Christmas Attractions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a vibrant city filled with holiday cheer during the Christmas season. While the city’s iconic landmarks are often visited year-round, the holidays bring an extra layer of cheer and decorations to the city. From festive markets to Christmas light shows, there are plenty of unique attractions to explore in Philadelphia during the Christmas season.

The Christmas Village

One of Philadelphia’s most popular holiday attractions is the Christmas Village. The Christmas Village is a European-style market located in Philadelphia’s LOVE Park. It features over 80 wooden booths that are decorated for the holiday season. Visitors can explore the village and shop for unique gifts, ornaments, and holiday decorations. There are also plenty of traditional German food and drinks, as well as live entertainment. The Christmas Village is a great place to find traditional Christmas decorations and to get a taste of the holiday spirit.

The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is an outdoor ice skating rink located on the banks of the Delaware River in Philadelphia. It features an Olympic-size ice skating rink, a chalet-style lodge with arcade games, an outdoor seating area with fire pits, and a large Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy a variety of winter activities such as ice skating, curling, and mini golf. The ice rink also has a concession stand that serves hot chocolate and other festive snacks. The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is a great place to enjoy a winter day with family and friends.

Christmas Lights Tours

For a truly magical experience, visitors can take a Christmas lights tour of Philadelphia. The tour takes visitors around the city to view some of the best holiday lights displays. The tour begins at City Hall and then heads towards the Magic Gardens, where visitors can admire the colorful lights and holiday decorations. It then continues to Fairmount Park to view the spectacular lights display at Boathouse Row. The tour ends at the Philadelphia Zoo, where visitors can enjoy a festive display of lights, music, and live entertainment.

The Mummers Parade

The Mummers Parade is a traditional holiday parade held each year in Philadelphia. It features thousands of costumed performers, marching bands, and floats. The parade begins at City Hall and continues down Broad Street. Visitors can watch the parade and enjoy the colorful costumes and festive music. The parade is a great way to experience the unique holiday traditions of Philadelphia.

Shops of Historic Philadelphia

The Shops of Historic Philadelphia are a popular attraction during the Christmas season. The area is home to numerous historic buildings, each of which is decorated for the holidays. Visitors can explore the area and browse the shops, which sell traditional Christmas decorations, gifts, and more. The area is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer festive holiday treats and drinks. The Shops of Historic Philadelphia is the perfect place to find unique gifts and holiday decorations.

Christmas Tours

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of Christmas tours in Philadelphia. The Christmas tours take visitors to some of the city’s most iconic sights and attractions. The tours include a visit to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Elfreth’s Alley. Visitors can also learn about the history of Christmas in Philadelphia and explore some of the city’s most famous sites. Christmas tours are a great way to experience the city and explore its unique holiday traditions.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is a great place to visit during the holidays. From the Christmas Village to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, there are plenty of unique attractions to explore in the city. Visitors can also take a Christmas lights tour, experience the Mummers Parade, visit the Shops of Historic Philadelphia, and take a Christmas tour. No matter what you do, you’ll be sure to experience the holiday spirit in Philadelphia during the Christmas season.

An Insider’s Guide to Philadelphia’s Christmas Attractions

Philadelphia is a city that is deeply rooted in American history, but it’s not just the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall that make it an exciting place to visit. Instead of the usual tourist spots, this insider’s guide will show you some hidden gems that Philadelphians cherish, from attractions to food, culture, and history.

Local Attractions: Exploring Uncommon Sights

While Philadelphia has its fair share of tourist attractions, there are several hotspots that locals love that few outsiders know about. The Christkindlmarket at City Hall is a traditional German Christmas fair that visitors tend to miss out on. Few things are more charming than walking down rows of beautiful wooden stalls selling Christmas crafts and gifts, Christmas cookies, roasted nuts, and mulled wine while enjoying live music. For more wintery fun, visit Dilworth Park for ice skating or the Winter Beer garden.

Philadelphia is known for its incredible murals, street art, and graffiti. There are dozens of tours available, but many Philadelphians love discovering them on their own. One great route is to start at 1222-1224 Frankford Ave and walk down Front Street, where you will discover an array of colorful murals and street art, representing themes like life, love, and cultural diversity.

Dining Spots: Tasting Your Way Through Philly’s Festive Treats

There’s no shortage of excellent dining spots in Philadelphia, especially during Christmas time. When you’re in Philly, be sure to try the city’s iconic dish, Philly Cheesesteaks, at Steve’s Prince of Steaks. For dessert and a touch of local history, head to the historic Reading Terminal Market, which has been serving Philadelphians since 1892. Look for Bassett’s Ice Cream, where you can try unique flavors like eggnog or apple cider sorbet.

Another must-try dish in Philly is the soft pretzel, and the best place to indulge is at Miller’s Twist, where you can try a variety of flavors.

Cultural Experiences: Celebrating Philly’s Traditions

Philly has a large art scene, with many museums and galleries to explore. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and view collections of American art.

Amidst Christmas decorations and bright lights, watch the Mummers Parade, a Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition since the late 19th century. This lively street parade features dazzlingly colorful string bands, comics, and fancy brigades. Hundreds of thousands of people attend the parade every year, making for a lively, festive atmosphere.

Local History: Stories of the Past

The city’s historic Old City neighborhood is a must-see for history buffs. Here, you can learn about the birthplace of American democracy and see several preserved buildings from the 18th century. One of the most beautifully preserved landmarks is the Christ Church, founded in 1695. It’s impossible not to be impressed with the architecture, stained-glass windows, and beautiful organ music.

For a more ghostly twist, visit the Betsy Ross House, where it is believed that Ross sewed the first American flag. Legend has it that her ghost, dressed in colonial garb, can be seen walking the halls and sewing.

Off-The-Beaten-Path: Hidden Delights

Philadelphia has more than its fair share of hidden gems, but one of the most magical is the Christmas Light Show at the Macy’s department store at City Hall. This stunning display is timed to music and includes 100,000 LED lights. Another must-see is the Japanese House and Garden, where you can experience peace and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of Philly’s city event.

Finally, Philadelphia has an Open Arts program, which offers backstage tours for theatre lovers. Take a personal tour of one of the best venues, the Kimmel Center, home to the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Summary

Philadelphia is a city filled with Christmas attractions that the locals love and visitors cannot miss. Beyond the Liberty Bell and cheesesteaks, there are numerous hidden gems that showcase the city’s wintery wonderland, culture, history, and culinary delights. With this guide, you are guaranteed to experience an unforgettable holiday.