Franklin Frost
Celebrate the holiday season under the grandeur of a 25-foot-tall celestial tree, viewing model train displays, and participating in holiday crafting and festive photo opportunities. TFI’s annual winter experience is available on weekends starting Friday, November 24 and continuing daily throughout Holiday Week (December 26 to 31).
Franklin Frost features:
Celestial Tree – Atrium
Daily, 11/24 – 12/ 31
Marvel at the 25-foot-tall celestial tree sparkling with stars as model trains loop around this spectacular tree, designed to reflect the magnificent night sky. Experience it daily during Franklin Frost.
Celestial Village – Floor 3
Weekends, 11/24 through 12/31* and daily during Holiday Week, 12/26-31
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Big Chill Valley and Aurora Mountain Model Train Displays
A train lover's delight! Enter Celestial Village and explore a collection of hand-painted model trains navigating the many elevated tracks, loops, and tunnels against the scenic backdrop of flocked trees, twinkling lights, and whistling sounds. - Photo Opportunities: a giant “Self on a Shelf” and a “Holiday Pop-up Card.”
- Craft and decorate a personalized holiday card to take home in the Card Making Factory. Type a message for your card at one of the vintage typewriters provided by Philly Typewriter. Learn more about Philly Typewriter.
- New for 2023, Open Studios with NextFab Members welcomes local artists and craftsmen to display their work, share their creative process, and offer handmade items for purchase. Learn more about NextFab.
Programming in Celestial Village takes place from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm and is included with museum admission. Be sure to check out the daily program for additional information.
Buy General Admission Tickets Reserve Member Tickets
*The Franklin Institute is closed December 24 and 25.
Upcoming Events
Spring into discovery at The Franklin Institute this break! Dive into a world of scientific wonders and hands-on exploration with even more evening hours for Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition.
Dance your way through exhibits, sip sun-soaked drinks, and dive hands-first into activities inspired by music and sound and produced by partners and creators. Then, just as the beat drops, cue the explosive, heart-pounding live science “booms”!
Celebrate International Astronomy Day at The Franklin Institute. Spend the day unlocking the mysteries of the universe across four floors of out-of-this-world experiences, including the two-story Wondrous Space exhibit, Fels Planetarium, and the Holt & Miller Observatory.
Join us for an exclusive, members-only live science show where curiosity takes center stage. Experience real-time experiments, engaging demonstrations, and insights from expert hosts.
Join us for an exclusive, members-only live science show where curiosity takes center stage. Experience real-time experiments, engaging demonstrations, and insights from expert hosts.