It’s a new year, Philadelphia! The mad dash to prepare for the holidays is finally over, so let’s ease into 2026 with activities that’ll have you exploring new places, learning new hobbies, and seeing the city through new eyes.
Celebrate a Year of Firsts
Philly’s claim to fame is the “birthplace of America,” but our contributions extend beyond that. Did you know that Philly had the first balloon flight in America? What about the first folk parade? Or the first volunteer fire company and Girl Scout cookie sale?
All year long the city is celebrating “52 Weeks of Firsts" as part of the country’s semiquincentennial. Check out this guide for everything else you don’t want to miss in 2026.
Recycle Your Tree
Unless you plan on decorating it with Valentine’s hearts, it may be time to finally get rid of your Christmas tree. If you have a real tree, don’t just leave it curbside!
The Philly Goat Project’s Tree Cycle Festival is back for another year. Drop off your tree for the goats to happily munch on at Awbury Arboretum or Laurel Hill West Cemetery on Jan. 10, 17, or 24, with a suggested $20 donation. Stick around for s’mores and hot cocoa, goat petting, and farm exploration. On Jan. 10, you can bring your tree to the former Greensgrow site in Fishtown for recycling. If you can’t make it to these events, you can take your tree to an official city drop-off site.
Get Moving
A common New Year's resolution is hitting the gym, but maybe you don’t want to commit to a membership just yet. Ballers, a sports club at the Battery in Fishtown, is inviting you in. The club is implementing a First Fridays Free program starting this month. The community can swing by the first Friday of each month from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and play for free. The facility includes pickleball, squash, and golf, and there’s a recovery lounge, restaurant, and gym.
If you’re looking for other ways to get moving, start running, take a dance class, or join the circus.
Learn a New Skill
Learn something new and pass the knowledge to others. Design Gym is hosting another Skill Swap Club on Jan. 14. Work on an in-progress project, connect with a neighbor, and share talents with each other.
Discover other skills and hobbies by participating in a craft club.
Try Dry January
Whether you’re trying to go sober or just reduce your alcohol intake, finding zero-proof menu items or spaces can sometimes be difficult. Restaurants and bars participating in Dry January can help.
At Love City Brewing, partake in a hands-on mocktail demo on Jan. 11 and get tools on how to support yourself or a friend in living a sober lifestyle. Bar Hygge is hosting a zero-proof cocktail experience on Jan. 14 so you can learn the art of alcohol-free mixology. Head over to Billy Penn Studios on Jan. 31 for a Dry Vibes Social with drink sampling, vendor tables, and wellness activities.
For year-round options, Bar Palmina, Zero Clock Gallery, and Old City Kava are zero-proof spaces.
Dine in Center City
Center City Restaurant Week is back for the winter season. Enjoy deals from over 100 participating restaurants from Jan. 18 to 31. Grab a $20 lunch or sit down for a three-course dinner for either $45 or $60.
If you’re looking for more dining options, check out all the restaurants that opened last year.
Give Back to Others
Did you know Philly hosts the largest event in the country in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.? On Jan. 19, volunteer for a project or host your own as part of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service.
