Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, offers a festive wonderland of events and celebrations during the holiday season and as we ring in the New Year. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the holiday season in Philly is packed with activities that capture the spirit of the season—from dazzling light displays and ice skating rinks to spectacular New Year’s Eve parties. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most exciting events happening in Philadelphia this holiday season and the start of the New Year.
The Flavors of Philly
No visit to Philadelphia during the holiday season would be complete without indulging in one of the city’s most iconic culinary delights—the Philly cheesesteak. As you explore the winter festivities, be sure to savor this mouthwatering sandwich. With its perfectly grilled rib-eye steak, melted cheese, and soft hoagie roll, the sandwich is a must-try treat that embodies the essence of the city. Whether you’re taking a break from ice skating at Dilworth Park or warming up after a stroll through the Christmas Village, grab some comfort food to fuel your holiday adventures.
Holiday Light Displays & Festive Decorations
One of the most iconic elements of the Philadelphia holiday season is the stunning light displays that transform the city into a holiday wonderland. From large-scale installations to intimate light shows, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer.
Dilworth Park Winter Wonderland
Located at the base of Philadelphia’s City Hall, Dilworth Park is a hub for winter festivities. The park transforms into a Winter Wonderland, with a sparkling tree, a massive ice-skating rink, and a charming holiday market. The Wintergarden offers a beautiful spot for photos, surrounded by festive lights and decorations. Visitors can also enjoy cozying up in a heated tent while sipping hot cocoa or enjoying a seasonal treat from one of the local vendors.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets, the Christmas Village in Philadelphia is one of the most popular holiday events in the city. Situated in LOVE Park, this European-style holiday market features over 60 vendors offering handmade gifts, decorations, seasonal foods, and more. The market is the perfect place to find unique gifts, try traditional foods like bratwurst and pretzels, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by the giant Christmas tree, which provides a stunning backdrop for photos.
The Philadelphia Christmas Tree at City Hall
One of the most iconic holiday sights in Philadelphia is the towering Christmas tree at City Hall. Every year, the tree is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, making it a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of Center City, the tree provides a perfect holiday backdrop, whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or enjoying the lights at night.
Winter Sports and Outdoor Fun
For those who love outdoor winter activities, Philadelphia has plenty to offer. Whether you’re an avid skater, skier, or just enjoy some time outdoors, the city’s winter sports scene has something for everyone.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Located on the Delaware River Waterfront, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is a seasonal favorite. This outdoor ice skating rink is perfect for a winter day out with family and friends. After skating, you can warm up by the outdoor fire pits or enjoy the rinkside bar and snack stands. The Winterfest also features a cozy lodge with games like shuffleboard and a full view of the rink. It’s a perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned skaters, with a festive atmosphere that’ll get you in the holiday spirit.
Skate at the Wells Fargo Center
In addition to the RiverRink, Philly’s Wells Fargo Center hosts ice skating events for families and friends throughout the winter. This location is particularly special because it often features unique themed skate nights that celebrate different cultures, holidays, and fun activities for children. For those looking to skate indoors, this is a fantastic option to enjoy a winter activity with friends and family.
Festive Entertainment and Shows
The holiday season also brings a variety of festive shows, concerts, and theatrical performances that capture the magic of the holidays.
The Nutcracker at the Philadelphia Ballet
A Philadelphia holiday tradition, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker brings the classic story to life on stage every year. With breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, this performance is a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the magic of the season. It’s the perfect family outing and one of Philadelphia’s most cherished holiday events.
A Christmas Carol at the Arden Theatre
The Arden Theatre is another venue that brings holiday cheer to the stage with its annual production of A Christmas Carol. With a cast of talented performers and a heartwarming storyline, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved story has become a holiday tradition for many families. The performance brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale and is a great way to celebrate the season with loved ones.
Holiday Concerts at the Kimmel Center
If you’re in the mood for festive music, the Kimmel Center hosts a series of holiday concerts that feature everything from classical holiday music to contemporary Christmas hits. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Brass concert and the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert are just a couple of examples of the world-class performances you can experience during the holiday season.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Philadelphia
As the year comes to a close, Philadelphia pulls out all the stops to ring in the new year with fireworks, parties, and events.
SugarHouse Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks
One of the biggest events to celebrate the end of the year in Philadelphia is the New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Penn’s Landing. The SugarHouse Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display is one of the largest in the city, with two spectacular shows at 6 p.m. and midnight. The fireworks light up the sky over the Delaware River, offering an unforgettable view for revelers along the waterfront. The show is free to watch and a fantastic way to start the year with a bang.
Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
For those looking to ring in the New Year with a traditional celebration, head to the Plaza at the 69th Street Terminal for the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. This family-friendly event features live music, performances, and plenty of food. As the clock strikes midnight, the famous ball drops, marking the official start of the new year. It’s a fun, festive event that welcomes everyone into 2024 with energy and excitement.
New Year’s Eve Parties and Events
Philadelphia’s nightlife scene doesn’t slow down during the holidays, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. From upscale parties at local hotels to dance events at bars and clubs, the city offers an array of ways to celebrate the night. Whether you’re looking for an elegant black-tie event or a lively nightclub scene, Philadelphia has a New Year’s Eve celebration for every type of party-goer.
Conclusion
Philadelphia offers a wide array of events and activities throughout the holiday season and as we transition into the New Year. Whether you’re enjoying the spectacular light displays, taking part in outdoor winter sports, attending festive concerts, or ringing in the New Year with fireworks and comfort food, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the city. From families to singles, from visitors to residents, Philadelphia is the place to be this holiday season. Don’t miss out on the magic—come explore all that the city has to offer this winter!