JOIN THE FUN

Celebrate the coldest months Philly-style

The merriment will warm you!

Despite a cold snap, The City of Brotherly Love thrives year-round. Winter is no exception.

Some of the winter holiday highlights you won’t want to miss are an abundance of lights, embellished trees, parades, fireworks, top-notch entertainment and lots of LOVE to go around. 

Philly offers its residents and visitors everything from a festive New Year’s Eve countdown and spectacular fireworks gala and two shows at 6 p.m. and midnight at SugarHouse Casino on the Waterfront to the renowned Mummers Parade. The New Year’s Day procession runs along Broad Street featuring everything from feathers and sequins to music and merriment from City Hall to Washington Avenue. Catch the Fancy Brigade Finale indoors as clubs perform fantastical routines at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  

For a complete list of the Best Places in Philly to celebrate New Year’s Eve, click here. 

Overnight Guests Can See All Philly Offers

Philly Overnight Hotel Package offers overnight guests free parking and more perks. You can book your lodging at visitphilly.com.

New Year Celebrations:

• Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party – Franklin Square, home of the Electrical Spectacle, hosts a family-friendly 6 p.m. celebration—with a “Square Drop” and a view of the first fireworks show (see below). 6^th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, org
• SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront – This annual pyrotechnics extravaganza blasts beautifully over the Delaware River in two shows—one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. The RiverRink gets in on the action with entertainment, favors, outdoor seating and great views. December 31. Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, (215) 925-7465, com
• January 1. com. Tickets for bleacher seating at City Hall and for the Fancy Brigades available at the Independence Visitor Center, 6^th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, phlvisitorcenter.com

Holiday Traditions:

• Philadelphia City Hall – Dilworth Park’s fountains give way to the twinkling Rothman Institute Ice Rink, the cozy Rothman Institute Cabin, magical America’s Garden Capital Maze, the local artisan-filled Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market, the city’s official tree and a carousel in the Courtyard. New this year: the Deck the Hall Light Show, a nightly KLIP Collective creation for Dilworth Park and Craft House, a tented beer garden specializing in smoked meats and artisan baked goods. Ice Rink and Garden: November 10-February 25, Market: November 18-January 1, 2018, light show: November 20-January 1. 
• Christmas Light Show – The Grand Court of the historic Wanamaker department store—now Macy’s—offers a free show of dancing lights, set to the famed Wanamaker Organ. Performances every two hours during store hours. November 24-December 31. 1300 Market Street. (215) 241-9000, com
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular – The Comcast lobby’s super high-res LED display combines the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a magical sleigh ride over the city—with a bird’s-eye view of the new Comcast Technology Center—and a sing-along in 15 minutes of fun. Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (except 5 p.m. on weekdays), November 23-January 1. 17^th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, com

Plenty of Outdoor Fun:

• Franklin Square Holiday Festival featuring the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show – Amid 50,000 lights, park-goers visit Santa, ride a carousel and miniature train, play mini golf, snack, and, if so desired, have a local beer or two. November 9-December 31. 6^th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, org
• A Longwood Christmas – Thousands of poinsettias, Christmas trees and flowers transform a heated four-acre Conservatory; 500,000 lights glitter in trees; and spectacularly restored fountains and fire pit flames dance to winter music, including live carols. November 23-January 7. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, org
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest – Winter wonderland along the Delaware River features fire pits, a game room, a chalet-style lodge, confectionary cabin, 12 nights of Christmas movies and Saturday Skates with Santa in December—all centered around a regulation skating rink with a view of the Ben Franklin Bridge. November 24-March 4.
  Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, (215) 925-7465, com

 Ring in the New Year in classic Philadelphia style. Read more and discover additional events planned: http://www.visitphilly.com/holidays-in-philadelphia/new-years-in-philadelphia/?utm_source=VisitPhillyEmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VPE_NewYears2017

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Video courtesy of visitphilly.com.