Philadelphia Christmas Events

Philadelphia is a vibrant city located in the northeastern United States. It is the fifth most populous city in the United States and home to more than 1.5 million people. Founded in 1682 by William Penn as a place of religious tolerance, Philadelphia has been a major center of culture and commerce since its earliest days. It is known today as the “City of Brotherly Love” and is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

At Christmas time, Philadelphia comes alive with festive events and holiday cheer. There’s no better place to be during the holiday season than in this historic city! From outdoor ice skating and Christmas markets to seasonal theater performances and holiday light shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season in Philadelphia.

Outdoor Ice Skating

For outdoor winter fun, nothing beats ice skating! During the Christmas season, there are several outdoor ice skating rinks available for visitors to enjoy in Philadelphia. The most popular rink is located at Dilworth Park, located in the heart of Center City. This outdoor rink opens in late November and offers ice skating in the shadow of City Hall. The rink is open seven days a week and offers skate rental, lessons, and even a curling rink.

Another popular outdoor rink is Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Penn’s Landing. This outdoor rink is open seven days a week and offers views of the Delaware River as well as beautiful holiday decorations. Skate rental is available and there’s also a cozy lodge with a full-service bar and restaurant.

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are a popular tradition in Europe, and Philadelphia has its own version of this festive event each year. German-style Christmas markets filled with vendors selling handmade gifts, decorations, food, and drink have become increasingly popular in the city.

The most popular Christmas market in Philadelphia is the Love Park Holiday Market. This festive market takes place in mid-December and features more than 60 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet food items. Visitors can also find German-style gluhwein (mulled wine), hot chocolate, and other sweet treats.

Another popular Christmas market is the Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show. This festive event takes place in mid-December and includes vendors selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. The highlight of the event is the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, which features more than 50,000 lights set to music every night.

Theater Performances

Philadelphia is home to several world-class theater companies, which offer seasonal performances during the Christmas season. The Walnut Street Theatre is one of the city’s most popular performing arts venues and offers an annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol each December. This classic tale is brought to life with an all-star cast, amazing set designs, and state-of-the-art special effects.

The Academy of Music also offers seasonal performances during the holidays. Each December, the Academy hosts The Nutcracker, which features a live orchestra and stunning sets and costumes. The performance is suitable for all ages and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Holiday Light Shows

One of the most popular holiday activities in Philadelphia is attending a light show. Every year, visitors flock to Fairmount Park for the holiday light show at Longwood Gardens. This spectacular show features millions of lights that create a beautiful display each night through the end of December. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to experience this magical display.

The annual Macy’s Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City store is another popular light show in Philadelphia. This show has been running since 1956 and features festive decorations, music, and over 100,000 lights on display every night.

Book A Christmas Lights Tour

One of the best ways to experience all of Philadelphia’s holiday lights is to book a tour. A popular tour option is a guided tour to view some of the city’s most iconic holiday light displays from a comfortable coach bus. This tour takes visitors through neighborhoods filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations, as well as stops at many of the city’s most popular holiday attractions such as Longwood Gardens and Franklin Square.

The tour lasts approximately two hours and includes stops at several different locations for photos and other opportunities to experience the city’s holiday spirit. To book this tour, follow this link.

Book A Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

For a unique experience that combines Philadelphia’s history with its holiday spirit, book a horse-drawn carriage tour during the Christmas season. These tours take visitors on a leisurely ride through some of Philadelphia’s most iconic neighborhoods such as Old City and Society Hill. Visitors will have the chance to view some of Philadelphia’s most famous landmarks up close as well as get an inside look at some of its hidden gems.

The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes stops at some of the city’s most popular holiday attractions such as Longwood Gardens and Franklin Square. To book this tour, follow this link.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is one of America’s most beloved cities during the holidays! From outdoor ice skating rinks to Christmas markets and light shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas season in Philadelphia. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor activity or a more traditional holiday experience, there’s something for everyone in this historic city!