop into a museum along the way. Top spots for fall foliage
- Longwood Gardens. Fall color across the grounds plus seasonal displays in the conservatory, an easy day trip to Kennett Square. With valet parking on site, getting your car out for the day is simple. Plan your visit
- Pumpkin picking and apple orchards. Hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking and cider donuts at farms within a short drive of the city. Fall farms and harvest festivals
- Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary. Haunted attractions, themed bars and Halloween entertainment inside one of the city's most atmospheric historic sites. Select nights through November 7. Halloween Nights
- Philadelphia ghost tours. See Old City after dark, with stories of Philly's darker history and its most legendary characters. A good October night out for adults.
Culture and cozy days
Three of the city's signature museums sit on the Parkway itself, so a cold or rainy day is easy to fill on foot.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art. Spend a few hours inside, then take the photo from the Rocky Steps. Visit the museum
- The Barnes Foundation. An extraordinary collection of Impressionist and modern art, right on the Parkway. Explore the Barnes
- The Franklin Institute. Hands-on science and rotating exhibitions that keep kids and adults busy on a chilly afternoon. Visit the Franklin Institute
- Museum of the American Revolution. Immersive galleries on the city's revolutionary history. Special exhibition The Declaration's Journey runs through January 3, 2027. Plan your visit
- Mural Arts Printing by the People. A community print studio where you can make your own artwork inspired by Philly's mural tradition. A creative stop for all ages. Printing by the People
- Academy of Music. Broadway, ballet and opera in a historic Broad Street hall. This season brings The Great Gatsby (October 20 to November 1) and BOOP! The Musical (November 17 to 29). Upcoming performances
Holiday and winter
- Christmas Village. The open-air holiday market at LOVE Park and City Hall, a short walk from the hotel. Gifts, ornaments, food and plenty of festive atmosphere, November 21 to December 27 (closed November 23 to 25 and Christmas Day). Christmas Village
- Winter at Dilworth Park. Skate beneath City Hall, wander the Wintergarden and warm up at the seasonal cabin. The rink typically runs mid-November through late February. Winter at Dilworth Park
- Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Outdoor skating, winter lights, food and a lodge atmosphere on the Delaware River waterfront. RiverRink Winterfest
- Holiday shopping on Walnut and Chestnut. Local boutiques, national favorites and holiday windows throughout Center City.
- Miracle on 13th Street. A South Philly block that goes all-in on holiday lights every December. Go after dark.
Only in Philly
- Reading Terminal Market. Amish baked goods, Philly classics and dozens of vendors under one roof. Every suite at The Windsor Suites has a full kitchen with a gas stove, oven, full-size refrigerator and dishwasher, so this is also the place to stock up for a night in. Reading Terminal Market
- Old City and Independence Mall. Cobblestone streets, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the landmarks that make Philadelphia Philadelphia. Independence National Historical Park
- A Philly food tour. Taste your way through the city and pick up some local history along the way.
2026 event calendar: October to December
| Dates | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Select nights through Nov 7 | Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary | Fairmount |
| Oct 20 to Nov 1 | The Great Gatsby | Academy of Music |
| Through Dec 3 | Rocky Season (RockyFest 50): citywide events for the film's 50th | Citywide |
| Nov 14 | Rocky Run | Parkway |
| Mid-Nov to late Feb | Rink at Dilworth Park | City Hall |
| Nov 17 to 29 | BOOP! The Musical | Academy of Music |
| Nov 20 to 22 | Philadelphia Marathon Weekend | Parkway and citywide |
| Nov 21 to Dec 27 | Christmas Village | LOVE Park and City Hall |
| Nov 26 | 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade | Parkway |
| Through Jan 3, 2027 | The Declaration's Journey | Museum of the American Revolution |
Why a suite makes this season easier
October through December is when the Parkway gets busy, and that's when the extra space pays off.
- Race weekends. Rocky Run and Marathon Weekend both use the Parkway, so you can walk to the course. Make your own pre-race breakfast in your suite's kitchen instead of hunting for an open café at 5 a.m.
- Holiday trips with family. A One Bedroom Double/Double Suite sleeps up to six, with a separate bedroom, a living room with a pullout sofa and a dining table for four. Kids get space to spread out after Christmas Village; adults get a door that closes.
- Thanksgiving week. The parade comes up the Parkway. Pick up sides at Reading Terminal Market and use the full kitchen for an easier holiday meal.
- Longer visits. Studio suites run roughly 450 to 500 square feet and one-bedroom suites roughly 850 to 900, with a walk-in closet, work desk and full kitchen in every suite.
Plan your fall or holiday stay. Book direct at thewindsorsuites.com, and see our Philly Insider's Guide for year-round restaurant and attraction picks.