10 Things that bring the Holidays to Philadelphia
As the temperature drops and the holiday season approaches, the City of Philadelphia begins to welcome winter beginning with Thanksgiving. Starting Thanksgiving Day, many of Philadelphia’s holiday attractions open and the official start to the holiday season begins.
- Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sponsored by 6ABC and Dunkin Donuts, the 98th annual Thanksgiving Day parade will march just under 1.5 miles through Center City. As always, the parade will feature hundreds of participants to man floats, and the character balloons. This year the Grinch, Tweety Bird, Cat in the Hat, and Curious George are just a few of the many characters that will be featured in the parade. To close out the parade, Santa will ride in to mark the official beginning of the holiday season. The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day. Visit Philly recommends sitting on the steps of the Art Museum where the parade finishes, or by LOVE Park where the parade begins its march.
2. Christmas Village
LOVE Park will become home to the annual Christmas Village, which welcomes visitors beginning Nov. 23. This village is designed to replicate traditional European “open-air Christmas” markets. The village is open daily for visitors and has more than 80 vendors selling items perfect for the gift giving season. On different days, there are also street performances and special events. The official website for Christmas Village has a full list of vendors and a calendar for special events during the season.
3. Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Comcast opens its annual Holiday Spectacular on Thanksgiving Day. The show runs at the top of every hour beginning at 10 a.m. through Dec. 31. Running only 15 minutes long the show is a small way to put visitors in the holiday spirit. Since its inaugural year in 2008, the “spectacular” features classic Christmas songs, sing a longs, and beautiful videos from across Pennsylvania.
4. A Longwood Christmas
The Longwood Gardens presents its Christmas arrangements across the grounds. There are outdoor fountain shows, floral decorations, light shows, and of course, decorated Christmas trees. Longwood celebrates the holidays annually in their Christmas themed wonderland. This year the gardens have over 50 decorated Christmas trees, and dozens of hand designed wreaths. The garden opens on Nov. 23 and runs until the end of Dec. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
5. Christmas Light Show at Macy’s
Macy’s in Center City continues to celebrate the holidays with their light show. The lights are four stories high and feature reindeer, ballerinas, and other Christmas images. After the shows starting at noon, the Wanamaker Organ Concert continues to put guests in the holiday spirit. While Macy’s is closed on Christmas Day, the light show continues through New Years’ Eve.
6. Reading Terminal Trains
Reading Terminal in Center City brings Christmas cheer to children and adults with their train displays. This year’s display features five interactive trains that celebrate the history of the Reading Terminal Market.
7. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Beginning on Nov. 24, guests can visit Penn’s Landing for a winter wonderland sponsored by Blue Cross. The attraction runs through the entire winter season wrapping up on March 4. The ice rink returns for its 24th year, while Winterfest is only celebrating its fifth annual season. Daily entertainment and special events happen to keep guests wanting more. The Lodge Restaurant and Bar is open daily for adults, and the Kids Lodge has arcade games and activities to keep kids busy.
8. Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Morris Arboretum welcomes its annual Holiday Garden Railway. The Christmas themed trains run through the gardens and are included in general admission tickets. This year’s display features 15 different raillines, various trainsets, nine bridges including one you can walk under, and 2 cable cars. Every Friday night in December, the gardens have a light show. Every week features a different production, a full list is on Morris Arboretum’s website.
9. Manayunk Tree lighting
Manayunk holds its tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 25. It is followed by a light showcase that remains running through the end of December. This kicks off the beginning of the holidays in Manayunk. The town hosts various Christmas themed events through the holiday season. Manayunk has a full list of events and activities on their website.
10. Pennsylvania Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Whats more Christmas spirited than the Nutcracker ballet. Philadelphia is famous for the Pennsylvania Ballet around the holiday season. The show is in its 49th year of performances. The ballet attracts over 50,000 people annually. The show begins on Dec. 8 and runs through the 31 on select days and times. Tickets must be purchased.
