ABOVE PHOTO: Peddlers Village (Photo courtesy Shady Brook Farm)
What not to miss during the most wonderful time of the year…
visitphilly.com
As temperatures drop in the history-rich, tradition-steeped city of Philadelphia, a festive holiday spirit spills from shops, theaters, restaurants, parks and stadiums.
This year promises heaps of top things to do for the holidays in Philadelphia including the return of the city’s very own Christmas Village to LOVE Park. Every must-do holiday list includes visits to Macy’s Christmas Light Show, a spin around the skating rink and festive goings-on at Philadelphia City Hall, a seat at The Nutcracker and a spot on the sidewalk to watch the Mummers Parade.
Check out why the holidays are a great time to visit Philadelphia with some must-see holiday attractions.
Christmas in Peddler’s Village
Celebrate the holiday season at Peddler’s Village amid one million bright lights…
November 9, 2018 – January 5, 2019
Bucks County’s holiday hub kicks off the moment the Clauses switch on one million lights in the Grand Illumination Celebration, an event replete with carolers, warm apple cider and roasted marshmallows. Simultaneously, the Village Gazebo hosts a few dozen creations in the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 16 to January 5). The Village Christmas Festival fills a weekend with a pair of Santa parades and Victorian decoration (December 1 to 2).
Where: Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope
Dilworth Park (Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Winter at Dilworth Park
The largest municipal building in the country and the finest example of the Second Empire style
November 9, 2018 – February 24, 2019
The heart of Center City is packed with holiday pop-ups, including the nightly KLIP Collective creation, Deck the Hall Light Show (opens November 19) at Dilworth Park.
The outdoor Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink & Cabin offer ice skating, skate rentals, twinkling lights and indoor space to warm up and fill up on snacks, cocktails, beer and hot drinks, while the Wintergarden is filled with seasonal plants and lights.
Also, the Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market returns with dozens of independent local vendors selling their wares.
Where: Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Franklin Square Holiday Lights Popped (Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Franklin Square Holiday Festival
Brilliant bright display inspired by the imagination of Benjamin Franklin…
November 15 – December 31, 2018
The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show makes this historic square twinkle, with free shows every night between 4:30 and 8 p.m. Among the 75,000 bulbs set to music is a giant, illuminated kite.
Other festivities include Saturdays with Santa; rides on the holiday train and carousel; comfort foods, local beer and hot beverages; and mini-golf.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Shadybrook Farm Holiday Light Show (Photo courtesy Peddler’s Village)
Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
November 17, 2018 – January 6, 2019 (select dates)
More than three million lights comprise this big, bright Bucks County spectacle that is Shady Brook’s annual Holiday Light Show.
Visitors can drive or, if weather permits, ride in wagons through illuminated tunnels and past celebratory nighttime displays.
Afterwards, there are visits with Santa, cocoa by the bonfire and holiday shopping.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck
November 21, 2018 – January 1, 2019
A Very Philadelphia Holiday transforms the 360-degree platform at the top of the skyscraper to honor three great local traditions. The Mummers, the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Miracle on 13th Street each display costumes and decorations in a quadrant of the attraction — and combine their festive forces near the giant replica of Benjamin Franklin’s head. Don’t miss out on other fun activities like “Pay What You Wish Day” in Celebration of The Deck’s 3rd Anniversary (November 28), a Candy Cane Hunt (December 2), an Ugly Sweater Party at Bar 57 and more!
Where: One Liberty Observation Deck, 1650 Market Street
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