If you are planning on celebrating the Philadelphia holidays, then you’re in the right place. We’ll take a look at the following 6 ways you can. Whether it’s with friends, family, or that special someone, you’ll get your fill of holiday cheer and more.
If you think you’re going to fall short of any ideas, then think again. Philadelphia is a big city. And there’s always something to do. Before you know it, you’ll be plugging in ‘holiday activities near me’ on Google (if you live in Philadelphia).
Let’s take a look now at the following list below to get started.
1. Go ice skating
There are two ice skating rinks in Philadelphia. One is located in Dilworth Park known as the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. The other is the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. If you didn’t bring skates of your own, no need to worry. You can rent skates at a reasonable rate. If you’re hungry or thirsty, there’s plenty of food and drink options close to either of these rinks. You’d be hard-pressed to find all kinds of Christmas events in the area.
If you are looking for more ways to celebrate Christmas in Philadelphia in 2022, keep reading. Because we have plenty of options left to go.
2. Check out the holiday lights and displays
Where to begin? The first place you might want to check out is Chestnut Hill. Next, you can check out University City. Both places will be all decked out for the holidays. If you have the kids with you, head on over to the Philadelphia Zoo. There, you will find the “Zoo Lights” tour featuring well over a half million LED lights.
If you are in Franklin Square during the annual Light Show, that’s where you want to stick around. You’ll witness 50000 LED Christmas lights moving together in synchronicity to holiday music. So many lights and displays will be in almost every corner of the city.
The hardest part is knowing where to start. Check out the suggested neighborhoods. Make sure you have a map handy so you know where to go next.
3. Visit the Christmas Village
The Christmas Village is located in LOVE Park. It features a market with over 80 vendors. You’ll find all kinds of food, drinks, gifts, and more.
After you’ve checked out the markets, why not check the live entertainment and music shows. If you’ve got the kids, Santa’s house is worth the place to visit. Who knows – you’ll find Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick hanging around and saying hello to the kids.
Your kids may be excited to see Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas. It’s never a dull moment at the Christmas Village during the holidays. If you’re visiting Philadelphia from elsewhere, this is a can’t miss place for you.
You might walk out of here with hand-made crafts, delicious foods, and so much more. It’s not Christmas in Philadelphia without Christmas Village at LOVE Park.
4. Take in a holiday performance
The Philadelphia Orchestra holds a number of ‘Holiday Spectacular’ concerts during the holiday season. The tickets sell out pretty fast. The sooner you get tickets, the better.
You’ll be able to hear the festive sounds of the Orchestra and you won’t get it out of your head. If you’re a fan of the ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ put on by the Pennsylvania Ballet is always a treat. Don’t forget, there are plenty of other performances in and around Philadelphia during the holidays.
You may want to check out what’s going on during the Philadelphia holidays in 2022. There may be an event going on one day in Center City and another the next near Independence Hall. You’ll never know if you don’t go.
5. Do some shopping
If you need to do some shopping while you’re in Philadelphia, there’s plenty of places to go. You can head over to Macy’s in Center City. After you’re done there, make sure to check out the Christmas Light Show that they have right in the store. But don’t stop shopping yet. There’s also plenty of other places to go. Head on over to Rittenhouse Row if you’re looking for someplace upscale.
After that, the Reading Terminal Market might be another place to check out as well. Plan your shopping days ahead of time. Things do get busy in Philadelphia every day during the shopping season. If you’ve knocked that all out before the thick of it all, congratulations. There’s still something you can still do while you’re in the City of Brotherly Love. What else is there to do?
Let’s see if we can fit one more into the list.
6. Kick off the new year with the Mummer’s Parade
The Mummer’s Parade has been a Philadelphia New Year’s tradition for over 100 years. The Philadelphia Mummers Association consists of over 20 organizations or clubs that will compete in plenty of categories.
You’ll see festive costumes, live music and entertainment, colorful floats, and more. The parade ends at the Pennsylvania Convention Center where the winners of each competition are announced. If you’re in Philadelphia during the New Year’s festivities, the Mummer’s Parade is worth checking out.
Who says the holidays in Philadelphia end on Christmas? There’s still plenty going on in the days leading up to New Years. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything that isn’t fun to do.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia always has something for everyone during the holiday season. These six ways to celebrate are all here if you need ideas. Everyone will be in the spirit of the season whether you’re in Center City or Chestnut Hill.
Plenty of decorations, lights, music, and so much more. What more could you ask for? If you’re in Philadelphia or live nearby, it’s worth making the trip.
Be sure to plan ahead while you can. Traveling can get a bit complicated depending on the time of day. The sooner you get into the city to celebrate the festivities, the better.
