We can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel — the end of finals week and the beginning of winter break! And while we’re always super excited to be home, our initial joy is soon replaced by boredom and nagging parents. So, while we’re enjoying our long five week break, check out some of these local attractions in the Philadelphia area to give you for cute date night with your boyfriend or a fun night out with the girls to get you in the holiday spirit!Â
Macy’s Christmas Light Show: An annual Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show dazzles visitors daily, beginning on November 29 and running through December 31, on the hour every two hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. With more than 100,000 LED lights and the sounds of the legendary Wanamaker organ, the Grand Court atrium becomes adorned with floating snowflakes and flying reindeer. Don’t forget to check out the Dickens Village on the third floor.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular: From November 28 through January 1, experience high-definition visions of sugarplums during the Comcast Holiday Spectacular. Shown on the world’s highest-resolution 4-mm LED video wall, the Holiday Spectacular, now in its 6th year, has been updated with new scenes and computer generated animations for the 2013 season. Shows are 15 minutes long and run every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (no shows at 5 p.m. during the week).
Rittenhouse Square Christmas Tree: Rittenhouse Square transforms into a holiday wonderland with the flip of a switch, as the park illuminates a 35-foot tall Christmas tree with 5,000 brilliant, multi-colored globes and lights. While the lighting ceremony was on Tuesday, December 3, you can still enjoy the glow of the park, sneak in some holiday shopping at the boutiques of Rittenhouse Row or grab a bite and a drink from one of the many acclaimed restaurants in the neighborhood.
Christmas Village at Love Park: For its sixth year, the Christmas Village will once again be at Love Park complete with more than 60 decorated wooden booths packed with European food, sweets and drinks, international seasonal gifts, traditional German Christmas ornaments and high-quality arts and crafts. As you shop and explore, enjoy live musical performances, hot mulled wine, bratwursts and City Hall’s brightly lit holiday tree. It’s open through New Year’s Day but is closed on Christmas Day.
Boathouse Row: One of Philadelphia’s most memorable nighttime vistas is that of Boathouse Row, made up of a dozen sculling clubs that line the Schuylkill River behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 2009, new full-color, energy-efficient LED light nodes were hung to showcase the intricate architectural details of the clubs. Now a drive or stroll along the river results in an eye-popping lighting marvel that normally glows white but can change to celebrate a holiday or civic celebration, a charity appeal or a significant professional sporting win.
Longwood Gardens Christmas: No holiday is complete without a visit to Longwood Gardens, where more than 500,000 twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows compose a brilliant wonderland your family is sure to love. Starting at 3:30 p.m. every day from November 28 through January 12, gaze upon the large, starry snowflakes and icicles that sparkle throughout the gardens before warming up in heated conservatory with twenty “rooms” featuring festive displays of floral garlands, sparkling trees and more. Each year, Longwood Gardens presents different holiday lights, decorations and displays, so even if you’ve been there before, it’ll still be a new experience! Timed advance tickets are required and sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.