From hosting the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the country to having authentic German Christmas markets, the holidays are the best time to experience the holly side of Philadelphia. While this year will look very different, the City of Philadelphia, along with its public and private partners, is delighted to bring fun, safe, and family-friendly diverse holiday celebrations to residents and visitors alike. Hope these experiences will remind you of the spirit of the holidays: a time of reflection, faith, family, kindness, hope and joy. Here are five ways you can experience the holiday spirit of Philadelphia-
Admire spectacular light display & holiday tree at city hall
Each year, visitors can immerse themselves in a holiday spectacular at Dilworth Plaza at Philadelphia’s City Hall. The City’s Official Holiday Tree stands tall and features thousands of colorful, twinkling lights, and an assortment of Philadelphia-themed ornaments and decorations. The Deck the Hall Lights is an animated display of dazzling lights and synchronized music projected on the National Landmark, Philadelphia’s City Hall. The city kicked off the most wonderful time of the year with a virtual-only tree lighting ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m., allowing viewers from around the region to partake in this beloved tradition from the comfort of home. New this year, City Hall will host a one-of-a-kind art installation, Healing Heart Remembrance Wall, dedicated to the Philadelphians who lost their lives in 2020. Located in City Hall Courtyard, the temporary installation will be created for the season by local visual artist Ife Nii-Owoo.
Enjoy Macy’s Christmas light show
A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show features whimsical holiday scenes made of over 100,000 LED lights, including a 34,500-LED tree. While visitors may not get to experience the light show in person this year, you can still revel in the festive spirit virtually. Many traditional features remain in Philadelphia as Macys remakes its traditional department store attractions into virtual experiences, building up its e-commerce platform customer base as it keeps shoppers safe. The Macy’s presentations are the grandest of Philadelphia traditions, and many customers’ Yule celebrations would not be complete without taking in the Delaware Valley spectacle. Macy’s beautiful Market Street Windows, created by the Parade Studio, are also a special attraction. They are usually unveiled the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
At the Dickens Christmas Village (Third Floor Market Street) there is also a concession for photos with Santa (open through Christmas Eve), a studio to design a personalized teddy bear, and a Christmas gift shop (“Holiday Lane”) nearby. There is covered public parking under the Wanamaker Building with elevators leading to Street Level.
Experience the annual Winterfest
Philly’s favorite Winter wonderland on the Waterfront is back with thousands of sparkling lights, warming cabins, firepits, ice rink, and your favorite seasonal fare from Chickie’s and Pete’s and Skelly’s Amusements, plus creative cocktails, local brews, and more (Guests will not be permitted to stroll the park with food and beverages). The Blue Cross RiverRink at the Delaware River Waterfront lights up with the annual seasonal Winterfest with ice-skating rinks, holiday cabins, cozy cabins and lots of fun, all with some spectacular views of the Ben Franklin Bridge in the backdrop. This year highest priority will be the safety and well-being of visitors, staff, and partners.
Revel in the winter glory of Franklin Square
Historic Franklin Square transforms itself to a whimsical winter destination with fun for the whole family. The seven-acre Square features a festive mini golf course, charming carousel, and the popular Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, featuring 100,000 lights throughout the park that glow, twinkle, and dance along to a playlist of holiday favorites each evening. This year, beginning November 19, historic Franklin Square has been transformed into a whimsical winter destination, complete with a festive mini golf course, charming carousel, and the popular Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show (shows are every 30 minutes from 5-9 p.m., daily, weather permitting). This season, Winter in Franklin Square will help keep guests safe by instituting limited capacities on attractions, encouraging social distancing, and sanitization stations throughout the park. The winter fun can be enjoyed daily through December 31 (closed November 26 and December 25) from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Discover holiday cheer in Chestnut Hill
Home to 200 retailers, including many independently-owned boutiques selling a variety of goods such as toys, antiques, home goods, clothes, and more, Chestnut Hill makes for a must-visit holiday shopping destination. Each Wednesday in December, the district will host its beloved annual Stag & Doe days, which feature extended store hours and holiday specials at participating retailers and restaurants. New for 2020, Stag & Doe events have been extended into a day-long experience, allowing visitors plenty of extra time and space to explore the district while avoiding crowds. As you move from one festively decorated storefront to another, you’ll enjoy holiday music played by a brass quartet and may even bump into Santa Claus along the way. If shopping works up an appetite, there are 29 appetizing restaurants nearby, offering a wide range of cuisines, seasonal menus, and safe indoor or outdoor dining options. On December 9 and 23, visitors to Chestnut Hill can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides through the neighborhood (on a first-come, first-served basis – departs from 8532 Germantown Avenue). TIP: Don’t miss local favorite Bredenbeck’s Bakery, offering festive gingerbread, reindeer, and cookie cake kits alongside their robust selection of treats.
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