Image courtesy of Longwood Gardens
The month of December is a time to celebrate and gather. There are a wide variety of seasonal events and attractions around the University of Pennsylvania campus and within the greater Philadelphia area. Below you will find a guide to some of these happenings throughout the City of Brotherly Love to celebrate the holiday season.
Events in University City
PENN MUSEUM:
Second Saturday: Winter Solstice
Saturday, December 9th – 11:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the holidays with a scavenger hunt, winter-themed crafts and exploration of the galleries.
This event is free with museum admission!
MORRIS ARBORETUM:
Friday Night Lights, Garden Railway
Fridays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – 4:30pm – 7:30pm
See the Garden Railway decorated in recognition of the holiday season!
Click here to be linked to the events site of Morris Arboretum for tickets.
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
ANNENBERG CENTER:
Irish Christmas in American, Zellerbach Theater
Saturday, December 9th – 8:00pm
Get into the Christmas spirit with Irish and Scottish holiday ballads and Irish dancing.
Canadian Brass: Christmas Time is Here, Zellerbach Theater
Sunday, December 10th – 2:00pm.
Enjoy a mix of holiday standards and upbeat festive tunes.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Zellerbach Theater
Monday, December 18th, and Tuesday, December 19th – 7:00pm
Experience this traveling classic in your city featuring an extravagant set.
Click here to purchase tickets for any of these shows and more at the Annenberg Center.
Center City Attractions
Wintergarden, Dilworth Park and City Hall
December brings holiday festivities to Dilworth Park and the Courtyard of City Hall. One of many attractions is seeing the historic building illuminated with holiday lights during the Deck the Hall Light Show. The Rothman Institute is sponsoring an ice rink and indoor cabin space where food and drink are available for purchase. Ice skates are available to rent for $10 and admission to the rink is set at $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 10 and under.
On the Albert M. Greenfield lawn, visitors will find America’s Garden Capital Maze which features topiaries and greenery from more than 30 public gardens in the Philadelphia area. Enter the Courtyard to find a holiday-themed carousel and the Philadelphia holiday tree at the north end of City Hall. Along with these many attractions, Dilworth Park is home to the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market featuring crafts, art, and gifts from local vendors.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing celebrates winter with an Olympic sized ice skating rink, fire pits, and more! Work up an appetite skating and dine at the ski chalet-style Lodge Restaurant and Bar. The space also features a children’s lodge with arcade games and other activities. General admission is free; admission to the ice rink is $3 and skates are available to rent for $10.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing
LOVE Park
The LOVE sculpture itself is currently still under renovation but the park has been transformed into Christmas Village for the holiday season. The location is inspired by and modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets found in Germany and features 80 wooden booths of both local and international vendors. Visitors are enticed by smells of traditional European cuisine including waffles, bratwurst, and mulled wine while searching for the perfect holiday gift.
The LOVE sculpture is set to return in February of 2018.
Holiday Festival and Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Franklin Square
Franklin Square is home this holiday season to an elaborate display of lights and decor. The light show begins every 30 minutes beginning at 4:00pm every day. The attraction is completely free and open to the public!
Holiday Lights at Franklin Square
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens makes their ornate transformation once again this year. This French-inspired holiday display features fountain shows, dining in the gardens, carolers in costume, and more than 50 trimmed trees throughout the space. Admission tickets are required and prices are as follows: $23 for adults, $20 for seniors, $20 for students, $12 for children.
Click here to purchase tickets for Longwood Gardens.
For more events and attractions in Philadelphia, visit http://www.visitphilly.com
Frankly Penn 