Your Guide to Philadelphia Holiday Celebrations
Holiday celebrations abound in Philadelphia. Even the meter Gods get into the festive spirit: no meter parking limits are enforced on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and meter parking is free every Saturday after 11 AM from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day. Here are some of our favorite holiday events around the city that won’t disappoint!
Winter at Dilworth Park
Photo credit: @ccdparks
Dilworth Park seems to be a hub for holiday pop-ups, which began last month. One of the best things about the attractions at Dilworth is that there are several that last all the way until February, so you have some time to find the perfect day to visit. Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink & Cabin offers both indoor and outdoor options, including ice skating followed by snacks, holiday cocktails and hot drinks.
The Deck the Hall Light Show lights up the outside of City Hall with animated holiday light projections, synchronized with music. The Wintergarden (some greenery among the barren winter landscape) and The Made in Holiday Philadelphia Market (vendors upon vendors upon vendors) round out the festivities in Dilworth Park.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Photo credit: Russ Brown Photography
The German-style Christmas Village in Philadelphia is back! Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, the Christmas Village opened up on Thanksgiving Day at the newly renovated Love Park. More than 80 vendors sell traditional European food, sweets and drinks, as well as holiday art, crafts and jewelry.
Even though this is the Christmas Village’s 11th year, there is a cool new attraction for 2018: The Present, a 27-foot-tall walk-through gift box covered in red and white lights. Literally and figuratively, a shopper’s paradise!
Make sure to stop by Loews Philadelphia Hotel for your complimentary hot chocolate coupon to use at the Christmas Village!
Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
John Wanamaker Department Store was the first department store in Philadelphia, and one of the first department stores in the United States. In 2006, the former Wanamaker’s Department Store became Macy's Center City, which is now a National Historic Landmark. If you’ve ever been into the store, you know that one of the most spectacular features is the Grand Court Organ – the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world. The Wanamaker Organ is played at least twice a day Monday through Saturday, and more frequently during the Christmas season.
The Christmas Light Show premiered in 1956 (!), and has evolved into one of the most loved traditions in the city around the holidays. It involves a free show of lights,
a larger-than-life Christmas tree, sounds from the famed organ, and narration by none other than Julie Andrews.
Old City Holiday Events
Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
Old City is a pretty special place to be during the holidays. Make sure to check out:
- The decorated windows of local shops, restaurants, museums and galleries, as part of the first annual Old City window decorating contest
- The Old City Holiday Market
- The holiday tree in the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House
Happy Holidays!
¡Felices Fiestas!
节日快乐
Laethanta saoire sona!
幸せな休日
Boas Festas!
Forhe Feiertage!
[signature]
Loews Hotels & Co.
