Friday, December 29

A model train and lighted trees at Franklin Frost.
Dec 29 2023 | 10am - 4:30pm

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

FunFest A Night At The Museum - Friday, November 13, 2026 - 4:30pm - 8:00pm - Join us for an after-hours adventure where the museum turns into your playground!
Nov 13 2026 | 4:30 - 8pm
FAMILY FUNDRAISER

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.

brain
Nov 14 2026 | 11am - 2pm
FREE WITH ADMISSION

Explore the brain, immune system, DNA, movement, and more through hands-on activities and live science demonstrations included with general admission. 

Member Appreciation Day at The Franklin Institute
Dec 5 2026 | 10:30am - 2:30pm
MEMBERS ONLY

This member-exclusive event is free and features live science demonstrations, a special planetarium show, hands-on family activities, and games, a complimentary light lunch, and a special appreciation gift.

Firstival Philadelphia:  Free Weather Science at The Franklin Institute
Dec 5 2026 | 11am - 1pm
FREE CELEBRATION

Celebrate Philadelphia’s weather-science legacy at Firstival, a free event at The Franklin Institute. The event is part of 52 Weeks of Firsts, a series of free Saturday festivals held throughout Philadelphia in 2026 to spotlight the people, places, and innovations that helped shape American history. 

Star Wars: The Experience | Member Preview | The Franklin Institute Philadelphia
Feb 12 2027 | 5 - 8pm
MEMBERS ONLY

The Franklin Institute members can preview Star Wars™: The Experience in Philadelphia on February 12. Explore early and reserve tickets.