Images Provided by The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC)
Philadelphia boasts many holiday traditions that locals and visitors delight in year after year (Macy’s Christmas Light Show, Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker and the New Year’s Day Mummers Parade), but this year revelers can partake in new activities that are sure to become beloved traditions. There’s the all-new Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle: A Holiday Light Show, a sparkling holiday tribute to Ben Franklin; the addition of a pop-up restaurant and shop at the Blue Cross River Rink; and the Nutcracker Market, featuring hand-made arts and crafts from American artisans. Here are 32 ways to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia:
Philadelphia’s City Hall, the largest one in the country, is festooned with colorful lights and garlands during the Christmas season. This unique angle shows Love Park’s sparkling tree in the foreground.
New This Year:
The holiday magic at Ben Franklin’s namesake park begins with the new Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle: A Holiday Light Show, featuring a 10-foot-tall kite made of lights that sparkle and spread the glow to lights throughout the square. The show runs every 30 minutes between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m., weather permitting. Other festivities include visits from Santa, Ben Franklin and other special guests, rides on the Franklin Square holiday train and the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, seasonal treats at SquareBurger and even mini-golf with warming stations to keep even the littlest players cozy. Activities and special events celebrate everything from Hannukah to Christmas to Kwanzaa. November 14-December 31, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.historicphiladelphia.org
RiverRink in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006.: Skaters glide on ice against a picturesque backdrop at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing. Visitors can beat the chill with activities and snacks in the warming pavilion. Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing opens its 20th season with a whole new look that comes in the form of a pop-up holiday winter garden and village called Waterfront Winterfest, featuring shops, music and food. Also new this year: a holiday-themed light show that runs on the hour from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. And under a massive 400-person warming tent created from recycled shipping containers, folks enjoy comfort food, holiday cocktails and local beers. November 29-January 5. Columbus Boulevard & Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, www.riverrink.com
Rittehnouse Square
Thousands of lights brighten the streets of New Hope, Pennsylvania, during the holiday shopping season. The charming Bucks County town, just 35 miles north of Philadelphia, is home to many unique shops, restaurants, galleries and studios.
Shoppers stock up on one-of-a-kind, artisan-made gifts at the Pennsylvania Ballet’s first-ever Nutcracker Market at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Fifty selected artists and craftsmen offer hand-made American crafts and gifts. December 7-8. Broad & Spruce Streets, (855) 406-2743, www.paballet.org/nutmarket Continue reading
Fashion + Lifestyle 