Philadelphia, PA - The holiday season in Philadelphia is closely approaching, as temperatures drop in this tradition-steeped city, a joyful spirit fills local retail stores, theaters, eateries and area parks. This season guarantees a wealth of festivities, some which include Center City’s yearly holiday festival.
Below are a few highlights of the winter season holiday in Philly:
- Christmas Village in Philadelphia – The Germanic-style marketplace comes back to a recently restored JFK Plaza, also referred to as LOVE park which will host, 80 stands featuring regional and international vendors selling Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, Hernhut Stars, wintry apparel as well as tasty seasonal treats. November 22-December 24. 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, (215) 268-7606, www.philachristmas.com
- Philadelphia City Hall – Dilworth Park’s water fountains will once again retire for the winter to give way for the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin. Joined by the magically planted Wintergarden, and the return of the Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market. Other holiday happenings at city hall include the official tree & lighting, a carousel inside the Courtyard and Deck the Hall Light display, a daily public show of coordinated holiday songs with lighting effects. Rink & Wintergarden: November 9-February 24; market: November 17-January 1, light show: November 19-January 1, tree lighting: November 28. Between Broad & 15th Streets at Market Street, www.ccdparks.org
- The Comcast Holiday Spectacular – The Comcast lobby’s excellent high-res LED display integrates the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, an enchanting sleigh ride above the city—with a birds-eye point of view of the brand-new Comcast Technology Center as well as a sing-along inside of 15 minutes of fun. Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (every hour on the hour except for 5 p.m. on weekdays), November 22-January 17th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, www.comcastcorporation.com
- Christmas Light Show – The Grand Court of the Macy’, boasts a free display of moving lighting effects around the more than life Magic Christmas Tree complemented by the famous Wanamaker Organ and narrated by Julie Andrews. Shows start every two hours through store hours. The 3rd floor features the Dickens Christmas Village features a tour of a timeless animatronic of A Christmas Carol which finishes with a one-on-one with the big guy Santa. November 23-December 31. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, www.wanamakerorgan.com
- Franklin Square Holiday Festival - is highlighting the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show – amongst 50,000 lights, park-goers can pay a visit to Santa, enjoy the carousel and tiny train, play mini golf, munch on comfort fare, hot beverages, and goodies at Ben’s Sweets & Treats, or enjoy a local beer or two. November 15-December 31. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.historicphiladelphia.org
- A Longwood Christmas – countless of poinsettias, Christmas trees as well as flowers transform the warmed up four-acre Conservatory; 500,000 light bulbs sparkle in trees; as well as marvelously restored water features and fire pit flames dancing to Christmas music. November 22-January 6. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org
- Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest – commemorating its 25th anniversary, this wintertime wonderland alongside the Delaware River offers fire pits, a game area, a chalet-style lodge featuring food and drinks, a confectionary cottage, 12 nights of Christmas films and weekend Skates with Santa Clause in December—all focused around a skating rink with a view of the Ben Franklin Bridge. November 23-March 3; tree lighting: November 30. Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, (215) 925-7465, www.riverrink.com
- Philly Holiday Festival Evening Shuttle – The Philadelphia PHLASH operates a no-cost, holiday shuttle which visits 11 Philly Holidays Festival points of interest every 20 to 30 minutes, Thursday all the way through Sunday evenings (6-9 p.m.), November 23-December 30.
