From pop-up holiday bars to refreshments at seasonal attractions, grabbing a drink or a bite in Greater Philadelphia has never been so whimsical.
Wintertime pop-up favorites like Tinsel and Alpine Heights at Assembly Rooftop Lounge make their grand return with toasty menus to keep you warm. Plus, new additions like the holiday bar at Live! Hotel and Casino give revelers more options for merrymaking in style.
If you’re looking to also see some lights (and why wouldn’t you?), we’ve provided some holiday attractions within easy walking or driving distance of each dining destination. Even better: A number of these bars and restaurants are located within holiday attractions — or are can’t-miss sights in their own right.
Coming from out of town to eat and drink? SEPTA and PATCO have you covered. Pro tip: Check out PATCO’s new Weekend Monthly Pass, offering unlimited weekend travel for $18 per month. Plus, once you arrive, one of the best ways to get around is the Philly PHLASH, offering $5 all-day passes with stops at 10 of the city’s holiday attractions.
Read on for the top picks for festive dining and imbibing in Greater Philadelphia for the 2022 holiday season.
Through Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Bringing ski lodge vibes to the rooftop of The Logan Hotel, Alpine Heights offers prime views of Logan Square, cozy firepits and plenty of fondue. New for this year: an outdoor pizza oven and pizza bar, as well as tabletop fire pits.
Nearby:
Where: Assembly Rooftop Lounge, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Through Saturday, December 31, 2022
Famously housed in a former jewelry store, there’s still plenty of shine in this space thanks to the glistening of hundreds of string lights and plenty of glitter. Look out for pepperminty, spicy and gingerbread-y cocktails in seasonal souvenir glasses.
Where: Tinsel, 116 S. 12th Street
Inspired by Who-ville, the Suessian land that every Who called home in the Christmas classic The Grinch, this indoor-outdoor pop-up bar with views of City Hall has a fairytale quality. Complete with canopies and tunnels of light, sweet treats and Grinch-themed drinks, your small heart will grow three sizes here.
Where: U-Ville at Uptown Beer Garden, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Through January 2023
The team at this Point Breeze gastropub outfits its backyard with an elaborate holiday display, including a canopy of lights and an illuminated Santa and his reindeer taking flight. Plus: Tahini hot chocolate and maple spiced toddy on offer.
Where: American Sardine Bar, 1800 Federal Street
Holiday time at the posh wood-burning Latin grill in the Ritz-Carlton is for sophisticated dining under the light of the towering tree and a light show projected on the hotel lobby’s rotunda.
Where: Aqimero, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia - Hotel, 10 Avenue Of The Arts
It’s back, and it’s bigger, brighter and bling-ier than ever! This Jewelers’ Row holiday wonderland features thousands of thousands of twinkling lights, 5,000 feet of glittery garland and 50,000 colorful ornaments, along with festive eats and drinks that come in the form of over-the-top holiday milkshakes, a Christmas Dinner Burger and seasonal cocktails galore.
Where: Craftsman Row Saloon, 112 S. 8th Street
You can’t get any better than twinkling lights and craft beer. This year, Evil Genius Beer Company is outfitted with a 20-foot-tall tree and decorations inside, while outside the Evil Genius Beer Garden transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with hot cider, hot wine and, of course, cold beer.
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front Street
This Northern Liberties Italian restaurant takes a page out of the Arctic with its seasonal dining igloos. Complete with heat and insulation, guests are shielded from the elements but have the best people-watching opportunities. The restaurant’s outdoor garden is also outfitted with a dazzling tree and other seasonal decor.
Where: Figo, 1033 N. 2nd Street
Through Wednesday, January 4, 2023
At South Philadelphia’s Live! Hotel and Casino, The Prime Rib gets in the holiday spirit. When you make a reservation at the Library Bar, you’ll be treated to the adults-only version of holiday fun with lounge seating, lights, ornaments and cocktails courtesy of Lê of Hop Sing Laundromat fame.
Where: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Avenue
Have yourself a very taco holiday. This outdoor hang gets winterized with a giant greenhouse roof, plus individual greenhouses for more private dining. (Reservations are highly encouraged if you want to chow in a private greenhouse.) The space is outfitted with giant ornaments and illuminated reindeer. Plus: spiked hot cider and sopas to warm you up.
Where: Juno, 1033 Spring Garden Street
This Main Line restaurant’s spacious outdoor enclosure is adorned with feet of garland and twinkle lights to pair with warm cocktails and hearty dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients.
Where: Lola's Garden, 51 Saint Georges Road, Ardmore
Fifteen of Santa’s helpers decorate every nook and cranny of McGillin’s — a five-hour process — to transform the city’s oldest continually operating bar into a festive outpost. From the wreaths and Nutcracker lights that adorn the outside to the garland and string lights covering the inside, McGillin’s is the perfect place to nurse an eggnog martini or Christmas hot chocolate.
Where: McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury Street
Wineries along the Bucks County Wine Trail drape string lights over their vines for the third annual Light Up The Vines event. See the likes of Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, Rose Bank Winery, Sand Castle Winery and more dazzle in the moonlight. Feeling thirsty? Make a pit stop for mulled wine.
Where: Various locations including Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, 2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie
Through Saturday, December 24, 2022
That mouth-watering smell covering all of Center City? Yeah, that’s the delectable scent of melting raclette filling the air. The food and drink vendors at the German holiday market serve European fare like bratwurst, Belgian fries, and strudel in the courtyard at City Hall and in LOVE Park. Don’t miss The Alm, a traditional German beer garden that also offers craft beer from Philly spots like Mainstay Brewing and Brewery Techne (the brewery behind Fairmount’s Bar Hygge).
Where: LOVE Park, 15th and Arch streets
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Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Enter through a 60-foot, walk-through light tunnel, past illuminated recreations of Philly landmarks and straight to the Tinsel Lodge, serving spiked cider, mulled wine and a variety of holiday-themed dishes, from Scrooge’s Philly Cheesesteak to Blitzen’s Bavarian Pretzel Sticks.
Where: The Fairgrounds at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks
Through Sunday, January 8, 2023
In the midst of the wonderland that is Winter in Franklin Square — the Electrical Spectacle Light Show! Chilly Philly Mini Golf! Parx Liberty Carousel! — is Ben’s Sweets & Treats, a heated tent serving comfort foods, cocktails, classic and spiked hot chocolate, seasonal beers and wine. Take your sips outside to enjoy around the fire pits.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Longwood Gardens’ annual holiday display is always a huge draw, but if you want to take a load off after sightseeing dozens of decorated trees and illuminated grounds, pull up a chair at the beer garden. On offer: local beers, hand-held snacks, pizza and spiked hot chocolate.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Among the 65 shops at Peddler’s Village are over a dozen bars and restaurants offering front-row seats to the 1 million lights adorning the buildings and trees. Enjoy a sit-down dinner at Earl’s New American, grab a sweet treat from The Lucky Cupcake Company’s Village Bakery or enjoy a craft beer at Free Will Brewing.
Where: Peddler's Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope
Through Sunday, February 26, 2023
After you’ve taken a few laps around the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, warm up by a fire pit at the ski chalet-inspired Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. Between the winter foliage, dangling lights and seasonal food and drink, you’ll feel transported to a winter wonderland. Bonus: The Chaddsford Winery kiosk offers mulled wine, perfect for sipping while strolling through the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn.
Through Sunday, March 5, 2023
Straight out of a picture book, the Lodge at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is the ideal combination of cozy, twinkly and rustic. String lights are hung overhead, tons of decorated trees accentuate the space, and plenty of sofas and fireplaces provide scenic hangout spots while you eat and drink. As for the menu, Black Iron BBQ and Chickie’s & Pete’s offer sandwiches, wings and Crabfries.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
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), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
A guide to the most wonderful time of the year in Philadelphia and the Countryside...