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
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Celebrate the art of transformation. Channel an alter ego or push fashion beyond its limit, this is your space to experiment without rules! From bold fashion to animal mimicry to playful imagination, explore the limitless creativity of becoming someone, or something, entirely new.
Calling all curious kiddos, playful parents, and thrill-seeking families! FunFest: A Night at the Museum is your golden ticket to an after-hours adventure where the museum turns into your playground.
It’s a celebration of cosmic proportions, and you’re all invited! Sip craft cocktails from local distilleries, enjoy rooftop stargazing by telescope, mesmerizing Planetarium shows, hands-on science demonstrations, live music, and more. It’s a night of history, taste, and wonder — all in honor of Repeal Day.
Join us for a full day of family friendly exclusive programming, hands-on activities, refreshments and live science shows – all for members only. Whether you're a long-time member or just joined, we can't wait to celebrate with you!