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Celebrate the Holidays in Philadelphia 2022

We’re a little bias, but Philadelphia is the best city ever! We love living here and working here and working with awesome people here. And the Holidays in Philadelphia is so magical. There is always something going on, from classic traditions to finding new and exciting activities. We’ve been around town quite a bit lately capturing some really fun content. So we’ve been able to see what’s out there and what is worth checking out before Christmas (better hurry up!) or even before the New Year. Here’s your guide of how to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia the rest of this year!

Dilworth Park

This is a great place to start when looking at the best places to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia –  Dilworth Park is literally smack dab in the middle of the city. Any tourist is definitely heading straight there for any visit to the City of Brotherly Love. City Hall is there, Love Park across the street, and so much Winter awesomeness going on around. You won’t want to miss any of their many attractions. And you may even run unto us capturing photos for Center City District!

The Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn is a picturesque and whimsical outdoor sanctuary for visitors to relax amid the bustle of Center City. Highlights include rustic décor, playful reindeer topiaries and twinkling lights. Children and adults are free to explore the Wintergarden at no cost all season long. Adults 21 and older can purchase warm mulled wine at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk conveniently located within the space

Experience the city’s most-anticipated wintertime destination, open 7 days from November 4, 2022 through February 26, 2023. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions. Purchase tickets online ahead of time, and find the full schedule

  • Rothman Orthopedics Cabin

Relax and warm up during a visit to the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, beautifully decorated with elements reminiscent of a rustic ski chalet. The space is adorned in winter-inspired foliage and dangling lights. Head outside to the PNC Terrace to enjoy toasty fire pits at no charge.

Support local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade gifts, treats and crafts galore! Returning favorites and new additions are scattered throughout the park, leaving plenty of space for guests to shop safely. The Market is open November 19, 2022 through January 1, 2023.

  • Deck the Hall Light Show

Philadelphia’s premier holiday light experience will illuminate the west façade of historic City Hall from November 21, 2022 to January 1, 2023. The projections will play a full show premiering at the top of every hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., daily. The Deck the Hall Light Show display was created by Philadelphia-based art and design studio Klip Collective.

  • Holiday Tree at City Hall

The city’s showstopping holiday tree, located on the Wawa Holiday Plaza on the north-side of City Hall, wase lit on 12/1 to kick-off of the holiday season. The tree will be on display at City Hall until Jan. 2.

No holiday season is complete without SHOPPING!

Visit the Fashion District

Three city blocks – 8th to 11th streets from Market to Filbert streets – transformed the old Gallery mall into a retail, dining and entertainment destination when the Fashion District Philadelphia officially opened in September 2019. The space brings shopping from major retailers and pairs the holiday-shopping season with the Deck the District Light Show, featuring a soundtrack by the Philly POPS (daily through January 1, 2022).

Shopping on Rittenhouse Row

Rittenhouse Row, named one of North America’s top retail corridors, is Center City’s premier retail district. It’s filled with some of the city’s best shopping, dining, fitness studios, spas and more. The diverse and historic shopping streets feature top-of-the-line retailers, including rag & bone and Vince. The area also boasts a strong base of fast fashion retailers and outlets including Nordstrom Rack, Uniqlo and flagship locations for Urban Outfitters- a Philadelphia-headquartered multinational clothing corporation with Rittenhouse addresses for their Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters brands. In addition to shopping, Rittenhouse Row offers amazing dining options and fitness studios, juice bars and plant-based restaurants serve Philadelphia’s growing health and wellness-focused population.

Macy’s

Ok, this one fits into multiple categories. When looking to celerate the holidays in Philadelphia, shopping AND experiences are just as important. With Macy’s, yuo’ve got it all!

Located in the historic Wanamaker building, Macy’s is one of Philadelphia’s top year-round shopping destinations with more than 100 years of retail history. Recognized as one of the most architecturally significant retail spaces in the country and a designated National Historic Landmark, Macy’s is a destination for shoppers and history buffs alike. You’ll have to stick around for the Macy’s Christmas Light Show!

A nostalgic family holiday experience, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City is a Philadelphia tradition that dates back more than half a century. Check the schedule before you go on their website.

Don’t forget to go upstairs to Dickens Village

Dickens Village is on the 3rd floor of Macy’s – a 6,000-square-foot retelling of the Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, from November 25 to December 31, 2022. Advanced tickets are required but it’s totally free. Check out their website to book.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular

The magic of the holidays comes alive with The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, a 15-minute family-friendly show featuring classic holiday songs and performances by the Philadelphia Ballet. The annual (and free!) super high-res LED holiday show shows daily at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from November 24, 2022 to January 1, 2023.

The 15-minute show takes visitors on a festive, musical journey featuring classic favorites like Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bell Rock and The Twelve Days of Christmas, as well as a snippet of The Nutcracker performed by the renowned Philadelphia Ballet.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular philadelphia Celebrate the Holidays
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular Celebrate the Holidays in Philadelphia

Reading Terminal Market

The nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers market, Reading Terminal Market in Center City boasts over 80 different merchants that make for a tasty and storied shopping experience. Stroll through the festively decorated bazaar and browse handmade imported crafts and housewares, fresh produce, dairy products, exotic meats and seafood, freshly cut flowers, cookbooks and expertly prepared foods of all kinds. There is always something unique to find here. Whether you’re a tourist or have lived in Philly your whole life, do no miss out on the Reading Terminal Market when looking to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia!

Hidden Gem: Chestnut Walk at East Market

Have you ever been walking around Philly by the Fashion District and you decide to head over to city hall and Dilworth Park or shopping on Rittenhouse Row. You’ve probably come across this cute little sitting area with the most impressive Holiday tree. You have found yourself in Chestnut Walk at East Market.

East Market is a dynamic mixed-used project blending urban shopping and dining experiences with contemporary work and living spaces. The pedestrian-oriented development in the heart of Philadelphia has revitalized an entire city block, from Market to Chestnut, and 11th to 12th Streets.

So grab a coffee and take a load off at Chestnut Walk while taking in all the Holiday Spirit in Philadelphia.

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