FAST FACTS
- 43 million people visited Philadelphia last year, many for year-end celebrations
- Philly’s Holiday markets, seasonal displays and skating rinks can be enjoyed all winter
- The 110 year-old Met Opera House reopens this December after a $45 million renovation
Philadelphia comes alive for the winter season, from its spirited Holiday celebrations to the spectacularly unique tradition that is the New Year’s Day Mummers Parade.
Many of us literally count down the days to some of these events. Time-honored traditions like visiting the Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum with kids or watching the ball drop in Franklin Square at midnight on New Year’s have become a huge part of local Philly culture.
Just remember to make responsible decisions during your festivities. Also, remember that if you are facing charges as a result of a DUI arrest on any of these days, then you have the right to contest your charges to have them potentially reduced or dropped outright with the help of a Pennsylvania DUI attorney.
Stay safe this winter season, and stay active by getting out of the house for the dozens of memorable, once-a-year events. Families and people of all ages can get immersed in the seasonal spirit when they mark their calendars for the following 9 best things to do in Philadelphia this winter.
Christmas in Peddler’s Village (Nov 9 – Jan 5)
Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Peddler’s Village is an incredibly unique development in Bucks County that combines the quaint charms of a colonial outdoor market with modern cosmopolitan conveniences. The center comes even more alive every winter with their annual Christmas and Holiday celebration.
Enjoy the dazzling light displays woven throughout the city after the lighting ceremony on November 16. Or, attend the Christmas Festival on December 1st and 2nd to see Santa on parade or take a look at the amazing results of the gingerbread house competition. The celebration continues until January 5th, so you can still catch it if you spend Christmas out of the city!
Winter at Dilworth Park (Nov 9 – Feb 24)
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Right in the heart of City Center, Dilworth Park offers a great addition to any winter shopping trip or outing. You can skate the ice rink and then warm up enjoying hot drinks and craft cocktails in the heated cabin.
There’s also the “Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market” featuring local artisanal businesses, as well as a winter garden and nightly light show projected onto our majestic City Hall.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia (Nov 22 – Dec 24)
JFK Plaza, 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
One of the biggest, most authentic German Christmas markets in the country comes to Philadelphia’s LOVE park every year. You can purchase unique gifts and crafts from nearly 100 different vendors or just enjoy handmade treats and drinks you can’t find anywhere else.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest (Nov 23 – Mar 3)
Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
There’s plenty of places to ice skate around the city all year long, but the Delaware RiverRink offers the most picturesque atmosphere by far. An Olympic sized skating rink offers ample room to practice your moves.
You can then warm up by a fire pit in the outdoor seating area, or visit the heated lodge for arcade games, food, drinks, and more.
Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum (Nov 23 – Dec 31)
Morris Arboretum, 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Every year, the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum transforms into a miniaturized Holiday wonderland complete with 12 separate rail routes and thousands of twinkling lights. The display has captured the imaginations of generations of young Philadelphians and become a time-honored Holiday tradition.
Grand Re-Opening of The Met Philadelphia (Begins Dec 3)
The Met Philadelphia, 858 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
After years of hard work and millions of dollars’ worth of renovations, Philadelphia’s historic Metropolitan Opera House is ready for its return to the public spotlight. The renovated building kicks off its debut with concerts by Bob Dylan, John Legend, Weezer, and Ween.
The Pentatonix will also perform as part of their “Christmas Is Here!” Tour.
New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia (Dec 31)
Penn’s Landing, 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Philly is abuzz on New Year’s Eve with people ringing in the New Year and enjoying our world-class dining and entertainment options. Those who want to catch the fireworks can get a front row seat to either of the two shows — one at midnight and one at 6 p.m. for the kids — at the Penn’s Landing Delaware Waterfront.
There’s also plenty to see and do throughout City Center on one of the city’s biggest days of the year.
Mummers Parade (Jan 1)
Begins at City Hall, 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
While it’s not without its share of controversy, the Mummer’s Parade still deserves recognition for the mind blowing spectacles it offers. Each group’s costumes, moveable scenery, and choreographed performances are the result of months of hard work and creativity. You can easily describe it as one of the most utterly unique celebrations on the entire planet.
People and families have multiple chances to watch the performers as they march down Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Ave. Arrive early, though, because the most popular viewing and performance areas get crowded.
Center City District Restaurant Week (Jan 14 – 26)
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Center City District is packed with award-winning creative cuisine and dining experiences influenced by renowned chefs from all over the world. For anyone who’s hesitated to try any of these iconic eateries for fear of cost, restaurant week provides the perfect excuse to sample foods from the restaurants everyone’s raving about.
For just $35 a person (and sometimes $20 a head for lunch), you can indulge in a three course dinner from dozens of participating restaurants.
Enjoy Many More Outstanding Things to Do in Philadelphia This Winter, Recommended by Pennsylvania DUI Lawyers
We couldn’t possibly list all the awesome things worth enjoying this winter in Philly, but these nine options you’ll find above form the highlight of our season at the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis. We hope you have outstanding Holiday celebrations and a great winter in general.
And remember: no matter what happens, if you are arrested for impaired driving, you have the right to contest your charges. We want you to make safe decisions this Holiday season, and we also want people to know that they don’t have to put their lives on hold as a result of a devastating DUI conviction.
If you or someone you know needs the help of in Pennsylvania DUI lawyers, get in touch today.