Winter on the Waterfront: What to Expect at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

What’s the ice skating like at Winterfest?

The centerpiece of the waterfront experience remains the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, the only regulation National Hockey League-sized outdoor ice skating rink in Philadelphia.

The RiverRink brings skating to Penn’s Landing with spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Delaware River. Timed skate sessions do sell out, so it’s highly recommended that visitors purchase tickets online in advance.

  — Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

The cost to skate is $5 per session, and skate rentals are available for $12. Independence Blue Cross members get free admission to skate (you’ll have to show your card) and can bring up to three guests. There’s also a hero discount for military and first responders with valid ID who can enjoy free admission and bring up to three guests. Skate rental fees aren’t included in the perk.

Also available: ice skating lessons led by the Fireworks Skating Academy. Private, semi-private and small group lessons can be booked here.

Are there boardwalk games & rides?

Heck yes! The boardwalk gets a holiday makeover for winter with illuminated boardwalk games all season long, including rides on a twinkling 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

All games and attractions are pay as you go, but the cozy vibes are free.

  — Photo by BeauMonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Are the cozy cabins & fire pit rentals back in 2025?

After a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing quite like the comfort and warmth of a fireside hang with friends and family. (We’re talking both literally and figuratively here).

This year at Winterfest, heated cabins and fire pits can be reserved in advance in 90-minute increments. Cabins are $80 (plus service fee) for a single that accommodates up to 10 people and $130 (plus service fee) for a double that accommodates up to 15 people.

Fire pits fit two to four people and are $35 for 90 minutes. S’more kits are available to purchase at concessions to round out the toasty experience.

  — Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

What kind of food & drink options are there at Winterfest?

After a few laps on the RiverRink, warm up inside The Lodge with winter cocktails, comfort food and cozy seating.

You’ll love The Lodge’s glittering glow up this year, complete with disco balls, twinkling trees and holiday decor, making the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.

The Lodge Bar pours a variety of cool-weather-friendly cocktails, like hot toddies, spiked hot chocolates and boozy coffee, as well as wine and beer.

A Chickie’s and Pete’s location inside The Lodge serves up bar staples and — of course — Chickie’s signature Crabfries, while Skelly’s Pizza Port dishes out pizza by the slice and pie.

  — Photo by M.Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Philly Tacos rounds out The Lodge’s offerings with a menu of Mexican street food like tacos, nachos and elote.

Outside, grab some rinkside funnel cakes, fried Oreos and ice cream (because it’s never too cold to eat ice cream!) at Skelly’s Rinkside Funnel Cake and Dippers Ice Cream.

Lastly, the team at the brand-new Jacquin’s Porch Bar warms guests up with their variety of winter-themed cocktails — from brands like Pennsylvania Dutch, The Roaster’s Daughter and Union Forge vodka — at the outdoor bar.

How do I get to the RiverRink? How much are tickets?

General admission to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is free and open to the public seven days a week (except for New Year’s Eve).

Ice skating at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink is $5 with skate rental available for $12. Independence Blue Cross cardholders and employees receive free skating admission, as do active military and first-responders with valid ID.

  — Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Guests can access Winterfest easily via SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line and various bus routes.

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