Peak holiday has arrived in Philadelphia: Hanukkah is here. Christmas and Kwanzaa are less than two weeks out. Plus it snowed!
So we’re here with an activity for the season. Consider it a guide, bucket list, a challenge, to-do list. These are the places you should be, the stuff to see, and the photos and selfies you need to take to experience the best of what Philadelphia has to offer this time of the year.
1700 Addison
Good news: This year they’re even brighter than normal.
A neighborhood Christmas tree
Fishtown, Manayunk, North Central, East Passyunk… so many neighborhoods have ornate trees. Don’t forget the one outside City Hall, too.
Art Museum Christmas tree
From below or atop the steps.
Ben Franklin Bridge with holiday lighting
As we get closer to Christmas, the lighting turns green and red.
Boathouse Row
Colors change for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Denise’s holiday pound cake
This bakery at 22nd and Cambira has some of the best baked goods in the city. Can’t get there? There are plenty of other tasty photo options around the city.
Giant inflatable of your choice
They’re everywhere. Find the weirdest.
Ice skating … anywhere
Dilworth Park and the RiverRink both have impressive seasonal rinks, but the city also has five rinks where you can skate for free.
Miracle on 13th Street
You never know what you’ll find in South Philly. Or who.
Phanatic santa
Catch him at a Phillies community event if you can.
Rittenhouse menorah
This year’s lighting is scheduled for Sunday.
SEPTA’s holiday buses and trolleys
Smedley Street Lights
One of a few classic displays in deep South Philly.
Greeby Street
Nearly all the houses on this Tacony block spend weeks prepping for Christmas. Santa stops by every year.
