The city of Philadelphia is one of the United States’ top cities for learning about the country’s early history. It’s home to the famous Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed by the nation’s Founding Fathers. But not only is it a great city for historical sites
Weather
When I arrived in Philadelphia in winter (late-December), I was all packed and prepped to explore in the cold. However, I was greeted with no snow, and temperatures around the 40’s and 50’s (F). Coming from the frigid state of Michigan, this was like pleasant, spring weather! I had no issues facing the winter weather in Philly, and often times found myself to be too warm!
Now, as winter progresses through the months, I’m sure temperatures drop more and there will be more precipitation. Keep an eye on the weather channel for the most accurate forecast.
Snowflake Shuttle
Philadelphia is a pretty good sized city. With so many things to in Philadelphia in winter, the city offers a FREE shuttle service between many of the city’s top holiday-themed sights. During the holiday season, the shuttle runs Thursdays through Saturdays from 6PM to 9PM (When all the holiday lights are shining brightest!) Save your dollars and your feet by taking this free service.
Things to do in Philadelphia in Winter
Dilworth Park Wintergarden
During the winter season, Philadelphia’s Dilworth Park transforms into a winter wonderland! Enjoy walking through the Garden Capital Maze, all lit up with holiday lights, take a few laps on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, and stop by the Cabin for warm drinks and food! You can also check out some of their
Made in Philadelphia Market
Dilworth Park also becomes home to the Made in Philadelphia Market. Here, you will find some of the best locally made treasures in Philly. From artwork to handmade clothing, soaps, and sweets, you can find all sorts of locally made gifts for the holidays. The market is only open mid-November, through the end of December so plan your trip to Philadelphia in winter accordingly!
Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall
Also to be experienced while exploring Dilworth Park Wintergarden is the Deck the Hall Light Show! For a few weeks from mid-November to the end of December, a fantastic holiday light show is projected onto City Hall. Watch as the lights and music turn this iconic Philadelphia landmark into a festive holiday display! Shows run every half hour, starting at 5:30pm and going until 9:30pm. Check online to see when the Deck the Hall Light Show will be playing!
Holiday Tree at City Hall
While you’re in the City Hall area, duck around the corner to find Philadelphia’s magnificent holiday tree! This giant tree is covered with bright lights and huge ornaments. It just can’t be missed!
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Not far from Dilworth Park, sits Philadelphia’s LOVE park. Most of the year, this park is home to the city’s iconic LOVE statue, which pays homage to the city’s title of “The City of Brotherly Love”. But for just one month, during the holiday season, this park becomes a Christmas Market, very similar to the ones you find in Europe during this time of year.
Get a small dose of European winter charm as you wander through the Philadelphia Christmas Village. Sample Philly’s version of German Gluhwein, grab a hot Belgian Waffle or go all out with a giant Doner Kebab. Vendors also offer products, crafts, toys and more from all over the world!
Holiday Decorations at Elfreth’s Alley
Visiting Elfreth’s Alley is incredible all throughout the year. This is the country’s oldest continually inhabited residential street and the history here is almost palpable. But it becomes even more magical during the winter when the centuries-old homes are decorated with lights and greenery for the holidays. The Elfreth’s Alley Association also hosts multiple holiday-themed events through the season that you may want to check out.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Since the 1950’s the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Philadelphia has been a yearly tradition. Inside the Wanamaker Building, the display containing more than 100,000 lights puts on a show involving familiar holiday music and story narration. Classic characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and the Nutcracker make appearances through the show, which plays every two hours starting at 10am from mid-November through the end of December. Make sure to arrive early, as this holiday favorite gets crowded with people!
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
If you’re looking to adventure a bit outside of the city center, you can head over to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Situated along the Delaware River, this cozy, rustic-themed park is perfect for a family-friendly Philadelphia winter evening. There is so much to do from ice skating, warming up in the arcade lounge, admiring the holiday lights, and more.
The Lodge is particularly noteworthy, with its plushy couches, cozy blankets, and warm fireplaces. Plus you can get a variety of Philly’s favorite foods here, including the highly-sought-after Crabfries from Chickie and Pete’s.
Outside, find rustic wooden rocking chairs and Adirondack chairs surrounding small fire pits. You can enjoy the outdoor lights and atmosphere while staying warm by your own fire!
RiverRink Ice Skating
Ice Skating on the Blue Cross RiverRink is an obvious highlight of going to Winterfest. The huge rink is surrounded by holiday lights that only gleam brighter as the sky darkens. Skate rental is available on-site, so don’t worry about being unprepared. They even have little carts for beginning skaters to hold onto as they learn to control their balance on the ice. Admission to each skating session costs $4 per person, and skate rentals cost $10.
Hot drinks from Franklin Fountain
While at Winterfest, you can’t miss out on the delicious offerings from the Franklin Fountain! Warm up with a classic hot cocoa, or go all out with a rich cup of “Jefferson’s Drinking Chocolate”. For even more fun, you can purchase a s’more-making kit and roast your own homemade marshmallows over the fire pits!
Franklin Square Light Show
Haven’t gotten enough of all the holiday lights in Philadelphia? Head over to Franklin Square for the Electrical Spectacle light show! Over 50,000 lights stretch across the park and dance along with different holiday songs. The light-up kite in the middle of the display is a fun nod at Benjamin Franklin’s famous lightning experiment. There are also warming tents at this park, serving warm beverages, wintry cocktails, and hot food and snacks. In between the light shows, decorate cookies and check out the mini-golf course and the holiday carousel!
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33 Comments
I never thought of Philadelphia as a Christmas destination, however the Christmas village looks veeery German, and Elfreth’s Alley rather British – seems to be an atmospheric mix.
Just how lovely is that! Light shows really aren’t a thing here in the UK, and after seeing those options, I wish they were. Wrapping up warm and meandering around interesting things is exactly my idea of a great winter break. And I’m loving the thought of toasting my toes in front of a fire pit. Great ideas for a winter break!
Yes, we’ve been to Philadelphia for the nation’s rich history it carries. Never thought of it as a winter destination. But I would love all those Christmassy markets and festive lights and the White Christmas ice skating!
Holy cow, that looks amazing. I never would have expected Philly to look so super cute in the winter. And the free shuttle is awesome!
I’m hoping to include Philadephia on my epic 70 Days Across America travel blogging adventure next summer, which I am doing to celebrate a milestone birthday after spending most of my adult life as an expatriate living in Asia. One of the reasons I’ve chosen Philadelphia is because of its role in early American history. I’m sure the city will have a different vibe in summer than in winter. But your piece helped confirm that I made the right decision to include the City of Brotherly Love on my list!
I have always known Philadelphia as a city with a very rich heritage and deep historical roots, I can see it assumes a dazzling personality come winter. It is nice to see the services of a free shuttle in the winter. The top thing I would like to experience is the Franklin Square Light show. I have a great fascination for Benjamin Franklin and his experiments with electricity.
I’d love to ride that Snowflake Shuttle! I’m used to long, harsh winters. (I lived in North Dakota and Manitoba, after all.) But I’d welcome a leisurely ride in the evening just so I don’t get too frosty. 😀
That’s lucky you weren’t greeted with snow! I feel like snow is only pretty in pictures but in reality, walking in it is no fun at all hahaa. I’ve also never thought about visiting in the winter but the Made in Philadelphia Market and the Christmas Village are all so festive and cute!!! Ughh Belgian waffle also sounds to die for too. I’m drooling already!
Do you know I did not Philadelphia has such wonderful history, thank you for sharing. Must add this city to my USA list but maybe in summer
I can’t believe I live only an hour from Philadelphia and have never done any of this! Thanks for all the great suggestions 🙂
My cousin lives in Philadelphia for year now and has never told me about all these cool places to visit or shared pictures. It looks absolutely gorgeous, especially as a Christmas destination.
I’m not a fan of the cold so I never contemplated visiting Philadelphia in the winter but this list makes it look appealing! The lights and the decorations make all these places and experiences feel magical despite the low temps!
Great guide. I’ve never been but I am sure I will one day.
I’ve not considered Philadelphia seriously but reading through your post, I’m surprised the city has so much to offer. I love visiting local markets so Philadelphia’s market will be a must visit for me. Ice skating looks nice but skate rentals is more expensive than the lesson. All in all, the city looks charming
I have not spent any time in Philadelphia and I am intrigues by all this holiday and winter goodness. Definitely adding it to my list for next year as it is so close!
I hate to say but I have only been in Philadelphia’s airport! I really never thought about going there for some reason. But you have shown it to be a really interesting city, especially during the holidays. Will add it to my list!
I’ve never been to Philadelphia and I have no idea when I might have an opportunity to go there, but I hope it’s in time for the holidays so that I can appreciate and enjoy all of these treats!
The place is lovely! Elfreth’s Alley looks like some random elves and nutcrackers will pop up as you walk around it. Very exciting! Bet you wanted to stay longer?
I know right?! It was a fascinating place to discover. I did have a few more things I wanted to see, that I didn’t have time for. Perhaps another trip is in store!
So many lights! I’ve always wanted to visit Philadelphia for no reason other than the Fresh Prince theme song, without knowing anything about the city! There looks like there’s loads to do though, even in Winter, so I imagine summer would be even more stuff?
Elfreth’s Alley reminds me of every single made for TV Christmas movie set in the US I’ve ever seen! In a good way, though.
Oh my goodness, you’re so right! I can totally picture Elfreth’s Alley on a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.
There is something so special about Christmas in a dark and cold place. This looks perfect.
Very true!
Wow, I had no idea there were so many cool things to do in Philly. I could easily take a weekend road trip up from down here in Virginia. I think I would love to see Elfreth’s Alley and the holiday village at LOVE Park. Thanks for sharing!
You could definitely make the drive!
we’ve done Philadelphia right after xmas, it was COLD! But there are so many great museums, which are inside obviously, so we still had a great time!
I can imagine it gets pretty cold!
I’ve actually never been to Philly – but it looks so festive in the winter!
I was surprised by how festive it was!
I was in Philadelphia for a warm Christmas too! Loved the lights and markets. So much to see.
The lights were my favorite!
We did NYC in winter last year and having seen this I would so much rather do Philadelphia. I love the markets, and pair with everything historical it’s basically my dream winter trip.
You should definitely plan a visit, then!