It might be only a metaphor, but Philadelphia
packs the heat like nowhere else in the country during the winter season. Families arrive in droves with the knowledge that the final days of the months spent in Philly brings a unique gift and engaging attractions to be enjoyed by each family member.
The December chill is snowed over with inexhaustible packs of holiday joy available through lures like Rothman Orthopaedics’ Ice Rink Cabin at Dilworth Park, Longwood Christmas events at the famous Longwood Gardens, Christmas Village at LOVE Park, and the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.
As for the old souls, the melodies of the Philadelphia Orchestra serenade their minds while The Philly POPS makes it funky. For many families, the annual rendition of “The Nutcracker’, an artistic gift from George Balanchine himself, is a festive memory that keeps the smile fresh and true when performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet in the Academy of Music.
While you are free to start up your own traditions when you visit the home of the Delaware River this winter season, here a few events you must aim to get a picture of yourself in 2019.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink – Dilworth Park
The 8th of November in 2019 will mark the beginning of a series of events being held right in Philadelphia’s Famous Dilworth park. For the next 107 days until the 23rd of February, several events are lined up to ensure a fun-filled day for the visitors to the park. However, in the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, ice-skating becomes more fun than it should be. Especially when the experience is supported by the pick-me-up services offered by the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin through their exquisitely prepared beverages, and the relaxing effect of Wintergarden’s western take on flower and plant arrangement.
Franklin Square Holiday Festival
A week after the Dilworth Park begins its festivities, the Franklin square
lights up with festive ambiance, while the sensational delight of wintertime delicacies pervade the atmosphere with enticing aromas. It is a free event that provides the most romantic atmospheres for loved ones to marvel, with an electrical light show conducted by PECO as imagined by the great Benjamin Franklin to spell out the theme of the holiday every single evening. As for the food, make sure to stop at Ben’s Sweets and Treats for some local drinks and delicious food.
Philadelphia ZooLights Up
This year, the LumiNature comes to the first zoo in America
to accentuate nature’s majesty through a ruthless display of light. There are expected to be up to 600,000 smaller lights and 12 huge pillars of lights. One of the big pillars has been rumored to be a lit community of penguins numbering 200. Another is a snake rising above 21 feet and huge cat eyes. In this celebration of nature, life will stir with live performances and drinks aplenty come November 20 for you and your kids.
Speaking of kids, you can’t do better than a visit to Peddler’s Village. What’s better than bathing yourself in holiday-themed lighting while you watch or compete in gingerbread-house competitions? Your kids will also be excited by visits from Santa there in New Hope. Hot Cider is the seasonal drink, but the certainty stops there with more than 50 specialty shops available to confuse even the best holiday shoppers.
Philadelphia ends the season with a luminous bang with a wide selection of shows and events planned for the eve of the new year. Also, the Delaware River will, in turn, will be home to not one, but two amazing displays of fireworks. As one is slated for 6 pm, you can take your children to check that one out. You can then excuse yourself later with your partner for the other fireworks display slated for midnight.
