There’s something so special about the holidays in the city—the lights, the people and the transformation of public spaces into winter wonderlands make the gray streets feel so cozy and merry. For the past few years, Dilworth Park, right in the middle of everything at the foot of City Hall, has been stepping up its holiday game with Wintergarden. This festive gathering space is so much more than just an over-the-top tree (though it has that, too)—there are activities for city residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy. On Friday, November 10, Wintergarden is opening back up for the season with a celebration that sends a special salute to veterans and active military. Stop by between noon and 11 p.m. to check out the following activities:
Ice Skating
The popular Rothman Institute Ice Rink will be back in action for skating enthusiasts and newbies. The rink is open daily for public skating as well as lessons. Admission is reasonable (just $3 for kids ages 10 and under and $5 for adults; skate rentals are $10), and during the grand opening on November 10, free skating is offered with a military ID until 11 p.m. The Symmetry Junior Team will be figure skating throughout the day in patriotic costumes. Regular rink hours are Monday through Thursday, noon–9 p.m.; Friday, noon–11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. See here for special holiday hours.
Eats & Drinks
Friday will also mark the season reopening of the Rothman Institute Cabin at Dilworth Park, an enclosed pop-up bar adjacent to the ice rink. Warm cocktails (try a hot toddy or the DeKuyper Cordial, a spiked hot chocolate), wine and cold beers are on offer for guests 21 and up, with special Brrrrrunch Cocktails, like blood orange mimosas, on the weekends. There are plenty of comfort food classics on the menu, perfect for warming up and refueling after an invigorating ice-skating session. Braised short rib cheese fries, lentil chili and buffalo chicken mac and cheese are just a few of the tempting options. The cabin is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
America’s Garden Capital Maze
Paying homage to Philadelphia’s reputation as an incredible garden city, the America’s Garden Capital Maze is filled with holiday topiaries, twinkling lights and seasonal plants. These winding, verdant paths showcase the public gardens, arboreta and historic landscapes in the greater Philadelphia region. The garden also offers 10 weeks of free gardening workshops for adults and families, hosted by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society; check out the schedule here.
Other highlights of the November 10 grand opening party include free American flags handed out to the first 300 visitors (courtesy of The Rothman Institute), a performance by The Philly POPS Festival Brass, a special rendition of “America the Beautiful” sung by military personnel, a visit from the Temple University cheerleaders and Hooter the Temple Owl and more!
Though it doesn’t start until November 20, the Deck the Hall Light Show is another great reason to visit Wintergarden at Dilworth Park. This collaboration between Center City District and 6abc, presented by Independence Blue Cross, is a stunning choreographed light show, projected onto City Hall. This free performance happens nightly, every hour on the half hour (more frequently on weekends), through January 1, 2018.
And don’t forget to check out the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market for the best in local holiday shopping from over 40 vendors. The fall market was a great success, and this wintertime version is shaping up to be even better! The market is open from November 18 through January 1. Its hours will be Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Get ready for a taste of the holidays in Philly at the Wintergarden Season Opening celebration on Friday, November 10!
Find Wintergarden at Dilworth Park at 1 S. 15th St. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 440-5500.
