The Best Winter Activities in Philly

It's Getting Chilly in Philly

While many people would likely vote summer, spring or fall as their favorite time of year, there is nothing quite like being in the city during the winter months! If you don’t believe me, read on to discover some of my favorite winter activities in Philadelphia that you can add to your winter bucket list this year!

Visit The Authentic German Christmas Village of Philadelphia

Get yourself into the holiday spirit by strolling around Philadelphia’s Christmas Village! Some highlights include:

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market: Peruse the variety of vendor tents offering holiday decorations, arts & crafts, fashion & beauty, glass & pottery, jewelry & accessories, toys & gifts, and so on.

Authentic European Food: Try out any of the unique food offerings such as the Bratwurst, Pork Schnitzels, Raclette Cheese, Hot Mulled Wines & other spiked hot drinks served in Collector Mugs.

Go for a Ride: Whirl around on the Carousel located in City Hall’s Courtyard or go for a loop on the Ferris Wheel located next to the Municipal Holiday Tree.

I guarantee that if you spend enough time hanging out around here you will surely start to feel the warm & fuzzy, merry spirit creep it’s way in (ok, that might just be the spiked hot chocolate).

Located at City Hall & Love Park, November 19th – December 24th

The authentic German Christmas Village of Philadelphia

Go Ice Skating

Who doesn’t love risking their life in the freezing cold while crowds of strangers watch??

I mean, come on – this is joy in its highest form!

But seriously, there’s nothing quite like the nervous excitement of getting yourself out onto the ice while singing along to holiday tunes under pretty twinkly lights and snow (hopefully)!

At most you’ll have the satisfaction of successfully making it around the rink a couple times… and at the least, you’ll have some laughs while you and your friends take a few minor falls. But hey – a couple embarrassing moments here and there builds character.

At any rate, you can get your ice skating fix at either of Philly’s popular holiday ice rinks:

Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, City Hall from November 4th – February 26th.
Blue Cross RiverRink on the Delaware River Waterfront from November 25th – March 5th.

Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink

Get Together with Friends and Watch a Holiday Light Show

As the weather continues to get colder and the nights seem to fall way to early, what better way to increase dopamine levels than surrounding yourself with bright lights and pretty colors??

Deck the hall light show: This show lights up the façade of City Hall at Dilworth Park every hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from November 21st to January 1st.

Macy’s Christmas Light Show: Located at the Wanamaker Building, this light show tradition takes place inside the Macy’s department store and is accompanied by songs played by the iconic Wanamaker Organ throughout the month of December.

Learn More

Go Sledding!

If at any point this winter you click on the TV or open up your weather app and see a calling for a major snowfall over Center City, this is what you must do. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest store and grab a sled. If this isn’t an option, still proceed. Get yourself bundled up and trek on over to the Art Museum to experience the fun of sledding down the famous Rocky Stairs. Enjoy the pure entertainment of watching people gather with their tubes, sleds, snowboards and other makeshift snow surfing items (FYI cardboard boxes do work if they’re big enough) and I promise this will be some of the most fun you will have all winter!

The Best Winter Activities in Philly

It's Getting Chilly in Philly

Visit The Authentic German Christmas Village of Philadelphia

Go Ice Skating

Get Together with Friends and Watch a Holiday Light Show

Go Sledding!

Follow us

Curated by

Philly Feeling

See you soon 👋

It’s better in the app

The Best Winter Activities in Philly

It's Getting Chilly in Philly

Visit The Authentic German Christmas Village of Philadelphia

Go Ice Skating

Get Together with Friends and Watch a Holiday Light Show

Go Sledding!

Follow us

Follow us

Curated by

Philly Feeling