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This December, Philadelphia’s Historic District transforms into holiday central.
Attractions in the neighborhoods of Old City, Society Hill and the Delaware River waterfront celebrate the season with special events, festivals, markets and tree lightings.
The merrymaking spans museums, restaurants and shops between the Delaware River and Seventh Street, and Vine and Lombard streets.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in the Historic District this holiday season.
For even more holiday happenings around the city, check out our roundup of The Holidays in Philadelphia.
New for 2019, Historic District businesses and attractions join together to offer visitors a holiday gift that keeps on giving: the Historic Holiday Pass powered by PECO. The free pass offers discounts at dozens of museums, attractions, shops, restaurants and more to residents and visitors from November 14 – December 31, 2019. Just download the pass to your mobile device (or print out a copy), then head to the Historic District to experience the sights and sounds of the season — as well as great deals at participating businesses and attractions.
Where: Various locations including Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
During the Franklin Square Holiday Festival, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show makes the historic space twinkle, with free light shows atop its fountain every 30 minutes between 4:30 and 8 p.m. on weeknights and 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A giant, illuminated kite is just one of the pieces that make up the display of 80,000 bulbs set to music. Other festivities include #FranklinSquareFridays; Santa Saturdays; Seasonal Sounds on Sundays; rides on the holiday train and carousel; comfort foods, local brews and hot beverages in a warm, tented beer garden; and mini-golf. The grand finale comes during the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown, a kid-friendly celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 31, 2019.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Photo Pop Philly takes the spcae next to The Bourse Food Hall once again — but this time, it’s with a holiday-themed pop-up art exhibition that’s ready-made for Instagram. Guests can visit the Old City food emporium throughout the season to snap selfies alongside wintery murals, massive holiday ornaments and other fun, interactive installations created by 15 Philadelphia artists.
Where: The Bourse Food Hall, 111 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
November 29 – December 31, 2019 (select dates)
’Tis the season for the district’s resource center to extend its hours until 7 p.m. and bring in colonial re-enactors to mingle with guests on select days from Black Friday through December 31. Guests can huddle around the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Bench to hear tales about the winter of 1776, and meet with holiday history makers to learn about everyday life in 18th-century Philadelphia.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Head to the National Liberty Museum’s special holiday pop-up shop in its museum store. From Black Friday to the end of the year, residents and visitors can shop festive glass ornaments, fair-trade handmade jewelry, stocking stuffers and much more. Bonus: Shoppers can visit the holiday shop without paying for admission to the museum.
Where: National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Delaware River waterfront’s popular, seven-day-a-week (holidays included) seasonal attraction is back for its 26th year. On tap: fire pits, a kids’ lodge with arcade games, a chalet-style Lodge Restaurant and Bar serving food from Garces Group and Chickie’s and Pete’s, story time every Saturday, and a Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin (for hot chocolate, hot fudge sundaes, s’mores kits and more) — centered around a regulation-size skating rink with a spectacular view of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
December 1-22, 2019 (Sundays)
On Sunday afternoons, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest welcomes Saint Nick, who pops up at different photo-friendly locations throughout the waterside attraction to meet with kids and pose for holiday-card-worthy snapshots.
The Betsy Ross House courtyard hosts the Old City District Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 5, complete with musical performances, seasonal drinks and snacks, an appearance by Betsy Ross herself and a holiday tree designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
December 5 – 27, 2019 (select dates)
A little history, a little beer and a lot of fun are served up when a Redcoat soldier recalls life in British-occupied Philadelphia in 1777 while guiding the over-21 crowd through four cozy pubs in two hours. Winter brews, festive libations and delicious snacks are included in the holiday-time-only ticket.
Where: Tours depart from the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River waterfront goes all out in lighting its spectacular live tree on December 6, 2019. The fun-filled event includes 28 performances from 10 local acts, including gospel choirs, Latin ensembles and synchronized ice skaters, as well as photos with Santa, face painting and more. The night ends with the tree lighting and an awesome fireworks show.
On December 7, Penn’s Landing’s maritime museum puts on a Saturday of nautical holiday fun — crafts, gingerbread-boat building, photos with Santa and more — followed by the Parade of Lights, an early-evening parade of illuminated working vessels (tugboats included) along the Delaware River.
Where: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
From 3-7 p.m. on December 7, Elfreth’s Alley residents welcome the public to tour their 18th- and 19th-century homes during the popular ticketed event Deck the Alley. The festive afternoon includes carolers, refreshments, an appearance from Santa Claus and beautiful holiday decorations — not to mention rare access to most of the private homes.
Where: Elfreth's Alley, 124-126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA
December 9-29, 2019 | Noon – 4 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
The nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street tells the story of Christmas in America with Making Christmas, an exhibit that examines how 18th-century German immigrants brought over the folk traditions and customs (Santa Claus, toys, cookies) that transformed December 25 into the holiday that it is today. The exhibit is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Each year on Christmas, the National Museum of American Jewish History opens its doors and galleries to families of all backgrounds for Being __________ at Christmas, a day of games, dancing, crafts, storytelling and live music with Emmy Award-winning Alex & the Kaleidoscope. Tickets required.
Where: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
The African American Museum in Philadelphia celebrates Kwanzaa on select days throughout December with live performances, Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremonies, gift-giving and more.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Museum of the American Revolution welcomes students between Christmas and New Year’s to learn about “The Ten Crucial Days,” a stretch of time in December and January of 1776 when George Washington utilized a series of strategic maneuvers to revive his army after a rough winter. The event includes costumed reenactors who will show guests how soldiers survived the coldest months during the Revolutionary War, take part in military musters and more.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Winter break means loads of family- and student-centric programming at the world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Visitors of all ages can enjoy special activities related to the museum’s Hamilton and Civil War and Reconstruction exhibits, including historic character meet-and-greets, trivia, dress-up stations, games and more.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 | 6 p.m. and midnight
The River Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront features two major pyrotechnics displays over the Delaware River — one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — which offers entertainment, favors, outdoor seating and great views of the fireworks during its Parties on Ice events — is just one of many great spots in the Historic District to catch the shows.
Where: Various locations including Penn's Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia) and overnight hotel accommodations.
Rediscover timeless traditions — and make new ones — at Philly’s biggest seasonal attractions …...
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