7 Festive Christmas Activities In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city that comes alive during the holiday season, offering a wide range of festive Christmas activities for visitors of all ages. From ice skating and Christmas markets to parades and light displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we'll explore seven festive Christmas activities in Philadelphia that you won't want to miss.

Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, making it the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. Whether you're looking for a fun and festive atmosphere, or a chance to get into the holiday spirit, Philadelphia has something for everyone. From the famous Love Park Christmas tree to the iconic Comcast Center Christmas light show, there are countless ways to celebrate the holiday season in Philadelphia.

One of the best things about Philadelphia during the holiday season is the city's many festive Christmas activities. From shopping and dining to entertainment and events, there's no shortage of fun and festive things to do in Philadelphia during the holiday season. In this article, we'll explore seven festive Christmas activities in Philadelphia that you won't want to miss.

Christmas Activities in Philadelphia

Ice Skating at Rothman Institute Ice Rink

Ice skating is a classic holiday activity, and Philadelphia has several outdoor ice skating rinks to choose from. One of the most popular is the Rothman Institute Ice Rink in Dilworth Park. This rink is open from late November to February and offers stunning views of City Hall and the surrounding cityscape. Visitors can skate, take a lesson, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Comcast Center Christmas Light Show

The Comcast Center Christmas light show is a beloved holiday tradition in Philadelphia. This spectacular display features over 100,000 lights, music, and animations that tell the story of the holiday season. The show is free and runs every hour on the hour from 10am to 8pm, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.

Christmas Village in Love Park

The Christmas Village in Love Park is a festive holiday market featuring over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy traditional German food and drinks, such as bratwurst and glühwein. The village is open from late November to Christmas Eve and offers a fun and festive atmosphere.

Macy's Christmas Light Show

The Macy's Christmas light show is another holiday tradition in Philadelphia. This spectacular display features over 100,000 lights, music, and animations that tell the story of the holiday season. The show is free and runs every hour on the hour from 10am to 8pm, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.

One Liberty Observation Deck's ' Deck the Halls' Holiday Exhibit

The One Liberty Observation Deck's 'Deck the Halls' holiday exhibit is a unique and festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia. This exhibit features stunning views of the city from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place, as well as interactive displays, festive decorations, and holiday-themed activities. Visitors can also enjoy a special holiday-themed drink and snack menu.

Franklin Square Holiday Festival

The Franklin Square Holiday Festival is a fun and festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia. This festival features a holiday market with over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, live music, and holiday-themed activities. The festival runs from late November to January 1st.

'A Philly Pops Christmas' Concert

'A Philly Pops Christmas' concert is a festive holiday tradition in Philadelphia. This concert features the Philly Pops performing classic holiday songs, as well as some modern twists on traditional favorites. The concert is a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit, and is suitable for all ages.

Christmas Events in Philadelphia

Christmas Parade in Chestnut Hill

The Christmas parade in Chestnut Hill is a festive holiday tradition that features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade runs through the charming Chestnut Hill neighborhood and is a fun and festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia.

Holiday Train Display at the Reading Terminal Market

The holiday train display at the Reading Terminal Market is a unique and festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia. This display features a large model train set with over 1,000 feet of track, as well as holiday decorations and festive music. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining at the market, which features over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts, food, and souvenirs.

Ice Skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Ice skating is a classic holiday activity, and Philadelphia has several outdoor ice skating rinks to choose from. One of the most popular is the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, which features stunning views of the Delaware River and the surrounding cityscape. Visitors can skate, take a lesson, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Christmas Markets in Philadelphia

Christmas Village in Love Park

The Christmas Village in Love Park is a festive holiday market featuring over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy traditional German food and drinks, such as bratwurst and glühwein. The village is open from late November to Christmas Eve and offers a fun and festive atmosphere.

Holiday Market at the Historic District

The holiday market at the Historic District is a festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia. This market features over 50 vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and souvenirs, as well as traditional holiday food and drinks. Visitors can also enjoy live music and holiday-themed activities.

Franklin Square Holiday Festival

The Franklin Square Holiday Festival is a fun and festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia. This festival features a holiday market with over 80 vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, live music, and holiday-themed activities. The festival runs from late November to January 1st.

Christmas Light Displays in Philadelphia

Comcast Center Christmas Light Show

The Comcast Center Christmas light show is a beloved holiday tradition in Philadelphia. This spectacular display features over 100,000 lights, music, and animations that tell the story of the holiday season. The show is free and runs every hour on the hour from 10am to 8pm, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.

Macy's Christmas Light Show

The Macy's Christmas light show is another holiday tradition in Philadelphia. This spectacular display features over 100,000 lights, music, and animations that tell the story of the holiday season. The show is free and runs every hour on the hour from 10am to 8pm, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.

Peddler's Village Gingerbread House Display

The Peddler's Village Gingerbread House Display is a unique and festive way to experience the holiday season in Philadelphia. This display features over 100 gingerbread houses, as well as holiday decorations and festive music. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining at the village, which features over 60 vendors selling handmade crafts, food, and souvenirs.

We hope you've enjoyed this article about festive Christmas activities in Philadelphia. Whether you're looking for a fun and festive atmosphere, or a chance to get into the holiday spirit, Philadelphia has something for everyone. From ice skating and Christmas markets to parades and light displays, there's no shortage of fun and festive things to do in Philadelphia during the holiday season. So why not plan a trip to Philadelphia this holiday season and experience all that the city has to offer?