10 Festive Things to do in Philly This Holiday Season

The City of Brotherly Love hosts tons of different holiday attractions this season. Here are a few of the most popular holiday attractions Philly has to offer.

1.     Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest 

Penn’s Landing transforms into a wintery riverfront park for people of all ages. Whether choose to ice skate, visit the beer garden, or play some games with your family, everyone will be getting into the holiday spirit. There are cute little huts set up for people when they need a break from the cold to sit and admire the lights and other holiday decor.

2.     The Christmas Village in Philadelphia 

This has become one of Philly’s favorite traditions. This old-fashioned village takes place in the courtyard area surrounding City Hall and boasts dozens of vendors selling everything from bratwurst to gorgeous jewelry. Plus, Christmas Village is known for it’s delicious hot chocolate.

3.     The Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park 

 A visit to Dilworth Park will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. Take a part of ice skating right in the middle of Christmas Village with a beautiful view in the heart of Philadelphia.

4.     SkyGarten New Hot Chocolate Bar 

Try out Philly’s new spiked Hot Chocolate car with a great view of the city skyline. You can choose from Fireball, bourbon cream, and peppermint Schnapps. Yum!

5.     Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Holiday Light Show 

A giant display of lights paired with a dynamic holiday soundtrack: the recipe for a perfect night. There are a great number of attractions at this festival. Take a shot at playing mini golf at Franklin Square! Or, take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Holiday express- a train that runs around the square.

6.     Boathouse Row

The beautiful boathouses line the Schuylkill River are decorated beautifully for the holiday season. Take a little walk down the trail while you admire these beautiful lights.

7.     Christmas in Fairmount Park 

Six mansions in Fairmount Park open their doors for tours and holiday treats for the public. Each day has a different theme for the food and the music. They’ll be holding four different events throughout December.

8.     Macy’s Christmas Light Show

The Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City has been a Philadelphia tradition since 1956. Enjoy the large wall of lights that depict a classic Christmas story inside the Wanamaker building while the Wanamaker Organ plays.

9.     SugarHouse Casino’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

Watch fireworks right along the Delaware River. The show goes on from 6 p.m. until midnight so make sure to stop by and get your midnight kiss right on the waterfront…it’s every girl’s dream!

10.  Neighborhood Lights in South Philadelphia

Elaborate lights are hung up on the houses down 13th street in South Philly. 13th Street is also known as the Miracle on South 13th street when these beautiful lights are lit up. It’s a beautiful masterpiece that you’ll have to see to believe.

You don’t need a big wallet to have a big heart. ‘Tis the season to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia whether it’s at City Hall, Franklin Square with your family, or at a new Hot Chocolate Bar for a girl’s night out. Happy Holidays!