What better place to spend a Christmas vacation than in the City of Brotherly Love?
Also called Philly, Philadelphia is the most populous city in the state of Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. It is a great place for culture, but there’s also plenty of modern action that makes the city thrive.
If you are thinking of visiting Philly for the holidays, there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some things you will want to check out.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Penn’s Landing is so named as it the site of William Penn’s historical landing in 1682. Today it is the site of several shops and eateries, and it is also known for hosting events throughout the year.
During the holiday season, it transforms for Winterfest hosting an Olympic sized skating rink that overlooks the Delaware River. It also houses a ski chalet style lodge and a winter garden with a stately holiday tree. Guests can enjoy the outdoor seating with fire pits as well as the nearby warming cabins.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show
The Macy’s Christmas Light Show has been a Philadelphia holiday tradition for over 50 years. The city center store that lives in the historic Wanamaker Village illuminates with a spectacular event that includes snowflakes, ballerinas and reindeer floats.
The store lights up on Black Friday and the displays stay up throughout the Christmas season. Here are some features you won’t want to miss.
Dickens Village: This is an animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol that takes place in a 6000 square foot village on the third floor of the department store.
Holiday Windows: Be sure to pass by the holiday windows that have been elaborately decorated since the early 1870’s.
Macy’s Santaland: Kids will also be able to visit Santaland to join elves on a journey to the North Pole and meet with the big guy himself.
Electrical Spectacle in Franklin Square
Franklin Square marks the land first laid out by William Penn in 1682. It currently severs as a recreational area for the city.
During the holiday season, it hosts a light display inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s vivid imagination. The Electrical Spectacle show features over 100,000 twinkling lights choreographed to a holiday soundtrack. Guests can also enjoy winter treats and other outdoor attractions. The event is free and open to the public.
Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park turns into a winter wonderland as soon as temperatures plummet. The cheer kicks off on Oct. 31 and lasts until the end of February. Guests can ice skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and relax with a warm beverage at the open-air Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. Visitors can also stroll through the Wintergarden on Greenfield Law to enjoy the seasonal arrangements.
Dilworth Park also hosts the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, a great place to find holiday gifts and support local talent. The atmosphere is made even more festive by nearby city Hall and its Deck the Hall Holiday Lights.
New Year’s Eve at Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing is the place for people to gather on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks are set off over the Delaware River. The display is accompanied by plenty of entertainment.
If you’d rather stay away from crowds, the fireworks can be seen at several vantage points throughout the city.
Mummer’s Parade
Mummer’s Parade is a Philadelphia tradition that takes place on New Year’s Day. The rowdy event includes 10,000 adults and children dressed up in lavish costumes. Spectators can watch as they strut down the street to create and experience that is similar to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras.
Different Mummers have specific roles in the parade. The Comics and Wench Brigade pokes fun at political and social issues and figures. The Fancies have glamorous outfits that can easily compete with royalty. The String Bands play instruments that add to the atmosphere and the Fancy Brigades produce choreographed theatrical numbers.
The Village at Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village is a countryside resort destination characterized by stylish architecture, vibrant greenery, brick walkways and great shops and restaurants. It is a hotspot for festivals and events, and it comes alive during the holiday season.
While in Philly, be sure to stop by to take in the twinkling lights and get some holiday shopping done. The village also hosts a Gingerbread Competition and Display with over 70 creative entries and an Elf on the Stealth outdoor walking tour where families can help Mrs. Claus find a missing elf.
Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
The Bucks County Farm is a terrific Philadelphia holiday destination. It’s three million Holiday Light Show is two miles long. Guest can drive through or ride in wagons if the weather allows. There are tons of illuminated tunnels and Christmas characters. You can also buy a Christmas tree while enjoying the fun.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
Animal lovers won’t want to miss out on a chance to see the Elmwood Park Zoo, especially when it’s lit up for its Wild Lights event. Over 16 acres are illuminated with millions of LED lights. Visitors can check the Glistening Forest that is the Oh Christmas Tree display or see the big cats in the Trail of Jumping Jaguars. Other attractions include live entertainment, holiday music, animal encounters and meet and greets with Santa.
Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden in Philly’s Kennett Square. It offers over 1,077 acres of flora and fauna. Expect it to be dressed up for the Christmas season with over 500,000 lights, a toy train that runs around its exterior, awe-inspiring fountains, fire pit dances and seasonal music.
Philadelphia has a lot to offer during the holiday season. Add it to your destination bucket list so you can take it all in. Which of these events and activities sound like the most fun to you?
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