Fall and winter's crisp air is the perfect backdrop to enjoy the many events, festivals, and exhibitions in Philadelphia this time of year.
The arrival of winter brings a slew of great winter activities and festivals to Philadelphia. Beyond the holidays, light displays enchant visitors, ice rinks spring up all across the city, and special activities mark the arrival of winter.
Indulge in winter pleasures like hot chocolate and pastimes such as sledding while you have the chance. In addition, popular expos and marketplaces are back this year.
There are plenty of enjoyable activities to do in Philadelphia throughout the winter. Here are some of our favorite places in the city and elsewhere.
It just wouldn't be Christmas without The Nutcracker by the Philadelphia Ballet. One of the highest-rated performances of this classic in the country, this charming ballet promises a magical night every time.
The marvelous costumes, giant Christmas trees, and captivating choreography make The Nutcracker a compelling performance. Tchaikovsky's mesmerizing score brings the production to life in a performance that's enjoyable for the entire family.
The Nutcracker opens in December this year and opening night tickets start from $10. An unforgettable night at the ballet is definitely one of the best things to do in Philadelphia this winter.
November marks the return of all of Dilworth Park's popular winter attractions. The historic City Hall's west front will once more be illuminated by the Deck the Hall Light Show, and the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will once more be open seven days a week for skating.
The Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn will once more include reindeer topiaries.
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and the Rothman Orthopedics Cabin will complete the park's seasonal makeover. Highlights include glittering lights, whimsical reindeer topiaries, and rustic decor. Warm mulled wine is available for those 21 and older at the nearby Chaddsford Winery kiosk.
A complete calendar of free events is planned through February in addition to these attractions.
The weather outside may be frightful, but you can still root for the home team. This fall, the Eagles play at home on September 19, October 2, October 16, November 14, November 27, and December 4. Alternatively, you might go to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the Flyers host the Devils on home ice on October 13.
The Sixers' home debut against the Bucks comes on October 20 if you'd prefer to be courtside. Finally, you can tailgate or hang out at a sports bar if you are unsuccessful in getting tickets.
Penn's Landing is transformed into a winterized riverfront park during the colder months by the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.
Winterfest, a winterized version of the summertime roller skating paradise Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, has an Olympic-size ice skating rink with views of the Delaware River, a ski lodge, and a winter garden with a magnificently decorated holiday tree (lit by tens of thousands of LED lights!), an outdoor restaurant area with fire pits, toasty warming cabins, and much more.
Each year, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is open and a permanent favorite with locals and guests of all ages, providing a ton of entertainment, food, and drink.
The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show is Franklin Square's winter high point.
More than 100,000 lights dance across the square several times each night to the Philly POPS' music. A 12-foot-tall kite that lights up in the middle of the plaza pays homage to the square's namesake, Benjamin Franklin, and his well-known kite electricity experiment.
This is among the top free things to do in Philadelphia over the holidays.
Thanks to some genuinely horrific nearby haunted attractions, the Philadelphia area can transform into a terrifying place.
There are many opportunities to make your heart race around Philadelphia this fall, from well-known attractions like the Eastern State Penitentiary and Pennhurst Asylum to seasonal attractions like hayrides, haunted houses, and spooky corn mazes such as Fright Factory, Bates Motel, Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres, and Night of Terror at Creamy Acres Farm.
Many of Philadelphia's best restaurants are offering a three-course dinner for just $40 per person during the hugely popular Center City District Restaurant Week, while some restaurants are also offering lunch for $25 per person. The event has been taking place for over 20 years during the month of January.
Restaurant Week, despite its name, has grown over the years to nearly last two full weeks, allowing customers plenty of time to check out new restaurants and go back to their old favorites. Amada, SOUTH Kitchen & Jazz Club, and Pumpkin BYOB are all must-try establishments.
This famous holiday show has survived longer than many businesses who have rented the space it is in. Every year, this spectacle has delighted generations of kids and adults, and it remains one of the top holiday attractions in the city. More than 100,000 energy-efficient, brilliant LED lights are used in the display to illuminate traditional holiday pictures.
With more than 28,000 pipes, the Wanamaker Organ—the show's focal point—is the biggest performing pipe organ in the world. From the day after Thanksgiving to the end of the year, the show is completely free, lasts 15 minutes, and airs every two hours on the hour.
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