- January 1, 1848 - Girard College opened to students, 100 students are admitted.
- January 1, 1901 - The first official Mummers Parade, a New Year's Day tradition, is held.
- January 6, 1922 - Construction on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, then called the Delaware River Bridge, begins.
- January 26, 1857 - The Academy of Music, the future home of the Philadelphia Orchestra officially opens on Broad Street.
