Holiday Family fun in Philadelphia 2018
Holiday Family Fun in Philadelphia: Check out some of the mostly FREE fun family events happening in Philadelphia this holiday season.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
November 22, 2018 – January 1, 2018
Shown on the state-of-the-art Comcast Experience video wall at The Comcast Center, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular — celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018 — is filled with sights and sounds of the season.
Now an annual holiday tradition, the 15-minute Comcast Holiday Spectacular takes visitors on a festive, musical journey featuring classic favorites like Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, and The Twelve Days of Christmas.
The show also includes a snippet of The Nutcracker performed by the renowned Pennsylvania Ballet.
Fun fact: More than two million residents and visitors have seen the show since its opening in 2008.
Adding to the experience, the family friendly show features a magical sleigh ride from the Philadelphia countryside to high above the city skyline, made all the more breathtaking by the massive Comcast Experience video wall.
Showtimes
Daily at the top of each hour, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., excluding weekdays at 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Reading Terminal Santa Comes to the Market
Santa Comes to the Market Along with a Horse-Drawn Wagon
Saturday, December 22nd, 12-4pm
Reading Terminal Market
51 North 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cost: FREE
Take your photo with Santa in Piano Court and enjoy rides around the Market in a horse-drawn wagon (wagon rides leave from Arch St.).
Christmas Village in Philadelphia City Hall
Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market right here in Philadelphia!
Located at City Hall from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve in 2016
1400 JFK BLVD.
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107
Cost: FREE admission- Activities, Food, and Shopping pay as you go
Christmas Village will feature over 80 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world!
Running from Thanksgiving (11/22/18) through Christmas Eve (12/24/18) with a preview weekend on November 17th and 18th, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will once again bring the charm of an authentic German Christmas market to Center City Philadelphia. It will be officially opened by the original Christkind from Nuremberg/ Germany on Sunday, 11/25/18.
Those are the hours for the 2018 Holiday season:
Sun’s – Thur’s: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fri’s – Sat’s: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Christmas Eve: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
CHECK OUT ALL THE KIDS EVENTS HERE!
Macy’s Christmas Light Show
The Grand Court at Macy’s
1300 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107
(215) 241-9000
Light Shows Runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 31.
Showtimes: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm. The Store is closed Christmas Day.
Cost: FREE
Macy’s is located inside The Wanamaker Building: 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Basic store Information: 215-241-9000. http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php
Macy’s Dickens Christmas Village
Third Floor Holiday Lane (walk toward the Magic Christmas Tree for escalators)
The Grand Court at Macy’s
1300 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107
(215) 241-9000
The day after Thanksgiving thru December 31 (Closed Christmas).
Open daily: 10am-7pm
Cost: FREE
A Philadelphia tradition for more than 20 years, the third floor of Macy’s is transformed into “Dickens Village” for the holiday season. The 6,000-square-foot Village on the 3rd floor of Macy’s Center City brings Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol to life with more than 100 fully animated figures reenacting 26 of the story’s most memorable moments. The Village is open daily, excluding Christmas.
Macy’s is located inside The Wanamaker Building: 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Basic store Information: 215-241-9000. http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php
Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest
Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest transforms Penn’s Landing into a winterized riverfront park.
A cold-weather version of the rollerskating oasis Blue Cross River Rink Summerfest, Winterfest houses an Olympic-size skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge and winter garden with a majesticly lit holiday tree (over 100,000 LED lights!), an outdoor seating area with fire pits, cozy warming cabins, a kids’ lodge with arcade games and more.
Now in its 23rd year as an outdoor ice skating rink and fourth season as Winterfest, Blue Cross RiverRink is the only outdoor regulation-sized rink in Philadelphia. The experience of Winterfest as a whole is an annual favorite among those of every age, offering plenty of special events throughout the season as well as daily entertainment, food and drinks.
Warm up at The Lodge Restaurant and Bar, an onsite, ski chalet-style tented area offering indoor fireplaces, comfy couches, arcade games and plenty of heated warmth amdist a rustic atmosphere. The Kids Lodge, has a variety of interactive arcade games and a selection of small rides. With a floor carpeted in rubber mats, kids can partake in a game of pinball, Skee-Ball, air hockey and more without ever having to take off their skates. Franklin Fountain’s Confectionery Cabin brings a ton of sweet treats to Winterfest this season as well.
Admission and Hours
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is open seven days a week including all holidays from November 23, 2018 through March 3, 2018.
Cost: Prices (per 90-minute session)
General Admission: FREE
Skating Admission: $4.00
Skate Rental: $10.00
*Free skating admission for all Independence Blue Cross Cardholders and employees
*Free skating admission for all first responders and military personnel
*Discounted skating admission for college students with valid student ID, Monday – Thursday
Note: Sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, all Independence Blue Cross cardholders receive free admission to the skating rink. Click the button below for hours, admission prices and skate rental prices to the Blue Cross RiverRink.
MARKET STREET AND COLUMBUS BOULEVARD
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
(215) 925-RINK
Website
The Rothman Ice Rink
Three months of ice skating right next to City Hall
The Rothman Ice Rink
1 S. 15TH ST
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
(215) 440-5500
Open seven days a week, November 9, 2018-February 24, 2019, the rink offers wintry fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.
As the weather cools, action at cold-weather attractions heats up in Philadelphia. On Friday, November 11, the Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park will reopen for its third year of seasonal skating.
Those looking to ice skate in the heart of Philadelphia can pack up their cold-weather gear and head to the rink at Dilworth Park, where skyline views await just outside of City Hall. the Rothman Cabin will once again offer a heated tent, located at the tip of the ice rink. Enjoy hot, seasonal cocktails, a variety of craft beer and a food menu from Air Grille by Brûlée Catering, including hearty items like poutine and chili.
COST: AKids 10 & Under: $3
Adults: $5
Skate Rental: $10
(skate sizes range from kids’ size 9 to men’s size 14)
Penguin Skate-Aids: $10 per hour
(available anytie for children 10 years old and under)
Lockers: $5
Group Rate: $12 per person for 10+ guests
(Includes admission and skate rental)
Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show
November 15-December 31, 2018 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas)
6TH AND RACE STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
(215) 629-4026
Festive lights, winter treats and holiday cheer will fill historic Franklin Square all season long for its all-ages (and completely free!) holiday festival and light show.
With the spectacular Electrical Spectacle light show as its main feature — the show employs more than 50,000 (!) twinkling lights and dynamic holiday soundtrack — the seasonal outdoor attraction rounds out the ongoing festivities with a winter beer garden, holiday shopping, themed events and more.
Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show
The free holiday light show at Franklin Square returns with more than 50,000 lights set to a soundtrack of holiday tunes including those by the Philly Pops. The centerpiece of the shows is a 12-foot tall kite that serves as an ode to Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite-and-lightning experiment, hovering 16 feet above the square’s centerpiece fountain. LED lights dance to music all along the kite, spreading holiday glow throughout the park.
Show Times: Two alternating shows take place every 30 minutes will take place each night beginning at 4:30 p.m. and continuing until 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Events:
The festival will feature nearly seven weeks of attractions, activities and more. Read on for more info.
Franklin Square kicks off its festival November 10, 2016 at 5 p.m. with Taste of the Holiday Season, a night where Benjamin Franklin and characters from both Star Wars and Frozen will make an appearance alongside musicians from The Philly POPS set to play into the evening.
Ben’s Sweets and Treats and Other Edible Eats + Winter Beer Garden: New this year, Ben’s Sweets and Treats invites visitors to come out and watch homemade fudge be created on-site, decorate holiday cookies and garner tips on how to assemble the perfect gingerbread house. Fresh donuts will also be whipped up each evening, and a Candy Trail welcomes kids of all ages to fill a bag with treats.
A heated tent will serve up seasonal favorites like hot chocolate, warm cider and egg nog for you to keep warm in between shows, and SquareBurger will offer a menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries (including cheesesteak fries!), vegetarian options and other family friendly eats. The signature Cake Shake blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets® will continue to delight tastebuds, along with a changing shake-of-the-month (i.e., Candy Cane Shake). Pair it with the burger-of-the-month (i.e., Holiday Turkey Burger) for a true holiday treat.
Warm seasonal additions to SquareBurger’s menu include chicken noodle soup, mac and cheese, churros and more, made specially for the Franklin Square Holiday Festival.
Alongside SquareBurger is the Winter Beer Garden, where you can relax in the warmth of outdoor fire pits and enjoy a variety of seasonal beverages, local craft beers, wine and specialty cocktails.
Special Events for 2018:
Franklin Square Holiday Festival presented by CHASE Opening Night
Thursday, November 15, 5 pm
Join Historic Philadelphia, Inc. to open the Holiday Festival with tastes of everything to come this season. Greet Ben Franklin, take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Holiday Express Train, and try out Ben’s Sweets & Treats. Musicians from The Philly POPS entertain the crowd and help countdown to lighting the first showing of the Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle presented by PECO at 5 pm. SquareBurger will also debut its seasonal additions to the menu.
Buddy the Elf and Santa Return to Franklin Square
Wednesday, December 12, 5 pm
An appearance by two very special guests who spread Christmas cheer for all to hear!
Franklin Square Toy Drive
Deadline: Wednesday, December 19
Franklin Square Fridays
Fridays, November 16 – December 28, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Enjoy special-themed nights and holiday fun for the whole family including free crafts for kids.
Thankful Friday
Friday, November 16, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Free Thanksgiving crafts for children.
Location: Ben’s Sweets & Treats. FREE.
The Arrival of Santa Claus
Friday, November 23, 5 pm
Saint Nick arrives at 5 pm to spread Christmas cheer and then strolls around the Square checking his naughty and nice lists and posing for photos.
Location: Fountain Area. FREE.
The Nutcracker
Friday, November 30, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Characters from the Pennsylvania Ballet’s acclaimed The Nutcracker bring holiday fantasy to life in Franklin Square. Free crafts for children.
Location: Fountain Area. FREE.
Hanukkah Celebration
Friday, December 7, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
During the week of Hanukkah, celebrate with dreidel games, latkes, and free crafts for children celebrating the Festival of Lights.
FREE.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Friday, December 14, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
The Grinch who stole Christmas visits Franklin Square.
Location: Fountain Area. FREE.
Frozen Night sponsored by Fox Rothschild
Friday, December 21, 5:30 – 7:30
“Let it go! Let it go!” Join Elsa and Anna on the first day of winter for a special night of fun activities, and even sing along to their famous songs. Come in costume! FREE.
Location: Fountain Area. FREE.
Party with the Princesses
Friday, December 21, 4 – 5 pm
Come for Party with the Princesses from 4 – 5 pm in the heated Pavilion in Franklin Square.
Advance tickets ($20) required. Click here to reserve tickets.
Location: The Pavilion. $20.
Kwanza Celebration
Friday, December 28, 5:30 -7:30 pm
Celebrate Kwanza with free crafts for children.
Location: Ben’s Sweets & Treats. FREE.
Santa Saturdays
Milk & Cookies with Santa
Saturdays, November 24 – December 22, 4 – 5 pm
Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa as he tells some of his favorite stories in the indoor, heated Pavilion in Franklin Square.
Advance tickets ($20) required. Click here to reserve tickets.
Jingle & Mingle with Santa
Friday, November 23, & Saturdays, December 1 – December 22, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Keep an eye out for Santa near the Franklin Square Fountain, double-checking his naughty and nice lists and posing for elfie-selfies. FREE.
Santa Paws
Saturday, December 15, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Bring your four-legged friends for a pup-tastic time and a photo with Saint Nick. Wear your best holiday outfit or ugly sweater. Artists from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will be available to draw FREE holiday pet portraits. FREE.
Kids’ New Years Eve Countdown
Monday, December 31, 3 – 8 pm
The final night of the Franklin Square Holiday Festival presented by CHASE concludes with the most family-friendly New Year’s celebration in town! Enjoy music and crafts beginning before the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6 pm and Sugar House New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square. The indoor Franklin Square Pavilion will host a Kids’ Dance Party until 8 pm for the final Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO of 2018. FREE.
Bonus: Betsy’s Birthday Bash
Monday, December 31, 11 am – 4 pm
The Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street, hosts a birthday party for the first lady of the Stars and Stripes! Join the celebration for Betsy (who was born on January 1, 1752) with Colonial chocolate-making demonstrations, pictures with Betsy, and cupcakes from City Tavern. FREE.
Philly Mini Golf
Putt around the only Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course, featuring the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ben Franklin Bridge, Chinatown Gate, Liberty Bell, and other landmarks.
Adults: $9, Children 3 – 12: $7
Click here to purchase tickets »
Parx Liberty Carousel
Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel playing holiday music through December 31.
Ages 3+: $3 per ride, Children 2 and under: FREE
Click here to purchase tickets »
Lightning Bolt Holiday Express
Thursday, November 15, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Friday, November 23, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Saturdays & Sundays, November 17 – December 30, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Monday, December 31, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
All aboard for a special holiday train ride around the magnificently lit Square.
Adults: $5, Children: $4; Purchase tickets at the Franklin Square Ticket booth.
Photo Credit: Visit Philly check them out for lots more fun Philly events.
Deck the Halls Light Show at City Hall
Center City District and 6abc collaborated to bring the Deck The Hall Light Show back to City Hall for another year. Presented by Independence Blue Cross, the completely free show from Klip Collective runs nightly through New Year’s Day and is synchronized to holiday music.
ACME Winter Memories at City Hall Courtyard
The holiday cheer is palpable at Center City’s ACME Winter Memories powered by Inspire. The courtyard at the center of City Hall transforms into winter wonderland featuring a beloved carousel, live music, arts-and-crafts activities, shopping and tasty treats and festive drinks for sale. Don’t miss the preview weekend from November 17-18, 2018.Stroll through the historic portals of Philadelphia City Hall and experience a winter wonderland. Take a spin on the carousel and shop a multitude of vendors for unique gifts perfect for holiday giving. Children & adults can enjoy the carousel for only $3 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window next to the carousel.Don’t forget to stop by INSPIRE to learn about 100% clean power and how you can join the movement to create a brighter energy future!
Cherry Street Pier has holiday-decoration needs covered this year at its first Christmas Tree Stand Holiday Market. Stop in to shop ornaments, holiday greens and pick up a Christmas tree. The shop is open daily from Black Friday to Christmas Eve.
A Philly Christmas Tree business whose goal is to make Christmas decorating as easy as possible and to have an environmentally friendly business. In addition to the pop-up location at Cherry Street Pier, The Christmas Tree Stand also offers tree delivery, setup, removal & recycling services. Some of their eco-friendly initiatives include:
Boathouse Row Festival of Lights
Fish Ladder on MLK Drive
12/02/2018- 120/31/2018 12:00am- 12:00am
Beginning on Sunday, December 2nd,the City of Philadelphia will celebrate the holiday season by illuminatingBoathouseRowin festive colors for theremainder of 2018. In the spirit of inclusiveness and to highlight the diversity of the city, the lights will celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa this year.
- Hanukkah Lighting Celebration: December 3rd
- Kwanzaa Lighting Celebration: December 26th
For more information, email public.engagement@phila.gov
Sugarhouse Casino Mummers Parade
This New Year’s Day procession along Broad Street features feathers and sequins, music and merriment from City Hall to Washington Avenue. Indoors, clubs perform fantastical routines at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the Fancy Brigade Finale. Tickets for bleacher seating at City Hall and for the Fancy Brigades are available online and at the Independence Visitor Center.
New Year’s Day is about celebrating, and there’s no better place to fete than at the SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade.
During the festive, nearly 120-year-old tradition, 10,000 men, women and children dressed in colorfully lavish costumes twirl, sashay, pirouette and strut down one of the city’s main streets.