A Merry Guide to Philadelphia's Holiday Hotspots
Written by Kelly Yang (W’27); Edited by Anjeli De Blank (W’26)
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, near City Hall and Penn’s campus, Dilworth Park beckons with an array of festive wonders, setting the stage for an enchanting kickoff to the holiday season.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink:
Open 7 days from November 10 through February 25, Dilworth’s park outdoor skating rink is open to the public for a ticket price of $9 and a skate rental price of $10. Group rates for 10+ members are $14 per person including skate rentals, and college students with valid student IDs are offered $3 admission on Thursdays.
Enjoy Philly’s authentic German Christmas Market at Love Park and City Hall, featuring local businesses selling merchandise ranging from crafts, jewelry, artwork, treats, and more. It runs from November 18 through December 24, from 12 pm to 8 pm daily. The market even features rides, including a Christmas carousel and a ferris wheel.
Open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn provides an outdoor sanctuary for visitors to explore amidst the festivities of Center City. Full of twinkling lights, the Wintergarden is the perfect picturesque rest stop.
In addition to City Hall and Dilworth Park, Philadelphia also has plenty of festive attractions hosted at Franklin Square.
Daily from 10 am to 9 pm from November 16 through January 7, Franklin Square offers 18 holes of mini-golf with lights, seasonal music, and winter decorations throughout the course. Tickets are $15.
For a unique experience, Franklin Square contains two outdoor curling rinks open to groups of 8 for $40 an hour. The rinks are open from November 16 through February 25, from 5 to 9 pm.
In Philadelphia fashion, themed to Ben Franklin’s infamous discovery with a giant kite and key, light shows run every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 pm, from November 16 through January 7. Enjoy both the lights and seasonal tunes for free!
From light shows at the Philadelphia Zoo to the Holiday Tree lighting at City Hall, the city is aglow with holiday festivities. Especially for freshmen who have yet to experience wintertime in Philadelphia, dive into the holiday spirit and explore the many attractions offered nearby!