Things To Do In Philadelphia For Christmas

Philadelphia is a city with a long, vibrant history filled with iconic attractions and a strong sense of culture and community. From the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there’s plenty of fun to be had in this city that’s known for its patriotism and innovation. During the Christmas season, Philadelphia comes alive with festive decorations, special events, and activities that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or making a return trip, there’s no shortage of things to do in Philadelphia for Christmas.

History of Philadelphia

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn and has grown to become the fifth-largest city in the United States. It was the first capital of the United States and is home to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse neighborhoods. It is also home to the Philadelphia Eagles, a professional football team known for its passionate fan base.

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas in Philadelphia is a special time of year that brings together friends and families from all over the region. Whether you’re looking for traditional holiday events or something unique, there’s always something to do in the City of Brotherly Love. From ice skating on the Blue Cross RiverRink to shopping at the Christmas Village, there are plenty of festive activities and attractions to enjoy.

Outdoor Ice Skating

One of the most popular things to do in Philadelphia for Christmas is to head outside and enjoy some outdoor ice skating. The Blue Cross RiverRink is a popular ice skating destination, open from November to March each year. The rink features a regulation-size skating rink, an arcade, a chalet-style lodge, and a cozy fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs where you can warm up after a day of skating.

The Christmas Village

The Christmas Village is one of the most beloved holiday events in Philadelphia. Located in the historic LOVE Park, this German-style market brings together vendors from all over Europe who sell authentic wares such as hand-crafted jewelry, toys, candles, and ornaments. There are also plenty of food vendors serving up traditional German treats such as bratwurst, pretzels, and hot chocolate.

Holiday Lights at Franklin Square

Franklin Square is one of five original squares designed by William Penn in 1682 and is known for its lovely gardens and interactive attractions. During the holiday season, the square comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the night sky. The Square also features a carousel, mini golf course, and playground that are lit up with festive lights.

Philly Holiday Festival

The Philly Holiday Festival is an annual event that celebrates the city’s diverse culture and traditions. Each year, thousands of people gather at City Hall to take part in this festive event which includes food trucks, live music, and holiday activities such as letter writing to Santa. The festival also features an outdoor ice skating rink, caroling contest, and free visits from Santa Claus himself.

Christmas Light Shows

During the holiday season, Philadelphia turns into a winter wonderland with dazzling light shows across the city. One of the most popular light displays is the one at Dilworth Park where LED lights are projected onto City Hall creating a spectacular display of colors and shapes. Other popular light displays include Longwood Gardens, Macy’s Light Show at Macy’s Center City Store, and the Miracle on 13th Street at The Shops at Liberty Place.

Popular Tours

One of the best ways to experience Philadelphia’s stunning Christmas decorations is by taking a guided tour of the city. There are several different tours available that take visitors around to some of the most popular holiday attractions and sites.

Holiday Lights Tour

The Holiday Lights Tour is a one-hour tour that takes visitors around to some of Philadelphia’s most stunning light displays including City Hall, Longwood Gardens, and Macy’s Center City Store. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and narration by an experienced guide who will provide interesting facts about each stop along the way. This tour is perfect for those who would like to see all of the city’s most popular light displays in one night. To book this tour click here.

Christmas Shopping Tour

The Christmas Shopping Tour is a three-hour tour that takes visitors around to some of Philadelphia’s best shopping destinations including The Shops at Liberty Place, The Shops at Chestnut Street, and The Italian Market. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and narration by an experienced guide who will provide interesting facts about each stop along the way. This tour is perfect for those who would like to get some holiday shopping done while taking in some of Philadelphia’s best attractions. To book this tour click here.

Historic Philadelphia Tour

The Historic Philadelphia Tour is a two-hour tour that takes visitors around to some of Philadelphia’s most famous historic sites including Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth’s Alley. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and narration by an experienced guide who will provide interesting facts about each stop along the way. This tour is perfect for those who would like to learn more about Philadelphia’s rich history while taking in some of its most iconic sites. To book this tour click here.

Conclusion

Philadelphia has plenty to offer during the Christmas season with festive decorations, special events, and plenty of activities that capture the spirit of the season. From outdoor ice skating to shopping at the Christmas Village, there are plenty of things to do in Philadelphia for Christmas. Visitors can also take part in Christmas tours that take them around to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks or explore Philadelphia’s rich history through guided tours that highlight its past. No matter what you choose to do during your visit, there’s no shortage of festive activities to enjoy during your time in Philadelphia this holiday season.